Patient answer
What Should I Avoid Before and After Injectables?
Before injectables, avoid alcohol and, where your prescriber agrees, non-essential blood-thinning supplements for a few days, since they increase bruising. Afterward, stay upright for several hours, avoid strenuous exercise, heat, and facial massage for about 24 hours, and follow the written aftercare your provider gives you.
Key takeaways
- Bruising risk rises with alcohol, fish oil, and certain supplements.
- Never stop prescribed medication without asking the prescriber.
- Avoid exercise, saunas, and pressure on the area for about a day.
- Allow two weeks before an important event so results settle.
- Contact the practice about severe pain, blanching, or vision changes immediately.
The week before
Alcohol, fish oil, vitamin E, and some anti-inflammatory medications increase the likelihood of bruising. Where these are optional, pausing them for a few days helps.
Prescribed anticoagulants are a different matter entirely — they are not stopped for a cosmetic appointment, and your provider plans around them instead.
The first 24 hours
Stay upright for several hours, skip strenuous exercise, hot yoga, saunas, and facials, and avoid rubbing or pressing the treated area.
Gentle movement of the treated muscles is sometimes suggested for neuromodulators; follow the specific instructions you were given rather than general advice.
Timing around events, and when to call
Book at least two weeks before a wedding, reunion, or photography session. That allows the result to mature and any bruising to resolve.
Call the practice promptly for severe or increasing pain, skin that blanches white or turns dusky, or any change in vision. These are uncommon but should be assessed without delay.
At Revive
How This Applies at Revive
Revive provides written aftercare and a clear point of contact after injectable treatment, and will tell you plainly if your timeline before an event is too tight.