BOTOX® is a popular way to smooth skin and restore a youthful glow without surgery. It can help patients of all skin types and tones reduce signs of aging caused such as fine line and wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements.
You should take proper precautions after your BOTOX® treatment to help you achieve the best results that enhance your natural beauty. To ensure the optimal outcomes, we have some tips on what you should avoid doing in the hours after getting BOTOX® injections.
What To Expect After BOTOX®
It helps to arrive at your BOTOX® appointment knowing what to expect and what to avoid in the hours afterward. Immediately after your injections, you may notice some mild swelling or bruising that should resolve very quickly. To reduce swelling, you can place ice packs on the targeted area in the first 24 hours to manage these symptoms.
What Not To Do After BOTOX® Injections
Here are some things that we recommend you avoid in the hours and days after your BOTOX® session:
- Pronounced facial expressions: While it is safe to move your face naturally, try not to exaggerate expressions in the first few hours after treatment, as this can cause the BOTOX® to migrate into unintended areas.
- Lying down: In this position, gravity can cause the BOTOX® to spread or separate.
- Strenuous activity: Light walking after your injections is fine, but we recommend that you wait 24 hours before engaging in vigorous physical activity, such as high-intensity workouts, running, weightlifting, or yoga.
- Touching your face: Touching, rubbing, massaging, or applying pressure to the treatment areas can cause the BOTOX® to shift, resulting in inconsistent placement.
- Heat and sunlight: Strong sources of heat (such as saunas, hot tubs, and prolonged heat exposure) can increase the chances of swelling, bruising, and redness after your BOTOX® injections.
- Blood-thinning medications: If your doctor says it is safe to do so, it is important to skip any medications that thin your blood for a few days before and after treatment, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin E.
- Makeup: To avoid introducing bacteria to treated areas and increasing your risk of infection, wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup or resuming your regular skincare routine.
- Facial treatments: Treatments such as facials, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion can alter your BOTOX® results.
By avoiding these activities, you can increase your odds of achieving optimal results.
How Long Will It Take To See Results?
The time it takes to see results from your BOTOX® injections varies from patient to patient, but you can typically expect to notice the effects within 3 to 7 days, with full results visible after 10 to 14 days. At this time, you can decide whether you want any touch-ups. You can ensure optimal results by following our guidance on what you should refrain from doing in the hours following injections of BOTOX®.
If there is any question about how much to inject, our aesthetician, Mrs. Jennifer Geyer, takes a cautious approach to avoid complications such as eyebrow drooping, excess eyelid skin, or a frozen expression. If, after 10 to 14 days, you would like more pronounced results, we can discuss injecting additional units.
Contact Us to Learn More About What Activities to Avoid Just After BOTOX® Treatment
To learn more about which activities to avoid in the hours after BOTOX® injections, our dedicated team can help you understand how to support a successful cosmetic result. Contact us today to speak with a licensed injector and receive personalized guidance.