Botox Aftercare: Things you Should Avoid After Botox Treatment
Botox is one of the oldest and most popular forms of aesthetic medicine. It is a quick, simple procedure that comes with minimal downtime and a low risk of side effects. However, in the aftermath of Botox injections, some light lifestyle changes are required to ensure a safe recovery.
Botox aftercare is not extensive and most patients can resume all regular activities within one to two days. Following your practitioner’s instructions closely after your procedure is one of the most important steps in preventing complications and getting the best possible results. Below, we will provide a brief guide to Botox aftercare.
Directly After Treatment
As long as your daily routine does not involve strenuous physical activity or heavy sun exposure, there is no need to take time off school or work after Botox injections. You can still engage in the vast majority of daily activities safely.
For the first four to five hours after receiving injections, refrain from touching or rubbing your face. You should also keep upright and avoid lying on your face. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible following your appointment.
Botox is usually not painful enough to require medication afterwards. Some patients do feel light discomfort, so it is a good idea to ask your practitioner during your appointment about which medications are safe for you. Certain over-the-counter drugs – such as anti-inflammatory and blood thinning medications like Aspirin – may increase your risk of side effects. Your practitioner may send you home with a topical numbing cream to use instead of oral medication.
The Days Following Treatment
Refrain from vigorous physical exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment. Lighter day-to-day activities – like walking, cooking, and cleaning – should be safe. The first night after getting Botox injections, do not sleep on the treatment area. This may mean you need to sleep on your back.
Continue to stay out of direct sunlight for 24 hours following treatment. In some cases, your practitioner may advise you to avoid the sun for up to 48 hours.
Avoid heat exposure for 24 to 48 hours, which includes hot showers, tanning beds, hot tubs, and saunas.
While alcohol consumption after Botox is not usually a risk, it is recommended you not drink alcohol for 24 hours as a precautionary measure. Alcohol is a blood-thinner, so it could potentially exacerbate bruising. Some patients also experience dizziness or drowsiness after Botox treatment, which can worsen with alcohol consumption.
Avoid applying makeup for 24 hours after treatment, as well as any skincare products you use on your face. This can irritate your skin and potentially disrupt healing.
In some cases, your practitioner may advise you to do some light facial exercises the day after treatment. This usually entails natural facial expressions, like smiling and frowning, and it should help the Botox take effect.
Always talk to your practitioner about the precise timeline for your recovery. Every patient is different and lots of factors come into play when determining when you can resume certain activities.
Watching For Complications
Botox is usually a low risk procedure and most patients do not experience serious side effects. However, you should watch for complications in the first few days after treatment so you know when to seek medical help.
Some side effects are very common and should pass on their own. You can expect some swelling and tenderness near the injected area for a few days. This does not require medical treatment, but soreness can often be treated with a cold compress.
Often, the treated area can feel stiff following Botox injections. This is completely normal and subsides with time.
If you experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, or vision changes, seek medical help right away. This could be a sign of a more serious complication.
The best way to avoid complications is to follow all instructions closely and work with a reputable practitioner.
Later complications, such as dropping eyelid, can be treated by your practitioner should it occur. Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence and is self-limiting.
Botox Aftercare: The Bottom Line
Getting Botox injections does not significantly disrupt your life. You can resume the vast majority of daily activities without putting yourself at risk of complications. While you will need to avoid things like sunlight, strenuous exercise, and makeup for a day or two, Botox recovery is a smooth process that does not require downtime.
Always make sure to follow aftercare instructions closely and listen to your practitioner’s specific instructions for you. This is the best way to both avoid complications and ensure quality results.
Considering Botox? At BLUSH Beverly Hill, our talented team of practitioners have decades worth of experience in aesthetic medicine. We work with every patient one-on-one to ensure their treatment plan will help them meet their aesthetic goals. Reach out here to book an appointment.