Xeomin/Dysport

NEUROMODULATOR PRE- AND POST CARE

How to prepare for your treatment and what to expect in the days and weeks following.

Clostridium botulinum is a type of bacteria that produces a type of chemical compound known as “toxins” that can be diluted and used to cause temporary muscle weakness by stopping the nerves from sending signals to your muscles. This treatment can help relax muscles that cause wrinkles as well as treat sweating, migraines, TMJ, and more.  The procedure takes about 30 minutes and the results last approximately 12 weeks. Results will take approximately 3-14 days to appear. 

Prior to booking:

Neurotoxins are contraindicated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection or active inflammatory process at the site of proposed treatment, are immunosuppressed, have certain auto-immune or have certain neurologic disorders including but not limited to Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s. I do not have any allergies to the toxin ingredients, or to human albumin.  Some patients have experienced the following:

• Pain during injection

• Mild bruising

• Headache

• Unexpected risks include heavy eyebrows or eyelid, uneven facial expression, flu-like symptoms, or infection

Pre-Treatment Instructions

6 months beforehand: 

1. Avoid Accutane (Isotretinoin) within 6 months of your treatment

Two to Four weeks before AND after:

1. Avoid vaccines of any kind

2. Avoid dental work, including cleanings

One week before:

1. Discontinue blood thinning agents such as supplemental vitamin A, Ginkgo, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and multivitamins for a minimum of 7 days prior to treatment.

2. Please let us know if you have a history of oral herpes (cold sores) as we may recommend treatment with an antiviral medication beforehand

3. If you use anticoagulants, such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or Pradaxa, or you use oral/injectable steroids, please ask your prescribing doctor whether you can safely stop prior to your procedure.

4. Discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, celebrex at least 7 days before your procedure.

5. Minimize or avoid alcohol 3 days prior to treatment.

6. Do not apply products to the face that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (examples: tretinoin/retin-a, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid)

Treatment Day: 

1.  Drink plenty of fluids and eat something within 2-3 hours of your treatment.

2.  Do not put on any makeup, creams, oils prior to treatment. 

3.  Take Tylenol as needed for pain

During Procedure: 

1.  "Before" pictures taken

2.  Topical anesthetic may be applied to the treatment area for 20 minutes prior to treatment 

3.  Neurotoxin is injected in the desired area of treatment.

4.  You may have immediate redness, bumps, bruising after the injections

Post-treatment Instructions: 

1.  You may experience a tingling or aching sensation post injection. Temporary swelling and bruising can also be expected.

2.   It is very important to not massage, rub, palpate the area injected for at least 4 hrs, ideally 24hrs.

3.  Do NOT apply makeup or ANY skincare products until the day after your treatment.

4.  Skin will appear red in the areas of treatment. This usually subsides in the first 24 hours. 

5.  Topical Arnica can help with healing and bruising.

6.  Avoid activities which may encourage vasodilatation the day of treatment. This includes heavy aerobic activity, hot showers/baths, and consumption of alcohol. You can lightly exercise again 24 hrs after treatment.

7.  Sunbathing, or excessive UV exposure should be avoided until all redness/swelling have subsided. 

8.  Wait at least 2 weeks before any facial laser treatments.

9.  Avoid lying on the area injected. Receiving a massage to the area, or using tools like clarisonic or facial massage tools to the area.

10. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow the night of your treatment to reduce swelling. 

11. Results can take up to 14 days. We can add more neurotoxin to the area after 14 days to even out any irregularities. 

12. For moderate swelling you can take over the counter antihistamines. We
recommend non-drowsy Zyrtec during the day, and Benadryl at night (may
cause sleepiness).

12.  Please contact us right away if any of the following occur: drainage that looks pus-like, green, or foul-smelling, increased warmth at or around the treated area, fever of 101.5 or greater, severe pain that is unresponsive to Tylenol

Treatment Recommendations

If you feel that there is any asymmetry or unexpected results please contact us so we can evaluate and potentially treat the area. It is common to have an unequal onset over the first 2 weeks as each side of our facial muscles are different.  We do not add more tox until 14 days after treatment. Most neurotoxins last about 12 weeks. It is best to let them wear off completely to avoid developing resistance.