While first-time cosmetic treatments tend to be met with excitement and anticipation, they can also be a little intimidating. Most non-surgical aesthetic treatments are quick and nearly painless, but with Botox® and other injectable fillers, you may still feel a little anxious. You might be wondering: how should I prepare for my appointment?

Following the right pre- and post-treatment process won't just keep your anxiety at bay—it can also ensure you get the best possible results. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your next cosmetic treatment, including some important do's and don'ts to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Pre-treatment dos

Drink water

The best thing you can do before getting dermal fillers: Drink plenty of water.  Staying well hydrated is important for several reasons: It allows filler to be evenly distributed under the skin and minimizes side effects such as bruising and swelling.

Eat a healthy meal

Be sure to eat before your appointment: Hypoglycemia—a condition where your blood sugar drops below the standard range—is common among patients who are anxious or arrive with an empty stomach. This can trigger a vasovagal reaction, also known as fainting.

Arrive with clean skin

While you might be used to putting on makeup or skincare in the morning, you’ll need to skip your beauty routine the morning of your appointment.

Injection sites need to be clean and free of any oils commonly found in makeup and skincare products. Arriving with a fresh face will allow the provider to see you—and your skin—in its most natural state to create a treatment plan customized to your needs.

Eat pineapple

Besides keeping up a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, there’s one thing you should consider eating before your appointment: pineapple.

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can reduce pain, bruising, and swelling. It also contains vitamin C, which can help lower inflammation. Having plenty of bromelain and vitamin C in your system can help you get back to enjoying the results of your treatment as soon as possible.

Book in advance

Advance booking gives you plenty of time to prep for your appointment to ensure the best possible results. Whether you're phasing out supplements or you just want to make sure you're hydrated pre-treatment, the more time you have to plan, the better.

Pre-treatment don’ts

Prevent drug interactions

For at least one week before the procedure, you’ll need to avoid certain medications. To minimize the risk of bruising, don’t use blood-thinning medications prior to injectable treatments.

Medications that are categorized as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) should be avoided one week before treatments. This can include some common over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, and Ibuprofen. Some supplements should also be avoided entirely, including St. John’s wort, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and vitamin E.

When in doubt, talk to your doctor or service provider to confirm whether or not your current medications are safe to take.

Avoid alcohol

A week before treatment, it is advised to minimize alcohol consumption. You should refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverages 24 hours before injectable treatments. Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, so drinking too close to your treatment could increase your risk of bruising and inflammation.

Reduce caffeine and salt intake

Caffeine and salt have a dehydrating effect, which slows the healing process. Too much sodium can also worsen swelling over time. But, you don’t need to cut these out entirely. A few days before your appointment, reduce your salt intake. Then 24 hours before your treatment, cut out caffeine altogether.

Provider-prescribed prep

Small lifestyle changes can make a noticeable difference in your results and healing process. Although these tips are a great start, the best resource for pre and post-treatment care will always be your provider. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have about the procedure. If you’re in doubt about doing something—a skincare routine adjustment, new medication, etc.—before your treatment, you can always ask.

Don’t use injectable fillers if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Always be honest with your provider about any allergies ahead of time to ensure that you don’t end up with a negative reaction.

If you’ve previously suffered from cold sores, lip filler could trigger a breakout. Take any prescribed antivirals prior to your appointment and let your provider know if you’re prone to cold sores before you start.

Lastly, contact your provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms post-treatment:

• Fever or chills
• Discolored blotches on areas that weren’t injected
• Blanching of injected areas
• Injected areas that are hot to the touch
• Severe or increasing pain

Walk into your appointment with confidence

Now that you've done the prep work, you can approach your treatment assured that you're set up for success. While you might be a bit unsure of what to expect, the process doesn’t have to be intimidating at all. The treatment itself is quick, mostly painless, and over in a matter of minutes. As long as you have the right know-how and follow all the guidelines, you can walk into your appointment feeling confident and excited about your aesthetic transformation.

Considering cosmetic injectable fillers to restore your natural and youthful appearance? To help achieve all your aesthetic goals, book an appointment with a Portrait provider today.

‍