Botox Aftercare Tips to Get the Best Results

Lori Wade · Dec 4, 2022

Botox injections are one of the most popular minimally invasive skin treatments to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. They are also popular for treating some medical conditions like migraines, lazy eyes, drooping eyelids, neck spasms, excessive sweating, and much more. While Botox is the name for one brand of botulinum toxin injections, these cosmetic fillers are also named Dysport, Myobloc, and Xeomin.

No matter what brand of Botox injections you get, this drug temporarily paralyzes your muscles to make you look younger or achieve another desired effect. These injections use botulinum toxin A, produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Botox injections are generally deemed safe, but at high concentrations, they can cause botulism poisoning, a severe form of muscle paralysis. As a cosmetic procedure, Botox injections use a diluted amount of the toxin to stop muscles from contracting, resulting in a softened, younger facial appearance. Thus, following precautions and Botox aftercare tips from your <a href="https://myvivaa.com/">aesthetic medicine provider</a> is essential for safety and the best possible results.

What to Expect When Getting a Botox Procedure

When scheduling a Botox treatment, your doctor may prescribe a regimen before getting the procedure to enhance your results. Although not as crucial as Botox aftercare, your provider believes preparing your skin for botulinum toxin injections is essential. Your provider may tell you to avoid alcohol for a week before the procedure. You should also avoid anti-inflammatory medications or aspirin for two weeks to help prevent bruising.

A Botox session typically takes 10 to 15 minutes but can be longer if you want to target multiple areas with this injectable cosmetic drug. Anesthesia usually isn't used, but some practitioners use a topical numbing cream to make the injections more comfortable. You may feel slight discomfort when your provider inserts the thin needle with the mixture of powdered botulinum toxin and saline solution. Before Botox treatments, your provider will clean the area prior to inserting the needle. You may be asked to move some or all of the facial muscles, where your aesthetician will inject Botox to help with location. Once the injections are completed, you'll receive your aftercare instructions and head home.

Top Botox Aftercare Instructions

On the day you get your treatment, it's a good idea to rest and relax for the rest of the day. You can do gentle facial exercises, but avoid touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on the injection site. You can resume normal activities the following day but also take care to avoid certain things in the first few weeks and hours after treatment.

Activities to Avoid After a Botox Injection

For the best results, don't do the following for the time specified by your doctor's office.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Don't do any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after your treatment. Your medical provider may recommend you wait several days before resuming your workout regimen. Strenuous exercise increases blood flow and may unintentionally spread Botox to other areas and lessen its effectiveness at the injection site while also increasing the chance of bruising.

Stay Away from Heat and the Sun

Sun exposure can increase your blood pressure and may result in flushing, which can lead to bruises. Stay out of the sun for a minimum of four hours after treatment. Better yet, stay out of the sun for 48 hours. The same goes for other forms of heat exposure, like tanning beds, saunas, overly hot showers or baths, and hot tubs.

Don't Touch the Treated Areas

Whether you received botulinum toxin on your face or in another area of the body, don't touch the affected area. Your doctor will recommend not touching it for one to three days after treatment. This advice includes not getting professional massages on the face or body. Touching or rubbing the treated areas can move the anti-wrinkle injections into unintended areas.

Don't Get Other Skin Treatments

Avoid other treatments like facials, exfoliating scrubs, or getting cosmetic fillers for at least 24 to 48 hours. Doing so can dislodge Botox before it has a chance to settle into your muscles.

Don't Consume Alcohol

In addition to avoiding it before treatment, you'll want to wait at least 24 hours to drink alcohol after your injections. Alcohol is an anti-inflammatory that thins your blood, increasing the risk of bruising. Also, avoid anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen.

What About Sleeping After Botox?

Avoid sleeping or lying down for at least four hours. This allows you to avoid putting pressure on the injected area so the Botox can diffuse properly into your muscles. Remain upright during that time frame and avoid any physical activity that requires you to put your head down if you had injections in your face.

Don't sleep on the Botox injection sites. How you sleep is important. If you receive Botox on your face, sleep on your back. You will only have to do so for one night if you are not used to sleeping in that manner.

Can I Wear Makeup After Botox?

The good news is you can but only put on minimal makeup for 24 hours. Ideally, go makeup free during that time for optimal results. Once 24 hours have passed, resume <a href="https://www.teachworkoutlove.com/skin-care-routines-working-women-shouldnt-skip/">skin care</a> by using tepid water and a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry. If your skin feels drier than usual after Botox, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to restore moisture.

Botox Risks and Side Effects

The risks of getting botulism from Botox are rare. Typical side effects include swelling, redness, and bruising. You may also have indigestion. Call your doctor immediately to rule out other conditions if you notice an eye drooping. However, the toxin could spread to unintended areas of your body, causing problems and, in some cases, a medical emergency. Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms during the first few weeks after a Botox procedure:

- Difficulty swallowing or breathing

- Slurred speech

- Blurred vision

- Urinary tract problems

- Facial numbness or paralysis

- Difficulty walking or muscle weakness

Botox is a popular, safe procedure that makes it one of the most widely used cosmetic treatments. With the proper aftercare, you'll enjoy your desired results with no bruising.

Difficulty walking or muscle weakness

Botox is a popular, safe procedure that makes it one of the most widely used cosmetic treatments. With the proper aftercare, you'll enjoy your desired results with no bruising.

Author's BIO: Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer for an aesthetic medicine provider MyVivaa. Lori is currently engaged in news and conceptual articles on the health and beauty industry. You can find her on LinkedIn. Hope you appreciate Lori’s useful insights!