10 Things You Need to Avoid Before Getting Cosmetic Injectables

 What to Avoid Before Your Cosmetic Injectables Appointment

Whether you’re coming in for Botox, filler, or another injectable treatment, a little preparation can go a long way. While some bruising and swelling can happen no matter what, following a few simple guidelines before your appointment can help minimize side effects and give you the best possible experience.

Here’s what I recommend avoiding before your treatment.

1. Blood-Thinning Medications (Only If Your Prescribing Provider Says It’s Safe)

Many medications can increase your risk of bruising because they affect how your blood clots.

Examples include:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
• Naproxen (Aleve®)

Important: Never stop a prescription blood thinner (such as Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin, or Plavix) unless the healthcare provider who prescribed it tells you it’s safe to do so.

If you take these medications, let your injector know before your appointment.

2. Fish Oil and Certain Supplements

Some supplements may increase bruising in some people.

Common examples include:

• Fish oil
• Vitamin E
• Garlic supplements
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng
• Flaxseed oil
• Turmeric (high-dose supplements)

If your healthcare provider says it’s appropriate, consider stopping non-essential supplements about one week before treatment.

3. Alcohol

Try to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment.

Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, which may increase the chance of bruising and swelling after injections.

4. Excessive Sun Exposure or Sunburn

Avoid arriving with sunburned or irritated skin.

If your skin is inflamed, sensitive, or peeling, your treatment may need to be postponed until it has healed.

5. Waxing, Chemical Peels, and Aggressive Facial Treatments

Skip these treatments for several days before your appointment:

• Waxing
• Dermaplaning
• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments
• Microneedling (unless your provider has specifically scheduled it alongside your treatment)

Freshly irritated skin is more sensitive and can increase discomfort.

6. Getting Vaccinated the Same Day

If possible, avoid scheduling vaccinations on the same day as your cosmetic injectable appointment.

While there’s no evidence that routine vaccines interfere with Botox or filler, spacing appointments by several days can make it easier to distinguish expected side effects from vaccine-related symptoms. Your provider can advise you based on your situation.

7. Arriving with an Active Infection

Please reschedule if you have:

• A fever
• An active cold or flu
• COVID-19 or another contagious illness
• A skin infection near the treatment area
• An active cold sore near the lips (especially if you’re getting lip filler)

Treating through an infection isn’t recommended and may increase the risk of complications.

8. Scheduling Around a Major Event

Bruising and swelling are normal possibilities after cosmetic injectables.

If you have:

• A wedding
• Vacation
• Family photos
• Reunion
• Big work event

Schedule your appointment at least two weeks beforehand—and even earlier for filler treatments if possible.

9. Wearing Heavy Makeup

Come with clean skin whenever possible.

This helps maintain a clean treatment area and allows your injector to clearly assess your facial anatomy.

If you arrive wearing makeup, don’t worry—we can usually remove it before treatment.

10. Hiding Important Medical Information

Your injector needs to know about:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Allergies
• Previous reactions to injectables
• Neurologic or muscle disorders
• Recent dental work (especially before filler)
• Current medications and supplements
• Previous cosmetic treatments

The more we know, the safer we can make your treatment.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Appointment

Before you come in:

• Eat a light meal to help prevent feeling faint.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Take clear, makeup-free photos if you’re tracking your progress.
• Arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork if needed.
• Come with realistic goals and questions—this is your time to discuss what you want to achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink coffee before Botox?

Yes. Caffeine doesn’t need to be avoided, although some people find that large amounts can make them feel more jittery during procedures. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider limiting it before your appointment.

Can I work out before my appointment?

Yes. However, because you’ll typically be asked to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after Botox and many filler treatments, some patients prefer to schedule their workout before rather than after their appointment.

Can I take Tylenol?

In most cases, yes. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) does not have the same blood-thinning effects as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Still, always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

The Bottom Line

A little preparation can make a big difference. Avoiding alcohol, unnecessary blood-thinning supplements (when appropriate), aggressive skin treatments, and arriving with healthy, clean skin can help reduce bruising and support a smoother recovery.

Most importantly, be open with your injector about your medical history, medications, and goals. Every face is unique, and the safest, most natural-looking results come from a treatment plan that’s customized to you.

At Jolie Visage, your consultation is just as important as your treatment. We take the time to understand your anatomy, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan designed to help you look refreshed—not overdone.