Main image courtesy of Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.
If you’re concerned with facial wrinkles, and have been meaning to do something about it, you may want to consider botox. Botox injections are a popular and effective way to get that youthful look that you’ve been missing. But if you’ve decided that botox could be right for you, are you aware that there is some aftercare involved?
If you’d like to know a little bit more about what you should and should not do after receiving botox injections, keep reading because we’re going to discuss:
- What botox is
- What to do after a botox treatment
- What you should avoid after a botox injection
What is Botox?
What is botox and what can it do for you?
Botox injections are a popular way to smooth out wrinkles and lines on your face. Image courtesy of Weill Cornell Medicine.
If you’re curious to know more about botox and if it could be right for you, you’ve come to the right place! Botox is typically injected to the facial muscles in order to smooth out wrinkles. It consists of the neurotoxin Clostridium botulinum that provides a temporary paralysis of muscles in order to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Botox can be injected anywhere you would like to see less defined wrinkles. Many people choose to get botox in areas such as:
- The forehead
- Sides of the eye (crow’s feet)
- Lip lines
- Jawline
- Chin
Botox blocks the signals sent from the nerves to the muscles, preventing the muscles from contracting. This allows them to relax and give the appearance of smoother skin on the face. A botox procedure does not take a very long time, and can be done right in your doctor’s or dentist’s office. Although the results of your botox treatment are not immediate and can take up to two weeks to fully develop, you can expect your youthful appearance to last anywhere from three to six months.
But are there things you can do after your botox treatment to get the most out of it? There are, and you should definitely follow a few guidelines after your injections.
What to Do After a Botox Treatment
What can you do after a botox treatment to ensure you get the most out of it?
Follow a few simple guidelines to get the most out of your botox treatment. Image courtesy of Hindustan Times.
After you receive your botox injections, your provider will give you a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to the aftercare. You’ll want to make sure you follow these instructions in order to reduce the chance of bruising, and ensure you get the most out of your injections.
Return to your normal routine
As we mentioned, getting botox injections does not take a long time. Depending on how many areas you’d like to target, you can be out of the office in under an hour. Since there is no need for anesthesia, you can feel free to return to your normal activities afterward.
If that means you have to return to work, that’s okay too. You can go back to your normal routine after receiving botox injections. Because of this, many people find it convenient to schedule their botox injections on their lunch break.
Avoid exercise
Although you can return to the rest of your day after getting botox, it is recommended that you avoid exercise for at least 24 hours after. The reason for this is that exercise increases blood flow, which could result in the toxin spreading to unintended places. It may also cause it to be less effective.
Gently exercise your face
While you want to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after your treatment, you can, however, gently exercise the muscles of your face. This means trying out different facial positions such as smiling, frowning, and raising your eyebrows. These types of movements are recommended because they can help you see the results of your botox treatment sooner.
Stay upright
You can return to your normal activities after botox, however, your provider will recommend that you remain upright for at least four hours after treatment. Try to avoid laying down, taking a nap, or putting pressure on the area where you received injections.
Leave the makeup off
While you’re waiting for your botox to settle after injections, consider not wearing makeup for 24 hours after the procedure. When you’re applying makeup you need to touch your face, including the area that received injections. In order to get the most out of your treatment, you want to avoid touching your face.
What Not to Do After a Botox Treatment
Try to avoid certain activities after botox
Botox injections are convenient and require minimal aftercare. Image courtesy of Health & Aesthetics.
Now that you know what you can do after receiving botox, it’s time to discuss what you should not do after getting botox injections.
Do not touch or rub your face
Because the effects of botox are not immediate, you need to allow time for the toxin to work on canceling the signals from the nerves to the muscles of the face. In the meantime, do not touch or rub your face. You’ll want to wait anywhere from one to three days before touching your face or applying makeup again. Touching or rubbing can unintentionally spread the toxin to other areas.
Avoid alcohol
While you still may see some bruising, your provider will also recommend you avoid alcohol as it can increase your chances of bruising. Try to avoid alcohol both 24 hours before and after your procedure in order to avoid bruises.
Do not sleep on your treatment area
Just like you shouldn’t lay on your treated area, try to avoid sleeping on it as well. You want to minimize the pressure on your treated areas after your injections, so as best you can, try to sleep in a position that will allow you to do this.
Avoid sun exposure
Don’t sit out in the sun after getting botox as this can lead to the risk of sunburn and could increase your blood pressure. Stay out of the sun for at least four hours after your procedure. Your botox provider may also recommend you avoid hot showers and baths, as well as sauna treatments.
Don’t get another skin treatment
While you’re waiting for your botox to settle, avoid getting other skin treatments such as facials and massages for at least 24 hours afterwards.
Botox injections are a convenient way to keep your youthful appearance. Just follow a few guidelines after the procedure, and you’ll be able to enjoy your botox treatment for months! Want to try out botox? Contact Dr. Elizabeth Wakim.