Getting Botox® and Dermal Fillers for your Summer Holiday: The Dos and Don’ts

After over a year of being locked down indoors, it’s safe to say that everyone is striving for a ‘Hot Girl Summer.’ But are the summer months truly ideal for getting Botulinum Toxin (Botox®) and dermal filler treatments? Will these long-awaited elevated temperatures negatively impact the effectiveness of these procedures? And should you really be travelling abroad post-Botox®? Award-winning, female-led company Acquisition Aesthetics are leading training providers in this industry, and founders Dr Priya Chadha and Dr Lara Watson are here to offer their expert advice.

Is it Safe To Board a Flight?

First things first, you need to actually get to your holiday destination. And if you’re already risking the potential Covid-19 era complications of boarding a flight, it’s best to ensure that treatment-wise, your flight is drama-free. Firstly, it’s important to note that while you may be fully vaccinated and ready to travel, you shouldn’t undergo any treatments until 6 weeks after a vaccination or 2 weeks before. This summer, it’s all about timing!

Moreover, Dr Priya Chadha recommends that clients should wait at least 48 hours after Botulinum Toxin treatment before flying. This is due to the risk of bleeding and bruising, in addition to changes in cabin pressure potentially causing the Botox® to shift asymmetrically from its original site. Likewise, it is recommended that, after dermal filler treatments, you should wait at least a week before flying. This, again, is due to the increased likelihood of swelling and bruising – and should be especially taken into account if you plan on embarking on a long haul flight.

Moreover, while serious late-onset complications rarely occur, Acquisition Aesthetics advise clients to remain at a short distance from their local clinic for up to 1-2 weeks after treatment – so that any issues can be addressed safely and efficiently.

Can I Holiday in High Temperatures?

Dr Lara Watson – and most other clinicians – would advise avoiding exposure to high temperatures for up to 48 hours after Botulinum Toxin and dermal filler treatments. For example, lounging on a sun bed to top up your tan, or engaging in vigorous exercise with the goal of being ‘bikini ready’ (disclaimer: every body is a beach body), is definitely not advised so soon after treatment.

Why? Because in the immediate aftermath of both of these treatments, high temperatures increase the risk of bruising or swelling. Additionally, exposure to high heat can disrupt the process of Botulinum Toxin treatments specifically, causing the Botox® to erroneously disperse to other areas.

However, once this 48 hour period has passed, it has been generally established that exposure to high temperatures should not affect the longevity of Botulinum Toxin or dermal filler treatments. So, get out there and enjoy the sun! (After 48 hours, of course).

For more information, quotes and additional images please contact jemima@acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk