EXCLUSIVE: Expert reveals the very surprising things you should AVOID at all costs before getting filler or Botox… revealing how they can leave you with BOTCHED face
An expert has revealed how to successfully get Botox without any hassle and how to avoid becoming a viral sensation due to a botched injection.
Med spa founder Carol Eisenstat – the medical director of Line eraser MD – shared her top tips to ensure you’re prepared and ready to get the best results with cosmetic injectables with DailyMail.com – to ensure you don’t experience filler failure.
Before getting injections, Carol says you should avoid intense facial exercises as you want to keep your muscles in a ‘natural’ state as much as possible.
“Try not to do any vigorous facial exercises or facial expressions right before your Botox appointment,” she suggested. ‘This allows the injector to assess your natural muscle condition.’
Aesthetic expert and MD Carol Eisenstat shared her top tips to ensure you’re prepared and ready to get the best results with cosmetic injectables
The professional told how she would avoid alcohol or caffeine before getting Botox, then do no physical activity afterwards to let it sink in
It is also important to reduce the amount of alcohol and caffeine you consume, as these can dry out your skin and make it more fragile before the procedure.
“Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption in the 24 hours prior to your treatment, as these can contribute to bruising,” Carol suggested.
She also suggests not socializing or going to the gym immediately after your appointment.
“There may be some temporary redness or swelling, which you may need to let sink in,” she advised.
“Avoid intense physical activity for at least 24 hours after Botox,” she continued. ‘Exercise increases blood flow and can disperse the Botox solution from the injection. Which essentially means that the effect of Botox may not last as long as intended.”
Although it may be tempting, it is also important to avoid unnecessary manipulation of the injected area for the first 24 hours after treatment.
“(This is) to let the Botox sink in,” she explained. “That includes applying ice and absolutely avoiding facial rollers.”
As for fillers, Carol suggests avoiding anything that can lead to excessive swelling, such as salty foods.
“Limit salt intake,” she instructed. ‘Many fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin and has a strong ability to bind to and hold water molecules.’
She continued: ‘When injected, hyaluronic acid fillers not only add volume to the treated area, but also attract and retain moisture, which can contribute to a more youthful and hydrated appearance.’
Carol suggests avoiding anything that can lead to excessive swelling, such as salty foods, before fillers, and not eating anything spicy afterwards, as this will worsen the redness.
Carol often shares before and after photos of her patients on social media
One of the reasons why hyaluronic acid fillers are so popular for smoothing fine lines, wrinkles and areas where skin has lost volume is their ability to attract water.
‘(This) helps plump and rejuvenate the skin, creating a natural and fresh appearance,’ explains Carol.
She added: ‘This is why I advise my patients to limit the consumption of salty foods in the days leading up to their filler treatments to reduce the risk of swelling.’
The injectables expert also says you should avoid spicy foods and opt for a milder meal before having fillers.
“Spicy foods – especially extremely spicy – can lead to increased blood flow and possible facial flushing,” she said.
Carol said this could lead to a longer period of redness after the filling and make the process less comfortable.
“I recommend opting for milder food choices before your filler appointment to ensure a more pleasant experience,” she said.
Another expert tip is to postpone any dental procedures or teeth cleaning appointments for a few weeks after getting lip fillers, because the pressure on your lips during dental work can affect the distribution of the filler.
“Dental procedures can expose the mouth and lips to bacteria present in the oral environment,” she pointed out. ‘If you have recently had lip fillers, the injection sites may still heal and be more susceptible to infection. Any introduction of bacteria into these areas could increase the risk of infection.”
While it may be tempting to schedule a facial to accompany your smooth, new skin, Carol puts this off as they can interfere with the placement of the filler.
“Avoid facials, chemical peels, or other facial treatments for a week or so after filler injections,” she advises.
Carol suggests avoiding salty and spicy foods before having filler as this can affect the way it spreads
Social media is full of warnings about botched fillers and Botox – with TikTok user Claudia Simich revealing earlier this year how her lips swelled after getting injections
Meanwhile, Los Angeles native Jessica Burko was left in tears after a filler appointment left her lips swollen and enlarged
‘Massaging, exfoliation or other vigorous techniques used in facials can potentially cause uneven distribution or displacement of the filler material, compromising desired results.’
After both procedures, Carol said there were some simple ways to keep the injections from irritating.
She recommends avoiding face-down positions, such as yoga’s downward dog position, for extended periods as they can affect the distribution of fill and impact results.
Heat can cause swelling and discomfort, so as tempting as a nice hot shower or sauna can be, it’s best to avoid things that cause excessive heat production.
Her final tip is easier said than done, but important: patience.
“The results may not be immediately apparent, especially with Botox and dermal fillers,” she said. “It may take a few days to a few weeks before you see the full effect, so trust the process.”
Unfortunately, failed cosmetic injectables are not entirely uncommon.
Last year, a woman revealed she was permanently disfigured after a knock-off filler procedure given to her by a dentist in Brazil went horribly wrong.
Mariana Michelini, 34, from Matao, Brazil, was injected with what she thought was hyaluronic acid in December 2020, but she said it turned out to be a completely different chemical called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which left her face permanently disfigured.
After the PMMA left her skin swollen and swollen, she has since undergone three different surgical procedures in an attempt to repair the damage caused by the botched procedure.