# Before the treatment: *the checklist.*

> What to bear in mind before a Botox or filler treatment: medication, alcohol, sun, appointments, make-up, what to bring and what leads to a cancellation.

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-preparation-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

Good preparation lowers the risk of bruising, shortens recovery and makes sure the appointment doesn't have to be postponed.

## One week before, up to the appointment.

**7 days before:** avoid blood-thinning painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or diclofenac where possible – **but never stop prescribed blood thinners on your own**; that is discussed beforehand. Omega-3, vitamin E, ginkgo and St John's wort also increase bleeding tendency. Paracetamol is fine.

**48 hours before:** no alcohol, no tanning bed, no intensive sun. No peels, retinol or acids in the treatment area. Avoid dental appointments in the two weeks around a filler treatment.

**On the day:** come without make-up, or it will be removed. Have eaten and drunk something – on an empty stomach the risk of feeling faint rises. Comfortable clothing; nothing tight at the collar for neck or décolleté treatments.

**Bring:** a list of your medication, an allergy card if you have one, information about previous treatments (what, when, where). If you have a specific result in mind, say so – and hear whether it is achievable.

**Reasons for cancellation:** an acute infection (including a cold), cold sores for lip treatments, inflamed skin in the area, pregnancy or breastfeeding, fresh sunburn. Better to postpone honestly than to treat what is not sensible.

## The essentials.

- **Painkillers:** avoid 7 days before (only as agreed)
- **Alcohol / sun:** not in the 48 hours before
- **On the day:** eaten, no make-up
- **With an infection:** postpone

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**I take prescribed blood thinners. Can I still have treatment?**

Often yes, with a higher risk of bruising. Please never stop them on your own – we discuss this beforehand, if necessary with the prescribing practice.

**Do I have to come on an empty stomach?**

No, the opposite: please eat and drink beforehand.

**Can I work straight afterwards?**

Usually yes. Small red marks or injection points disappear quickly; bruises are possible but not the rule.

**What about cold sores?**

If you are prone to cold sores and a lip treatment is planned, please mention it beforehand; preventive medication can make sense.

## Related.

- [Aftercare](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-aftercare-en.html) – After the treatment
- [First treatment](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-first-treatment-en.html) – The process
- [Contact](https://www.vivaderm.de/kontakt-en.html) – Book an appointment

## Sources

- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [GOÄ – German scale of medical fees (official text)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/go__1982/)
- [§ 11 HWG – ban on before/after images and advertising promises](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/heilmwerbg/__11.html)
- [Professional code of the Medical Association North Rhine](https://www.aekno.de/aerzte/berufsordnung)
- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.