Two Weeks Before Your Appointment
This is when serious preparation begins. Two weeks gives your body time to clear out medications and supplements that could cause problems. Don't wait until the last minute.
Talk to Your Doctor About Blood Thinners
If you take prescription blood thinners like warfarin, Eliquis, or Plavix, you need medical guidance. Don't just stop taking them. Your doctor will tell you if it's safe to pause and for how long. Some medications are too important to stop, and that's okay. Just know bruising risk will be higher.
Critical: Never stop prescription blood thinners without your doctor's approval. The risk of not taking them may far outweigh the risk of bruising from Botox.
Stop Certain Supplements
Many supplements increase bleeding. Fish oil is the big one. It takes about two weeks to fully clear from your system. Same goes for vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and garlic supplements. They seem harmless. They're not, at least not before Botox.
The short list: Fish oil, vitamin E (high doses), ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, ginger supplements, and St. John's Wort. All should stop two weeks before.
Start Taking Arnica (Optional)
Some providers recommend starting arnica supplements 3-5 days before treatment. Arnica may help reduce bruising, though the evidence is mixed. It won't hurt. If you want every advantage, start taking it now. The oral tablets work better than topical for prevention.
One Week Before Your Appointment
Now you're getting closer. This week focuses on your skin and over-the-counter medications. Small changes now mean better results later.
Stop These OTC Medications
- •Aspirin (including baby aspirin)
- •Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- •Naproxen (Aleve)
- •Excedrin (contains aspirin)
Need pain relief? Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe.
Skip These Skin Treatments
- •Chemical peels
- •Microneedling
- •Laser treatments
- •Dermabrasion
Your skin needs to be calm, not irritated.
Gentle Skincare Only
Keep your routine simple this week. You want healthy, hydrated skin that isn't irritated or sensitized. Fancy acids and harsh actives can wait.
Safe to Use:
- • Gentle cleanser
- • Basic moisturizer
- • Sunscreen (always)
- • Hyaluronic acid
Consider Pausing:
- • Retinol (if it irritates you)
- • Strong AHAs/BHAs
- • Benzoyl peroxide
- • Vitamin C (high percentages)
48-72 Hours Before Your Appointment
The finish line is in sight. These final days are about lifestyle choices that can make or break your results. This is where discipline pays off.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol thins your blood. Even moderate drinking increases bruising risk significantly. That glass of wine with dinner? Skip it. Happy hour with friends? Make it a mocktail. Your future self will thank you when you're not covering up purple spots with concealer.
The longer you abstain, the better. 48 hours is the minimum. 72 hours is ideal.
Watch Your Salt Intake
High sodium causes water retention and swelling. That sushi dinner with extra soy sauce? Save it for after your appointment. Processed foods, fast food, and restaurant meals are often loaded with hidden salt.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Hydrated skin responds better to treatment.
Get Good Sleep
Rest matters more than you think. Sleep deprivation affects your skin, your immune system, and how you heal. Aim for 7-8 hours the two nights before your appointment. You want to show up rested, not exhausted.
The Day of Your Appointment
Today's the day. Follow this checklist and you'll walk into your appointment fully prepared. No surprises. No preventable problems.
Morning Checklist
Eat a Light Meal
1-2 hours before your appointment. Avoid heavy, greasy, or salty food.
Wash Your Face
Come with clean skin. Skip heavy makeup on the treatment area.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water throughout the morning. Hydrated skin works better.
Skip the Workout
No intense exercise today. Light walking is fine.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Nothing tight around your neck or that you pull over your head.
Arrive On Time
Rushing raises your blood pressure. Give yourself buffer time.
Don't Do These Today
Medications to Avoid Before Botox
Some medications dramatically increase bruising. Others can interact with Botox. Here's the complete list of what to stop and when.
| Medication | When to Stop | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | 7-10 days before | Thins blood for up to a week after last dose |
| Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | 3-7 days before | Inhibits platelet function |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | 7 days before | Longer half-life than ibuprofen |
| Warfarin (Coumadin) | Ask your doctor | Prescription blood thinner, don't stop without guidance |
| Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa | Ask your doctor | Newer anticoagulants, medical guidance essential |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Safe to take | Doesn't thin blood or affect platelets |
A Note on Prescription Medications
If you take any prescription medication regularly, tell your Botox provider about it. Some medications can interact with Botox or affect your treatment. This includes muscle relaxants, antibiotics (especially aminoglycosides), and medications for myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular conditions.
Supplements to Stop Before Botox
Natural doesn't mean safe before Botox. Many common supplements thin your blood just like medications do. The tricky part? They take longer to clear your system.
Stop 2 Weeks Before
- Fish oil / Omega-3s
The biggest culprit. Takes 10-14 days to fully clear.
- Vitamin E (high dose)
Above 400 IU increases bleeding risk.
- Ginkgo Biloba
Inhibits platelet aggregation.
