All of our treatments begin with a bespoke consultation with one of our Doctors, to address your personal goals and preferences, but also any questions or concerns you may have.

With that said, we always want to provide as much reassuring & factual information as possible, for you check once you get home after your treatment, or to read up on before you even come in to see us. By keeping yourself informed and prepared with tips like these, you can be confident in your choices and know how to get the best results.

Schedule your appointment at a good time for you

Getting Botox for the first time, or even a top-up, can be an added stress on a busy life, so we want your appointment with us to be as seamless and stress-free as possible. We’re here to help you plan your Botox appointment strategically.

Ideally, you won’t schedule your appointment on a busy day. Instead, you’ll schedule it on a fairly quiet day, allowing plenty of downtime before it begins and after it ends.

For new patients, we often suggest scheduling your first appointment in the morning. By doing this, you’re up and ready to face the day, and have plenty of time before going to bed to remain upright (advisable for several hours to ensure the treatment remains in its targeted location/s), and allow your skin and mind to settle into the new sensations.

Ask your Doctor about medications

Some medications don’t mix well with Botox. If you are on any, you need to discuss them with your Doctor. In some cases, you’ll be advised to stay on them; in other cases, you’ll be advised to stop taking them for the time being.

Some that don’t mix well with Botox include: aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, muscle relaxers, and allergy meds. Generally speaking, if you are taking these medications, you will need to pause taking them in the days leading up to your appointment, and stay off them for a few days afterwards.

How to limit bruising

A common side effect of Botox treatment is bruising, although it is typically minimal. Though we cannot promise zero bruising, there are some tricks to limit the chances of it occurring…

If you smoke, it’s highly recommended that you try to refrain from smoking in the days leading up to your appointment. Doing so will drastically reduce your chances of bruising. Research has shown nicotine can lead to vasoconstriction, which constricts the blood vessels in different parts of your body, prohibiting blood flow. Scars and bruises can take longer to heal at this point, because the oxygen in your blood cannot reach them.

You can also take proactive measures, like applying arnica cream to the areas you plan to get treated in the days running up to your appointment. This natural cream has been proven to reduce the effects of bruising.

Applying ice to treatment areas can also help. Placing an ice pack on your face before and after your appointment can help keep swelling down, and reduce any bruising you may experience.

Get your blood pumping

Another great way to prepare yourself both physically & mentally for your appointment is by cardiovascular exercise- aka ‘cardio’.

Running, walking, or cycling can help to get your blood flowing, helping to psychologically prep you- plus exercise releases endorphins, and we always like happy patients!

You should try to avoid working out directly after your appointment, however. For best results, keep upright & avoid physically exerting yourself for 4 to 5 hours after receiving Botox injections, as this can cause an increase in pain, swelling, and bruising. It can also encourage the Botox to migrate to areas you don’t want it, and be less effective in your targeted areas.

Clean your skin before

When you get your Botox treatment, your face should be clean. If your skin is greasy or has too much makeup when your injections are administered, it can encourage infections.

While your Doctor will likely clean the areas to be treated with an antiseptic prior to your injections, it’s best practise (and helpful for us) if you come into your appointment with clean skin, without makeup. You don’t need to use anything fancy- your usual cleansing routine or simply soap & water and a wash cloth will clean your face, eliminating all chances of infection.

Keep calm & carry on

If you’re happy & confident about getting your Botox injections for the first time, there’s really not much to worry about! You can just walk into your appointment, receive your treatment, and carry on with the rest of your day.

However, some can feel anxiety when going in for their first Botox treatment. If you feel this may be you, we want you to feel as confident & calm as we can, so encourage you to prepare in whatever ways may best help you.

Practicing meditation, listening to music, and reading are all great ways to set your mind at ease. Breathing exercises are also helpful to regulate your body and calm your nervous system should you feel any anxiety before or during treatment. Our Doctors are also very understanding, and happy to answer any questions you may have even on the day, to make sure you’re feeling 100% confident in your treatment.

Receive Botox from a real Doctor

If you’re reading this post, there’s a fair chance you are thinking of receiving your Botox treatment from one of the Doctors here at The Clinic in Market Lavington. If this is the case, excellent! The Clinic has you covered.

With decades of medical experience in the NHS behind us, the Doctors here at The Clinic are the ideal choice for trustworthy, professional care in your aesthetics journey.

To schedule a consultation and begin the journey to the best version of you, contact us now!