So, you’ve started getting Botox treatments and can’t wait to see those wrinkles smooth out and fine lines disappear. As excited as you are, it’s essential to understand that there are specific post-treatment guidelines to follow to achieve the best outcome. Botox is expensive, and the last thing you want to do is compromise on your results.
Not following the proper post-injection aftercare can lead to unnatural results due to the Botox shifting to unintended muscles, causing asymmetry, droopy eyelids, swelling, and increased bruising. So, if you want to increase the longevity and effectiveness of your Botox treatment, here are some things you should avoid right after getting a Botox treatment.
Avoid Rubbing The Treated Area
Mild discomfort or itching is common after Botox treatment, and although you may be tempted to touch the treated area, it’s best to avoid it altogether. When you rub or massage the skin immediately after the procedure, it can cause the toxin to spread to places you don’t really want it to. In addition to leading to asymmetrical results, rubbing the treated area can also weaken the nearby muscles and lead to temporary facial drooping and other side effects.
Rubbing the treated area can also trigger bruising, swelling, and cause skin irritation. Therefore, avoid touching or massaging the treated areas for at least one day to get the best results.
Skip Working Out For Another Day
Give yourself a day off from the gym the day after you get Botox. Exercise increases blood flow in the body, which can exacerbate bruising and swelling after Botox treatment. Lifting weights or engaging in cardio can cause the blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow, moving the Botox to other muscles. Remember, Botox takes four hours to settle into place, so it’s best to avoid mild to moderate exercise for a day. At the same time, remember that bending exercises like certain yoga positions should also be avoided until twenty-four hours after the Botox treatment.
Don’t Lie Down Immediately After The Treatment
As tempted as you are to have a nap after your Botox sessions, resist the urge! When you rest your face on your hand or pillow, it can put pressure on the treated area and cause the Botox to migrate to other areas of the face. One of the most common side effects of Botox is eyelid drooping, which occurs when the product moves to the eyelids. Lying down right after the treatment can also lead to uneven eyebrows, difficulty in swallowing, and speaking. Accordingly, you must avoid lying down for at least the first four hours after the procedure.
Avoid Taking Blood Thinners
Supplements like ibuprofen, aspirin, and fish oil, as well as blood-thinning medications, can increase the risk of swelling and bruising after Botox injections. Since the blood thinners reduce blood clotting, they can cause severe bruising at the injection sites. If you’re on prescribed blood thinners, you can take them as directed by your physician, but keep in mind that there may be an increased risk of bruising.
Stay Away From Alcohol
Alcohol also has mild blood-thinning properties, so if you consume it after your Botox treatment, it can delay the recovery period as well as the appearance of the ideal results. Abstaining from alcohol for 2 days before and after the Botox treatment will ensure a smoother recovery and better results.
Avoid Makeup
It may be tempting to cover up those red bumps at the injection sites after the Botox treatment, but applying makeup too soon raises the risk of infection. These bumps usually resolve within 30 minutes, so keep your skin clean following the procedure.
Avoid Sun Exposure, Hot Tubs, Saunas, & Tanning Booths
Being exposed to high temperatures and UV exposure can raise blood pressure and increase blood flow, causing the Botox to disperse, reducing its effectiveness. Moreover, heat exposure can increase swelling and bruising. Accordingly, you should avoid tanning booths, hot showers, saunas, and direct sun exposure for the first two days following the Botox treatment.
Stay Away From Getting A Facial During The Same Week
Facials involve heat, massage, and pressure, and this can interfere with the placement and effectiveness of the Botox treatment. Steer clear of any facial treatments, chemical peels, and microabrasion for at least a week after receiving a Botox injection.
Avoid Flying In An Airplane
Keep a gap of at least one day between your Botox injections and stepping on a plane. Increased movement and changes in cabin pressure can cause swelling, so wait for 24 hours after getting Botox before flying.
Sleeping On Your Side Or Your Stomach
When it’s safe to lie down after the four hours following the Botox treatment, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach. There is no need to pull an all-nighter after getting your Botox injections; simply sleep on your back the night after to avoid putting extra pressure on your face. You can add a pillow to get some extra elevation if that is helpful.
Final Thoughts
After spending a lot of money on Botox, the last thing you want to do is neglect the post-injection guidelines and compromise on the effectiveness of its results. These do-nots are crucial to attain optimal results from your Botox treatment, enjoy the glow-up you wanted, and get full value for your money!
