BOTOX and other neuromodulators like Dysport, Xeomin, and DAXXIFY have become some of the most popular treatments for cosmetic and health-related issues, such as wrinkles at the forehead or around the eyes, muscle spasms, and chronic pain. The BOTOX process seems straightforward: head over to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and presto, you’re done after a few injections. However, there are several aftercare tips and tricks to consider before receiving neuromodulator injections.
Following a good aftercare routine leads to optimal and longer-lasting results, but it is easy to get mixed messages when reading about the procedure online. To help you understand the actual risks, here are six post-BOTOX mistakes to avoid.
Tip #1: You Don’t Have to Avoid Alcohol
It’s no surprise that the internet sometimes goes overboard with warnings and don’ts when it comes to cosmetic enhancements. Many articles urge patients to stay clear of alcohol before and after BOTOX due to the increased risk of bruising. At Aesthetx, you’ll work with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Amelia K. Hausauer and our expert team of providers, who can reassure you that significant bruising is rare and self-healing.
To avoid an increase in bleeding and potential bruising, we recommend avoiding fish oil and NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, and vitamin E. Supplements and medications are far more likely to cause bruising than alcohol in moderation, so if you follow these instructions, there’s no need to avoid a glass of wine or a casual drink. If you want to take all precautions, hold off on, especially red wine, for 24 hours prior to your BOTOX appointment. There is no need to stop caffeine, despite it being frequently recommended online.
Tip #2: You Don’t Need to Ice After Your BOTOX Treatment
Although neuromodulator injections are highly tolerable for those who wish to diminish expression lines like crow’s feet and forehead creases, you will read on many websites that icing the treatment site will numb the pain. Although this information is accurate, there is a caveat you should understand.
While ice may minimize the tiny pinch of a BOTOX needle, Dr. Hausauer says the newest studies suggest it may make your BOTOX wear off faster. So instead of reducing the effectiveness of BOTOX sessions, we offer topical numbing cream to help with discomfort if desired since it does not impact your final results.
Tip #3: Don’t Do Heavy Exercise Right Away
While basic movements and light activities are fine, you should avoid heavy exercise—no spin class—that elevates your heart rate, as this increases the risk of bruising. We also recommend that you not lay down flat for four hours following BOTOX.
As a basic rule, avoid exercising or strenuous activity for at least twenty-four hours. Also, avoid applying pressure to your face, like wearing swimming goggles or wiping sweat from your forehead. There needs to be sufficient downtime to allow your BOTOX injections to settle and take effect. If your pulse increases with exercising, the neurotoxin proteins will metabolize quicker, altering skin tightening benefits. In addition, exercising raises your blood pressure temporarily, which can increase swelling in areas recently treated. Finally, if you are susceptible to bruising after BOTOX injections, exercising too soon can increase this risk. Although avoiding exercising for twenty-four hours is typically advised, it’s best to wait an entire week.
Tip #4: Avoid Facial Massages
Facial BOTOX is injected to improve targeted locations. If you massage the treated areas, you could make the treatment less precise and increase the need for touch ups or, worse yet, spread to unwanted areas. Allow the BOTOX to settle and take action where you want it to, so all types of facial massage—even rollers, home devices, face masks, or hats on the treated area—should be avoided.Massaging the injection site can put you at risk of moving the BOTOX and contaminating unwanted areas.
The best scenario would be arranging your massage therapy session before receiving BOTOX injections. Applying this therapy before BOTOX injections may also help you reduce stress before treatment.
Tip #5: Don’t Panic About Blemishes
You might notice the emergence of bumps or bruises after BOTOX. These blemishes are no cause for panic. The lumps at the injection site are typically caused by trauma to a local blood vessel. If you don’t feel discomfort and the bump isn’t increasing in size or discoloration, then you need not worry. However, if you think your symptoms are severe and feel they need attention, call us as soon as possible.
With Aesthetx’s technologies, bumps are gone between five and twenty minutes following the procedure. Bruising is rare because we use acupuncture-size needles, and it will resolve after several days. If bruising does occur, ask about our multiple techniques to reduce marks faster, like the Alastin INhance Post-Injection Serum, which is designed to help accelerate recovery from post-injection bruising & swelling.
Tip #6: Be Patient for the Final Results
The results you’re looking to achieve will not be immediate. The process takes time, so be patient! Don’t expect results immediately, as it takes an average of five to ten days for the medication to take effect and becomes maximal over two weeks.
However, once you are on a BOTOX routine and receiving injections every three to six months, your results will not only continue with little to no interruption, but the lack of muscle movement during expressions, like laughing and smiling, will help keep these aging lines and creases away.
Takeaways
BOTOX is a quick and convenient cosmetic treatment that has grown into the most popular aesthetic procedure in the world. Millions of injections have been performed globally. However, you still must follow best practices to guarantee optimal benefits.
If you’re unsure what you can or can’t do before and after BOTOX, talk to one of our board-certified physicians. They will provide specific aftercare tips based on the treatment they recommend, your unique body’s anatomy, and your lifestyle.
Let Aesthetx Guide You
At Aesthetx, we will help guide you with aftercare to ensure the best results. Our providers are each renowned for highly informative and in-depth consultations. To schedule your private BOTOX consultation and learn more about the procedure, contact Aesthetx by visiting our contact page or calling (408) 559-7177.