- Ginseng
Can thin blood and affect clotting.
Stop 1 Week Before
- Garlic supplements
Fresh garlic in food is fine. Concentrated supplements are not.
- Ginger supplements
Similar to garlic. Tea is usually okay.
- St. John's Wort
Can interact with various medications.
- Green tea extract
Drinking green tea is fine. Supplements concentrate the effect.
Supplements That Are Safe to Continue
Foods and Drinks: What to Avoid
Your diet in the days before Botox can affect your results. You don't need to overhaul everything. Just be mindful of a few key items.
Alcohol
The big one. Alcohol thins your blood and dilates blood vessels. Both increase bruising significantly. Stop 48-72 hours before your appointment. Yes, even wine. Especially wine, actually. It has compounds that thin blood beyond just the alcohol.
Bottom line: Zero alcohol for 2-3 days before treatment.
High-Sodium Foods
Salt causes water retention and swelling. In the 24 hours before treatment, avoid processed foods, fast food, soy sauce, and anything pickled or cured. Your face doesn't need extra puffiness when you show up.
Watch out for: Restaurant meals (notoriously salty), chips, canned soups, deli meats.
Excessive Caffeine
One cup of coffee is fine. Four cups will raise your blood pressure and make you jittery during the procedure. High blood pressure means higher bruising risk. Keep it moderate the day before and day of.
Limit to: 1-2 cups of coffee or equivalent on treatment day.
Good Pre-Botox Foods
Eat light, eat clean. Focus on foods that support healing and reduce inflammation.
- • Lean protein (chicken, fish)
- • Fresh vegetables
- • Whole grains
- • Fruits (especially berries)
- • Toast with avocado
- • Yogurt with fruit
- • Oatmeal
- • Light salad with protein
Skin Preparation
Your skin condition on treatment day matters. Healthy, calm, hydrated skin gives your provider the best canvas to work with and reduces complications.
Hydrate
Well-hydrated skin responds better to treatment. Drink water and use moisturizer.
Protect
Avoid sunburn before treatment. Wear SPF daily in the weeks leading up.
Simplify
Skip harsh treatments. No peels, no microneedling, no aggressive exfoliation.
Skin Conditions to Address Before Your Appointment
If you have any of these, talk to your provider before treatment. They may need to reschedule:
What to Tell Your Provider
Your provider needs complete information to treat you safely. Don't hide things. Don't downplay things. Be honest. They've heard it all before, and the information helps them give you better results.
Medical History
- •Any neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, ALS)
- •Bleeding disorders or easy bruising tendency
- •Allergies (especially to botulinum toxin or albumin)
- •Previous bad reactions to Botox or fillers
- •Recent facial surgery or dental work
- •Current infections or illness
Medications and Supplements
Bring a complete list. Don't rely on memory. Include:
- •All prescription medications
- •Over-the-counter drugs
- •Vitamins and supplements
- •Herbal remedies
- •Recent antibiotics
- •Muscle relaxants
Previous Botox Experience
If you've had Botox before, share:
- •When your last treatment was and how many units you received
- •What you liked or didn't like about previous results
- •Any complications you experienced (drooping, asymmetry, etc.)
- •How long your results typically last
Critical: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If there's any chance you might be pregnant, tell your provider immediately. They will reschedule your appointment. This isn't negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before Botox should I stop drinking alcohol?
Stop drinking alcohol 24-48 hours before your appointment. Alcohol thins your blood and makes bruising more likely. One glass of wine two nights before? Probably fine. A night out drinking the day before? That's asking for bruises.
Can I take ibuprofen before Botox?
No. Stop ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs at least 3-7 days before treatment. These medications thin your blood significantly. If you need pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to take before Botox.
Should I eat before my Botox appointment?
Yes. Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment. An empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded during the procedure. But don't eat anything too heavy or salty, as this can increase swelling.
Can I wear makeup to my Botox appointment?
You can arrive wearing makeup, but your provider will clean your face before injecting. Some people prefer to arrive makeup-free since they'll need to wash it off anyway. Skip heavy foundation on treatment day.
What should I tell my provider before Botox?
Tell them about all medications and supplements you take, any allergies, previous Botox experience (good or bad), medical conditions affecting muscles or nerves, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and any infections or skin conditions in the treatment area.
How should I prepare my skin before Botox?
Keep your skin healthy but simple. Avoid harsh treatments like chemical peels or microneedling for at least a week before. Skip retinol 2-3 days prior if it makes your skin sensitive. Come with clean, well-hydrated skin.
Should I avoid exercise before Botox?
Light exercise the day before is fine. But skip intense workouts on the day of your appointment. Exercise increases blood flow, which can affect how Botox settles and increase bruising risk.
Can I get Botox if I have a cold?
It's best to reschedule. If you're congested, coughing, or have a fever, your body is fighting an infection. Getting Botox while sick can affect your results and recovery. Wait until you feel better.