Common supplements to avoid before treatment include vitamin E, St. John's Wort, garlic, turmeric, chia seeds, Ginkgo biloba, and flaxseed oil (and other oils high in omega-3 fatty acids). It's best to talk to your doctor before stopping any regular medications.
There are no foods or drinks that you need to avoid when getting Botox and no special diet is required. However, some food, drink, or supplements can increase your risk of bruising so you may wish to avoid them in the days immediately before and after your appointment.
Take a Zinc Supplement
In a study from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, researchers found that people who received Botox and then took a 50-milligram zinc supplement saw a significantly longer duration in their results.
Medications that are contraindications to receiving Botox: aminoglycosides, nerve blockers (anticholinesterases, succinylcholine), lincosamides, polymyxins, quinidine, or magnesium sulfate.
Things to do before your Injection
Two weeks before your injection: Stop all over-the-counter medications, such as multivitamins, fish oil, ibuprofen, aspirin. Consider starting oral Arnica, Bromelain, or Vitamin C before your procedure.
No interactions were found between Botox and Vitamin D3.
Studies show that Botox reacts directly with the levels of zinc in our bodies, and can't function correctly unless there's enough zinc present. Many people have a slight zinc deficiency, so it's suggest you begin taking zinc supplements when beginning regular Botox treatments to prolong the anti-aging effects.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain antibiotics (including aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, polymyxin), anticoagulants (such as warfarin), Alzheimer's disease drugs (such as galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine), myasthenia gravis drugs (such as ambenonium, pyridostigmine), quinidine.
No interactions were found between Botox and Vitamin B12.
Avoid caffeine for about 24 hours before your procedure and avoid other foods or drinks that have a dehydrating tendency, as this could slow the healing process. It's a good idea to reduce your salt intake for a couple of days before your appointment, especially if you're getting dermal filler.
Because Botox is made from a safe form of the bacteria that causes botulism, the body will try to form resistance to the drug over time in some patients. The body begins to form antibodies against the product. Eventually the antibodies will block Botox® from working, and the facial muscles will recover very rapidly.
Zinc is known as a “Botox booster” based on a few studies. Zinc has been found to be effective in extending the effects of botulinum toxin injections up to 30 percent.
A study conducted in 2012 shows that Botox duration increases by 30% in Botox patients who took 50mg of zinc daily. This might be due to the fact that the botulinum toxin is a member of a class of enzymes that requires zinc. So, taking zinc regularly after your Botox treatment can extend the anti-aging effects.
For a minimum of 3 days post-treatment, avoid using anything perceived as 'active' skincare. This includes products which contain Retinol, Vitamin C, Hydroxy Acids or Beta Hydroxy Acid.
Collagen supplements in conjunction with Botox treatment can make it last longer and improve the skin's appearance. Simply put, as we grow older, our bodies produce less collagen (the most abundant body protein), leaving us with dry and saggy skin.
Taking vitamin B-12 with vitamin C might reduce the available amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. To avoid this interaction, take vitamin C two or more hours after taking a vitamin B-12 supplement.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment. (All of these factors may increase risk of bruising and swelling). If you develop a cold / flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc.
Botox Can Trigger Immune Response
Botulinum toxin type A is a protein complex that can cause the immune system of some patients to respond by forming neutralizing antibodies that weaken the toxin's effectiveness.
Possible side effects and unwanted results include: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Headache or flu-like symptoms. Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Botox and magnesium oxide. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Don't use active ingredients on your skin (like Vitamin A or retinoid products) for at least 1 week after your injections as they can do more harm than good.
The results from Botox last anywhere between 2-6 months; the average result lasts about 3-4 months. Why does Botox eventually stop working? Your body makes new neurotransmitters all the time, so the “blocking” effect of Botox gradually wears off as these chemicals start circulating in your body again.
A number of herbal and vitamin supplements can make bruising more visible after an injections. St. John's Wort and ginseng are just two herbal supplements that are also considered blood thinners and should be avoided.
It can take two to four days before the weakening of the muscle begins and movement is stalled. You can see the maximum results of your treatment anywhere from ten to fourteen days after treatment. The best part is that maximum results can be seen up to three months after your treatment.