Are you thinking of botox? If that’s the case, we should discuss aftercare for botox injections. After getting botox and fillers, here is a list of things you will need to do (and avoid doing).
The first couple of days after the treatment are essential, and after that, you will be able to return to your normal routine. You can always check our website for any additional info you might need to ensure that you are properly prepared for the treatment.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a term used for botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin used in medicine and cosmetics. It might sound strange that people would willingly inject themselves with a toxin, but there are a few benefits to using this protein.
In our case, the most important benefit is that botox can paralyze muscles. Since there are many different types of this toxin, each can have a different effect. In medicine, doctors use types A and B to treat muscle spasms. But in cosmetics, it is one of many ways to eliminate wrinkles on one’s face.
One of the best things about botox injections is that they are relatively safe for the body. Generally speaking, Botox can last for a couple of months, and one might require retreatment after the effect has worn off. While there are potential side effects, they aren’t as common, and they will disappear after a while.
When Is Botox Aftercare Used?
The most common use of this toxin is for Botox treatments. But this is far from being the only way to use it. There are many cases where Botox can help with chronic migraines, overactive bladder, hyperhidrosis, neck spasms, muscle spasms, lazy eye, and many more.
Of course, we should mention that Botox is also a name of the brand, and many others fall in the same category. But since we are talking about aftercare and things you need to know about Botox, it is safe to focus on cosmetic dermatology and use this toxin as a way to get rid of the wrinkles on the face.
What to Do After the Procedure?
The important thing to do is know how to care for your treatment area after the procedure is done. This will help you avoid side effects and any issues that may appear after Botox. The first thing on the list is to remember to exercise your face. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should make faces in front of the mirror. But keep in mind that Botox can paralyze muscles, which is why it is in your best interest to keep them active.
This will allow you to have natural expressions still and focus only on getting rid of wrinkles. So, keep the face exercises to reasonable limits. As for the rest of your body, taking a day off would be a good idea. Your goal is to maintain a normal heart rate and just leave the treated area alone.
Don’t scrub it, don’t put any type of physical pressure on it, and avoid touching your face as much as you can. It is worth mentioning that Botox injections don’t require you to rest for a long period of time. In fact, the recovery period is nonexistent. If you can’t take a day off work, that’s perfectly fine. Just avoid going to the gym or doing anything that will increase your blood pressure.
Since many people go to the gym regularly, you should know that 24 hours after the treatment is a safe time to start exercising again. Facial exercises like frowning, smiling, or raising eyebrows is perfectly fine. You should avoid any activity that can increase the blood flow because it can spread the toxin to other areas and reduce the effect of Botox.
What to Avoid After the Procedure?
As you can see, going back to your normal routine won’t take long. In the worst-case scenario, you will need to rest for a few days before returning back to normal. Your doctor will give you all the necessary info you need, so there’s nothing to worry about.
However, there are a few things you should avoid doing after the procedure as a part of the aftercare. You should take at least a full 24 hours before you start using makeup again. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and you don’t want to risk an unwanted reaction in the treated area.
Avoid spending a lot of time on your back, especially during the first four hours. Lying on the bed can cause the toxin to spread out, leading to bruising. After the initial four hours, you can go to bed if you feel like it. While we are on the subject of bruising, you should also know that alcohol can promote it, which is why you should avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours after Botox injections.
Needless to say, other skin treatments are off-limits as well, at least for a few days after the procedure. This includes massages, facials, dermal fillers, and others. Ideally, you would be able to avoid sleeping in the affected area and minimize the pressure as much as you can.
Finally, don’t spend too much time in the sun. While you must go home after the injections, going to tanning beds, hot tubs, beaches, saunas, and similar is out of the question.
Additional Tips
Botox aftercare instructions are quite simple. You need to ensure that you don’t irritate the treated area and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on it. The only other thing you need to know is that you should contact your doctor in case of any irregularities.
Redness and swelling are normal after Botox, but any symptoms and side effects should disappear after a day. Bruising is another thing that can happen from time to time, and you can safely use ice to reduce it. It should disappear in two weeks.
But if you notice that you have trouble speaking, eating, swallowing, problems with your sight or anything else that might seem worrying, it is a clear sign that you should visit your doctor.
Your health should always be your number one priority, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
