Before BOTOX, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines—like arriving with a clean face, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain medications—to help minimize side effects and support the best possible results. At Dermatology Associates of Rochester, we provide personalized guidance before every appointment, so you feel confident, comfortable, and fully prepared.
If you’re wondering “what should I do (and not do) before BOTOX?” our skin experts have you covered with trusted advice and helpful tips below.
How Should I Prepare for My BOTOX Appointment?
Before your BOTOX appointment, we recommend reviewing your medical history and taking these simple steps to help ensure your treatment goes smoothly:
- Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup and skincare products
- Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to treatment
- Eat a light or regular meal beforehand to help prevent lightheadedness
- Be prepared to share your full medical history, including medications and supplements
At our practice, we’re invested in ensuring you know what to expect before every cosmetic dermatology treatment—whether you’re getting BOTOX, an alternative like Dysport®, dermal fillers, or one of our innovative laser skin rejuvenation treatments.
Our team takes the time to thoroughly evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your goals in detail. This allows us to customize your treatment plan for natural-looking, balanced results that don’t look frozen or overdone.
What Should I Avoid Before BOTOX To Prevent Bruising?
Steer clear of certain medications, supplements, and alcohol in the days leading up to your BOTOX appointment to help reduce the risk of bruising. Specifically, we advise you to avoid the following for about 3 to 7 days before your appointment (unless prescribed by your physician):
- Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and garlic
- Alcohol for at least 24 hours before treatment
Our board-certified dermatologists and nurse practitioners use precise techniques and apply their advanced knowledge of facial anatomy to further reduce the likelihood of bruising, swelling, and other unwanted side effects.

What Are Some BOTOX Do’s and Don’ts After Treatment?
Proper BOTOX aftercare is just as important as preparation. Following these simple guidelines helps ensure a smooth recovery with optimal results.
DO
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Return to your daily activities—BOTOX is a convenient “lunchtime” treatment
DON’T
- Lie down or bend forward excessively for several hours
- Get facials, massages, or lasers for at least 24 to 48 hours
- Engage in heavy exercise or use saunas or hot tubs the same day
- Apply pressure to the treated areas
These precautions reduce bruising and help prevent BOTOX from migrating to unintended muscles. At Dermatology Associates of Rochester, we schedule follow-up visits as needed to ensure your results align with your goals and to make any necessary adjustments.
Why Choosing an Experienced Injector Matters
BOTOX is as much an art as it is a science. The skill and experience of your injector play a significant role in your safety, comfort, and outcome.
Having served the Rochester community’s dermatology needs for over 35 years, patients choose our practice for:
- Skilled, caring board-certified dermatology and nurse practitioners
- A conservative, personalized approach to facial rejuvenation
- Advanced injection techniques designed to enhance your facial features while maintaining natural expressions
- Expertise in customizing BOTOX dosing for each facial area and patient concern
- A full spectrum of cosmetic dermatology and medical dermatology services for comprehensive care
At Dermatology Associates of Rochester, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Instead, we tailor every BOTOX plan to your unique facial structure and aesthetic preferences at every stage of life.
Ready To Plan Your BOTOX Treatment?
Whether you’re new to BOTOX or looking to maintain your results, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from pre-treatment prep to aftercare and beyond.
Contact Dermatology Associates of Rochester to request a consultation by completing the online form or calling us at (585) 272-0700. Our personalized care is designed to help you look refreshed, confident, and like the best version of yourself.

Leave a Reply