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Does Fish Oil Interfere with Botox Injections?

I received botox injections to the neck for cervical dystonia about 2 days ago. Is it okay to start taking fish oil (omega 3) 1000 mg x 2 daily.

Doctor Answers 11

Fish oil supplements may cause brusing with fillers and botox

December 13th, 2011
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After fillers and Botox, you can have the fish oil again. You can safely start the next morning.

Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com/botox/index.html

Ronald Shelton, MD


Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Fish Oil and Botox?

November 18th, 2011
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Hi Bobble.  We recommend stopping fish oil supplements 7 days before Botox to reduce the risk of bruising, but you are fine to go back on them after treatment.

Web reference: http://www.celibre.com/botoxInjectionsBeforeAfterPicturesPhotos.aspx

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

Does Fish Oil Interfere with Botox Injections?

November 15th, 2011
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 Fish oil is thought to increase the bruising after needle based treatments like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin or surgery procedures.  Ask the MD who does your Botox treatments for advice and specific recommendations.

Web reference: http://www.drfpalmer.com

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

Fish oil should not interfere with Botox

November 12th, 2011
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Fish oils may increase your risk for bruising but should not interfere with the effects of the Botox.  

Steven E. Rasmussen, MD, FAAD

Steven E. Rasmussen, MD, FAAD
Austin Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

Botox Cosmetic and Fish Oils

November 12th, 2011
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Although taking fish oils prior to treatment with Botox Cosmetic may increase the likelihood of unwanted bruising, it should not interfere in any way with the efficacy of the injections. 

Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS

Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS
Yuba City Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 44 reviews

Call your doctor and ask them.

November 12th, 2011
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Our opinions don't count for very much.  First the fish oil will not interfere with the BOTOX treatment effect.  Fish oil will increase the risk of bruising at the time of treatment.  Generally two days out, it is very unlikely that the fish oil will cause a new bruise.  Due to the risk of bruising from a BOTOX treatment, we recommend that our patients discontinue fish oil 3 weeks prior to the BOTOX treatment.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

FIsh oil and Botox

November 12th, 2011
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FIsh oil supplements may increase your risk of bruising and should be discontinued at least one week prior to any injectible or operative treatment and should not be resumed for at least 72 hours post procedure. There is no direct correlation between taking fish oils and the efficacy of Botox.
Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS
New York Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Fish oil and Botox interaction

November 12th, 2011
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To best of my knowledge there is no interaction between Botox and fish oil. Patients should avoid fish oil prior to surgery to avoid increased bleeding. With the botox injections it may increase the chances of bleeding. Good luck

Web reference: http://www.talroudnerplasticsurgery.com/botox.php

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS

Fish Oil and Botox

November 12th, 2011
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I could not find any mention any drug interaction between fish oil and Botox in the literature. I cannot think of any theoretical reason that this should be a problem. So, it should be fine to resume taking fish oil.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
4.7 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

Fish Oil can increase the risk of bruising

November 12th, 2011
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Taking omega 3 (fish oil) supplements prior to any injection treatments with Botox or fillers can increase your risk of bruising. Now that it is several days after your treatment is is safe to resume taking fish oil. Many dietary supplements, medications, vitamins, and herbs are associated with excess bruising from neurotoxin or filler injections. Those to avoid for at least 10 days prior to injection include omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, vitamin E, licorice, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and other herbal supplements.

Web reference: http://www.dorsetstreetdermatology.com/cosmetic-dermatology/botox-dysport/

Mitchell Schwartz, MD

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 10 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.