You’ve booked your appointment, and now you’re wondering what you’re supposed to do before you walk through the door. It’s a question a lot of people have, and it’s a good one. A little preparation can make a real difference in how smoothly your treatment goes and how your results look afterward.
Preparing for a Botox® appointment means knowing what to avoid in the days leading up to it, how to care for your skin beforehand, and what to expect on the day itself. The steps are straightforward, and our team at Elevate Eyes & Medical Esthetics in London, ON, walks every client through them so nothing gets missed. Every visit starts with a one-on-one consultation to make sure your goals and questions are fully addressed before treatment begins.
What Botox® Actually Does
Botox® works by temporarily relaxing the small muscles underneath your skin. When those muscles can’t contract as strongly, the lines they create, like frown lines between your brows or crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes, begin to soften. These are called dynamic wrinkles, meaning they form from repeated facial expressions over time.
One thing worth knowing is that results don’t appear the moment you leave the clinic. Most people notice changes within 4 to 7 days as the muscles gradually relax. Patience in that first week pays off.
What to Avoid Before Your Appointment
Foods and Drinks to Skip
What you eat and drink in the days before your appointment can affect how your body responds to treatment. Alcohol thins your blood, which can increase bruising, so it’s worth skipping it for at least 24 hours before you go in. Garlic-heavy foods have a similar effect and are worth limiting for up to a week ahead.
Caffeine can also make your skin more sensitive, so cutting back the day before your visit is a simple way to make the experience more comfortable. These aren’t drastic changes, just small adjustments that help support a smoother appointment.
Skincare and Supplements to Pause
To help minimize potential bruising or sensitivity, you might consider pausing certain supplements or topical treatments. Blood thinners like fish oil, vitamin E, and aspirin can increase bruising, while Retin-A may heighten sensitivity at injection sites. We suggest stopping these 1 to 2 weeks prior to your Botox® treatment for supplements, and 2 days for Retin-A. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your medication or supplement routine.
Waxing or tweezing the treatment area beforehand is another thing to hold off on. The skin needs to be calm and undisturbed going into your session.
How to Prepare Your Skin the Week Before
Healthy, hydrated skin responds well to treatment. Drinking enough water in the days leading up to your appointment keeps your skin in good condition and can support recovery. Alongside that, using a gentle moisturizer daily helps keep your skin barrier calm and balanced. Pairing this routine with medical-grade skin care products in the weeks before your visit can give your skin an extra layer of support going in.
If a cold sore or rash appears near the treatment area before your appointment, it’s worth rescheduling. Treating irritated or compromised skin isn’t ideal, and waiting a short time means you’ll get a more comfortable experience and better results.
What to Expect on Appointment Day
During the Treatment
Most Botox® sessions take between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish. A fine needle is used to deliver the product into specific muscles, and most people find the discomfort to be very mild. Some describe it as a small pinch that fades almost immediately.
Our team at Elevate Eyes & Esthetics takes care to make the experience feel comfortable and unhurried, with a personalized consultation built into every visit so your concerns and goals are addressed before anything begins.
Right After the Treatment
Once your session is done, avoid touching or rubbing the treated area. This helps keep the product in the right place while your skin settles. Strenuous exercise is also something to skip for at least 6 hours post-treatment, since elevated heart rate and blood flow can affect how the product sits.
Holding off on makeup for 24 hours gives the injection sites time to close and reduces the chance of irritation. It’s a short window, and it’s worth it.
How Long Will Your Results Last?
Botox® results typically last between 3 and 4 months. How long yours lasts can depend on factors like your metabolism, how active your facial muscles are, and which area was treated. For example, areas that move frequently, like around the mouth, may not hold results as long as areas with less movement.
Follow-up appointments help you maintain a consistent look over time. Many clients find that with regular treatments, their results feel more natural and longer-lasting as they settle into a routine.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step, Elevate Eyes & Medical Esthetics offers one-on-one consultations to talk through your goals and create a treatment plan that fits your life. Reach out to our team today to book your appointment at our London, ON, clinic.
