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Botox Aftercare: Do's & Don'ts

Botox Aftercare

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You’ve done it! You’ve just had a Botox treatment and you’re feeling great. Now that you’ve taken the plunge and invested in yourself, it’s time to make sure your results last as long as possible with proper aftercare. 

You’re probably familiar with the many benefits of Botox and other injectable treatments. From reducing wrinkles and smoothing skin to creating a more youthful appearance, these treatments can make a real difference in your look. But what about aftercare? It’s important to follow certain guidelines after getting Botox or other injectables in order to ensure the best results. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to post-Botox aftercare.

The Do's of Botox Aftercare:

  • Be gentle with your skin for 24 hours after treatment. 

  • Avoid touching or rubbing the area.

  • If possible, avoid sleeping on the side of your face where your injections were administered.

  • Ice the area if necessary.

  • Drink plenty of water before and after treatment. 

  • Follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your provider. 

The Don'ts of Botox Aftercare:

  • Don’t lay flat for 4 hours after treatment.

  • Don't exercise vigorously for 24 hours following treatment.

  • Don't take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications within 48 hours after treatment.

  • Don't apply makeup right away after treatment; wait until any redness has subsided before applying makeup over treated areas in order to cover up any bruising or discoloration that may have occurred during injections.

  • Don’t get a facial for at least two weeks post-injection.

  • Don't forget sunscreen! Sun exposure can lead to premature aging so make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ when going outdoors following Botox treatments—this will help protect your skin from sun damage and prolong its youthful appearance.

How to Take Care of Your Skin Post Botox

Do: Exercise Your Face

The days following a Botox treatment are an especially good time to start exercising your face. Facial exercises help promote circulation, which can help you get the most out of your treatment. If you haven't already been doing facial exercises, now's the perfect time to start! Make sure you avoid any areas where you had injections - but no worries; there are plenty of other areas you can work on that can still get you great results. 

Types of Facial Exercises:

  • Smiling

  • Frowning

  • Raising Your Eyebrows

Do: Take It Easy

In general, it's best to take it easy for at least a day or two after getting injections. We don’t mean literally laying in bed for days, gentle movement like walking is permitted. Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise or heavy lifting that could cause strain on the face while your muscles are adjusting to their new positions. Exercising immediately after your treatment can lead to increased muscle activity, which can cause the Botox results to weaken more quickly than if you had waited a few days before exercising. We suggest waiting at least 48 hours before engaging in any strenuous activity that may cause sweating or increased muscle activity near the injected area. If possible, try to relax and give yourself some extra time in bed – perhaps with some Netflix binging – while your body recovers from the injection process.

Do: Follow Your Provider's Instructions

Your provider should give you clear instructions on what to do after your Botox treatment. Be sure to follow their advice carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions if something isn’t clear. Your provider will offer you personalized advice depending on your individual situation, so make sure that you listen closely and follow any instructions they provide.

Don't: Touch Your Face

As tempting as it may be, avoid touching your face for at least 24 hours after getting injections. It is important not to rub or massage the areas where the injections were administered for at least 24 hours post-treatment. This can cause the Botox to spread beyond its intended area of action, resulting in unwanted side effects. This is especially important if you have any residual bruising from the procedure, as this could lead to further irritation or even infection. Additionally, refrain from applying makeup or lotion until all redness has subsided and you feel comfortable doing so.

As with any medical procedure, it's important to follow proper guidelines for post-treatment care in order for everything to go smoothly and for optimal results. When it comes to Botox aftercare specifically, the main things to remember are:

  • Don’t touch your face for at least 24 hours afterward

  • Engage in light exercise and relaxation

  • Wear sunscreen whenever possible (yes, even indoors!). 

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful results from your injectable treatments for many years!

Interested? Book an appointment today!