Botox Oahu
M Kathryn Schaefer MD
Follow these recommendations to prepare for your Neurotoxin injection and for your aftercare
Pre-treatment Recommendations
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​​Avoid medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising when used in conjunction with Botox. You may need to avoid taking these medications for about a week before your Botox treatment. Be sure to let us know if you are on any blood thinners such as Coumadin, Dabigatran, or Apixaban.
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​Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol for 2 days prior to your procedure to decrease the risk of bruising.
​​If you are especially prone to bruising, use Arnica cream before your appointment. This can reduce the risk of bruises developing at the Botox injection sites.
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​You can apply Lidocaine cream to your treatment areas 30 minutes before your treatment to minimize the pain. If you do not have any, please let us know and a prescription can be sent to the pharmacy of your choice alternatively you can purchase some from our office. You may also come in early for your appointment and we will give you some free of charge.
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​Cleanse your skin before your appointment. Your doctor needs your skin to be free of any dirt, moisturizers, or cosmetics before your treatment. We will clean your skin again with an antiseptic cleanser before the injection to remove anything you weren’t able to wash off.
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After Care Instructions
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Be assured that any tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours after your treatment. There is a small risk of bruising. If this occurs, do not worry since it will only be temporary and can easily be covered up with concealer or can be treated with over the counter topical Arnica. You can also use the ice pack after your procedure for 20 minutes at a time.
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​Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas. Botox or Daxify is injected into one specific site and the toxin stays in that area. Rubbing or massaging the treated area can cause the toxin to migrate, making it less effective where you need it. Keeping your fingers and hands away from the site can help your treatment be more effective.
Avoid lying down or getting physical activity for a minimum of four to six hours after your Botox treatment. This can help the Neurotoxin to settle in the treated area and not spread to other sites.
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​It can take approximately 4 to 7 days for the full results to be seen, though Daxify onset is a few days faster than Botox. If the desired result is not seen after 2 weeks of your treatment you may need additional Botox. This is more likely to occur if you receive a smaller amount of botox < 30 units.
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​You should avoid drinking alcohol or limit your consumption after having a Botox treatment. Drinking alcohol can lead to fluid retention, which may cause more bruising.
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​Continue applying Arnica for bruising. If you were using Arnica Montana before your Botox treatment, continue your regimen after the injection, but avoid applying it to the injected site itself.
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​You can resume blood thinners within 24 hours following the procedure.
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​Let us know if you develop any unexpected symptoms following your injection please call us.