How to Prep Your Skin Before Botox or Fillers

Thoughtful pre-appointment prep can make your Botox or filler visit smoother, reduce the chance of bruising or swelling, and help you love your results. Whether your goal is refreshed eyes, fuller lips, or a more sculpted lower face, the steps below will set you up for success. If you’re considering treatment for a sharper jawline Michigan residents often request, the right routine before your visit can make a noticeable difference.

Why skin prep matters

Neuromodulators like Botox are quick, in-office treatments, but your skin and circulation still react to the tiny injections. The goal of good prep is to minimize triggers that make bruising, swelling, or sensitivity more likely, while maximizing hydration and skin barrier health so your injector has the best canvas to work on.

Roadmap to a sharper jawline Michigan

Use this timeline to get your skin—and body—ready. It works for Botox, jawline contouring with fillers, and most other facial injection areas.

2–3 weeks before

• Confirm medications with your provider. Share all prescriptions, OTC meds, and supplements. Your injector may ask you to pause blood-thinning agents (with your prescriber’s approval) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, high-dose omega-3s, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic tablets, and St. John’s wort—these can increase bruising.
• Plan around events. First-time or significant filler sessions can cause temporary swelling or minor bruising for a few days. Schedule injections at least 2 weeks before photos or big events.
• Address cold sores. If you get herpes simplex (cold sores), especially for lip or perioral filler, request an antiviral prophylaxis plan beforehand.
• Skincare baseline. Stick to gentle cleansing and daily SPF 30+; introduce a hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid or glycerin) if you’re dry so skin is plump and calm at appointment time.

7 days before

• Avoid alcohol. Skip cocktails for 48–72 hours, and preferably the week prior, to reduce vasodilation and bruising risk.
• Pause irritating actives where you’re treating. In the injection zones, ease off strong exfoliants like retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, scrubs, or at-home micro-needling to keep the barrier calm. You can keep using these elsewhere.
• Hold hair removal and treatments. Avoid waxing, threading, chemical peels, or laser in the treatment area for a week to limit inflammation.
• Hydrate inside and out. Aim for steady water intake and use a bland moisturizer to support your barrier. Well-hydrated tissue often handles injections more comfortably.

48–72 hours before

• Skip strenuous workouts right before treatment. Intense exercise increases circulation and can heighten post-injection swelling or bruising. Keep movement light to moderate.
• Consider arnica or bromelain. Many patients find starting oral arnica or bromelain helpful for bruising; discuss with your provider first to ensure safety for you.
• Limit salty foods. Reducing sodium can help minimize fluid retention and swelling after filler, particularly for under-eye or jawline areas.

Day of your appointment

• Arrive makeup-free. Clean skin lowers the risk of introducing bacteria. Your injector will cleanse the area again before starting.
• Eat a light meal. Prevent lightheadedness from fasting, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Wear comfortable clothing. A loose collar makes it easier if you’re treating the lower face or neck.
• Communicate your goals clearly. Bring reference photos and describe your priorities—e.g., subtle masseter slimming with Botox, or dermal filler to define the chin and angle for a more sculpted jawline.

Special notes for jawline and chin fillers

If your goal is a defined, balanced lower face, jawline and chin fillers can create structure and contour. For patients seeking a sharper jawline in Michigan, it’s especially important to avoid dental work 1–2 weeks before and after filler (dentistry can temporarily increase bacteria in the bloodstream). Also let your injector know about any history of TMJ symptoms, clenching, or prior jawline treatments like Kybella or masseter Botox.

Healthy skin barrier = better experience

• Gentle cleanse morning and night.
• Use a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce sensitivity.
• Daily SPF 30+—mineral formulas are a great choice for reactive skin.
• Reserve stronger actives (retinoids, acids) for non-treatment areas the week before.

What to bring and what to skip

• Bring: A medication/supplement list, a list of allergies, and previous injection history.
• Consider bringing: A clean ice pack or plan to purchase arnica gel for aftercare.
• Skip: Alcohol, pre-workout, high-dose caffeine, and unnecessary NSAIDs on treatment day.

Aftercare you can plan ahead

• Ice in short intervals for the first several hours as directed.
• Keep head elevated the first night.
• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, and hot yoga for 24–48 hours.
• Delay facial massage or dental appointments for 1–2 weeks after filler.
• Don’t manipulate the treated areas; allow product to settle.

Every face is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Partnering with a skilled, medically qualified injector and following this prep guide will help you achieve natural-looking, beautiful results—whether you’re refreshing fine lines with Botox or working toward that sculpted, sharper jawline.

This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your own provider’s instructions based on your health history and treatment plan.