How to prepare for a botulinum toxin injection procedure?
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To achieve flawless aesthetic results and avoid unwanted side effects, choosing a highly qualified specialist is not enough—the patient’s own involvement is also crucial. Although it may initially seem that no specific preparation is required for botulinum toxin injections, there are several important details that directly affect both the procedure itself and the recovery period.
In the following article, Jevgenija Vladimirova, a dermatologist at the Adoria Health and Beauty Center, explains how to properly prepare for a botulinum toxin injection procedure.
In this article, you will learn:
- Medication restrictions: which medications and dietary supplements can contribute to bruising and why it is advisable to avoid them before the procedure.
- Lifestyle adjustments: how physical activity, alcohol consumption, and other daily habits affect the body’s reaction to Botox injections.
- Area-specific considerations: How does the preparation process differ when botulinum toxin injections are planned to treat excessive sweating in the palms and underarms?
Why is preparation just as important as the procedure itself?
In aesthetic medicine, it is widely believed that a successful outcome is the result of teamwork between the doctor and the patient. Although the administration of botulinum toxin itself is minimally invasive and takes relatively little time, the body’s physiological state plays a significant role during the procedure. The main goal of preparation is to minimize factors that contribute to blood vessel dilation and increased bleeding, thereby significantly reducing the risk of hematoma (bruising) and swelling.
If the patient’s body is exposed to certain substances or stress, even the most precise and careful injections can leave marks. It is also important to ensure that the skin at the injection site is healthy and free of signs of inflammation. Thorough preparation for botulinum toxin injections not only improves the visual outcome immediately after the visit but also allows the product to act more evenly on the target muscles.
What medications and substances should be avoided before receiving botulinum toxin injections?
One of the most common reasons for significant bruising after a botulinum toxin injection procedure is the use of blood-thinning medications. Although many of these are over-the-counter medications or even vitamins, their effect on blood clotting is significant. Specialists recommend avoiding certain medications and substances for approximately 3–7 days before the scheduled appointment (in consultation with your treating physician if the medications are used to treat chronic conditions).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other pain relievers significantly thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding during the injection. If pain relief is needed, acetaminophen is a better alternative.
- Dietary supplements: Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, ginkgo extract (Ginkgo Biloba), and garlic capsules also affect platelet function, increasing the risk of bruising.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol acts as a vasodilator—it widens blood vessels and accelerates blood flow. It is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of swelling and redness.
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Do lifestyle habits affect the procedure?
In addition to evaluating medication use, daily activities and overall health are equally important. To ensure the injections have maximum effect and to avoid unnecessary complications, it is recommended to follow a gentle regimen a few days before your visit.
- Physical exertion and heat: intense workouts, or visits to a sauna or steam room accelerate metabolism and blood circulation, as well as dilate capillaries. Although not strictly prohibited, increased blood flow can make injection sites more sensitive and promote bruising.
- Viral infections and fever: It is critically important not to schedule a visit when you are experiencing acute symptoms of illness or have a fever. The body’s immune system must be in a resting state, so the procedure should be rescheduled until the patient is fully healthy.
- Herpes virus outbreak: If there is an active cold sore in the area where the injection is planned (e.g., on the face), the procedure is strictly prohibited. This is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and avoid the risk of additional skin inflammation.
How should you prepare for Botox injections, depending on the treatment area?
It should be noted that aesthetic beauty care is not the only field where botulinum toxin is successfully used—it is also indispensable in addressing various medical issues, such as excessive sweating. However, it is important to remember that while the general principles for preparing for botulinum toxin injections are universal, there are nuances depending on whether the injections are administered in the face, underarms, or palms.
- Facial area: When planning botulinum toxin injections for the forehead and eyes, the main requirement is clean and healthy skin. A few days before the injections, it is not recommended to perform aggressive facial peels, scrubs, etc. It is advisable to arrive for the procedure without makeup or be prepared to remove it before the injections. This allows the doctor to accurately assess muscle function and skin condition, as well as reduces the risk of infection.
- Underarms (treatment of hyperhidrosis): When undergoing Botox injections in the underarms to treat excessive sweating, preparation includes hair removal. It is recommended to shave your underarms approximately 24 hours before your appointment. It is important not to do this on the day of the procedure to avoid micro-cuts and irritation, which could cause discomfort during disinfection. Similarly, on the day of the procedure, you should not use antiperspirants or deodorants that clog pores.
- Hands: Similar to other areas, Botox injections in the hands require good hygiene. Since this is a very sensitive area, it is important that there are no open wounds, inflammation, or flare-ups of dermatitis on the hands. If you plan to get a manicure, it is best to do so a few days before the procedure so that your nails are well-groomed but the cuticle area is not freshly traumatized.
The Adoria Health and Beauty Center offers its clients a professional and diverse range of beauty services, tailoring its approach to each client’s individual needs. If you want to find out which beauty treatments topped the list of most popular procedures last year, read our article “Top Beauty Treatments in Latvia in 2025”.
How should I prepare for botulinum toxin injections on the day of the procedure?
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On the day of the procedure, the main prerequisite is calmness and feeling well. Specialists recommend eating a light meal to prevent the risk of dizziness, which can occur due to anxiety or an empty stomach. Although morning coffee is an indispensable ritual for many, caffeine in large doses raises blood pressure, so it is advisable to limit its consumption immediately before the visit. When arriving for the procedure, it is important to keep a few details in mind:
- Communication with the doctor: At the beginning of the visit, it is essential to inform the specialist about all medications you are taking, recent medical procedures, or any changes in your health.
- Skin preparation: Before administering the injections, the specialist ensures thorough cleansing and disinfection of the treatment area to guarantee sterility.
- Calm and relaxation: Muscle tension can make the injection more painful, so it is important to maintain steady breathing and remain calm during the procedure, allowing the doctor to work freely.
The preparation phase is the foundation for a successful procedure, but the doctor’s expertise and the quality of the products used are equally important. Botulinum toxin injections are a medical procedure that may only be performed by a certified doctor who is knowledgeable about anatomy and capable of assessing individual risks. Adoria’s specialists always provide a detailed consultation, explaining not only how to prepare for the botulinum toxin injection procedure but also how to properly care for yourself afterward.
A Professional Approach for Safe Results at the Adoria Health and Beauty Center
Whether your goal is to achieve a fresh, rested appearance or to effectively relieve the discomfort caused by excessive sweating, the Adoria Health and Beauty Center invites you to schedule a consultation with our industry experts. Our doctors will assess your situation, create a personalized plan, and answer all your questions. You can schedule an appointment by calling +371 67 315 000 or by filling out the application form on our website.