Can I Take Tylenol Before Getting Botox Injections?

Tylenol is not a concern prior to Botox treatment.  The issue with many other pain medications is that they interfere with clotting and with platelet function and therefore increase bruising.

That said,  I always advise patients to delay their Botox treatments until they are feeling well.

 

Best wishes,

Mark Lucarelli, MD, FACS

Madison, WI

The concern here is that many of the over the counter products commonly used as analgesics inhibit platelet function.  Platelets are involved in the coagulation pathways.  Inhibiting platelets increases the likelihood of bruising.  This occurs with both aspirin and the non-steroidal  anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).  However Tylenol which contains Acetaminophen does not affect platelets and does not increase the risk of bruise when taken prior to a service. 

It is best to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin 10 days to 2 weeks before getting Botox or other facial injections to avoid possible bruising. If you bruise easily, Arnica Montana can help if taken prior to the injection. The products you are taking do not contain a blood thinner and should not increase bruising. However if you have the flu, you might want to wait until you are feeling better before having your treatment.