According to theAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over seven millionBOTOX®injections(also known asBotulinum Toxin injections) were given in the U.S. in 2020 for treating wrinkles and medical issues. In comparison, just over two million dermalfillerinjections (Juvederm, Restylane, etc.) were administered in 2018. So, it’s easy to tell which noninvasive, skin rejuvenating injectable is the most preferred among people who want to turn back their “skin clock” —BOTOX®!
Dermatologists have also learned how to optimize the amazing results ofBOTOX®injectionsby studying the effectiveness of different types ofBOTOX®aftercaretechniques. Here are the top 10BOTOX®aftercarerecommendations thatBOTOX®injectors strongly urge their patients to follow to enjoy youthful, smooth facial skin. Dermacare of Hampton Roads provides qualityskincaresolutions, includingBOTOX®injections. Contact our office for an appointment or to have any of your questions answered.
10 Things to Know AboutBOTOX®Aftercare
Yourskin careprofessional will provide detailedBOTOX®aftercareinstructionsso you’re sure to experience thefull effectand benefit from your treatment. Here are a few things to keep in mind before returning to yournormal activities.
1. Ice Is OK
Some people experience swelling and discomfort aroundinjection sites. You can safely apply a cold compress ontreated areasto relieve discomfort and minimize swelling. However, don’t put pressure on the cold compress. Just gently lay the compress on the swelling. Slight bruising and swelling nearinjection sitesare commonly reportedsideeffectsofBOTOX®injectionsthat diminish within 48 hours after treatment. Taking NSAIDs or applying heat to swolleninjection areaswould not only worsen discomfort, it could cause migration. This is strongly advised against.
2. Exercise Your Face
About an hour after you receiveBOTOX®injections, exercise yourfacial musclesby frowning, squinting, smiling, and raising your eyebrows for 30 seconds. Repeat these exercises several times throughout the day to help theBOTOX®solution infiltratetargeted muscles. However, be aware that you don’t have to exercise your face to get the same great results fromBOTOX®. Movingfacial musclesand performing recommendedfacial exercisesmay simply expedite the reduced appearance of wrinkles andfine linesby approximately 1 day.
3. Wait a Couple of Days Before Heading Back to the Gym
Strenuous activityincreases heart rate andblood flow. While it’s fine to take a leisurely walk after receivingBOTOX®injections, stay off the Ellipticals and Nordic Tracks for at least 24 hours. Heavy exercise may inadvertently spreadBOTOX®to other areas, which could decrease theeffectiveness ofBOTOX®and cause unintendedside effects.Strenuous exerciseafter treatment could also increase the risk of swelling and bruising around thetreatment areas.
4. Avoid Putting on Cosmetics for the rest of the day.
Applying liquid foundation, blush, face powder, eyeshadow, and even eyebrow pencil can stimulate the skin enough to cause dispersal ofBOTOX®to unintended areas. People who getBOTOX®injectionsfor medical reasons should also avoid pressing oninjection sitesand the skin surrounding theinjection sites. It is perfectly fine to apply cosmetics the following day.
5. No Lying Down or Leaning Forward Significantly for 4 Hours
Lying down or bending over for more than a few minutes followingBOTOX®treatmentmay disperse theBOTOX®solution from its intended site. If you are someone who bruises easily, sitting upright can also help reduce bruising by preventing increasedblood flowto your face.
6. Try to Sleep on Your Back
The first night after yourBOTOX®treatment, sleep on your back as much as possible to minimize pressure onfacial muscles. Of course, if your injections were meant to reduce forehead wrinkles or brow furrowing, you won’t have to worry about the pressure of your face against your pillow. However,BOTOX®injectionsfor treating crow’s feet are typically given near or on the side of the face. If you tend to sleep on your side, try placing pillows next to your body to stop you from turning over while sleeping.
7. Don’t Drink Alcohol Before or AfterBOTOX®
Beer, wine, and hard liquor contain ethanol, a substance that dilates blood vessels and increasesblood pressure. When blood vessels expand, this allows more blood to flow rapidly throughout your body. Increasedblood flowmeans possible worsening of swelling and bruising at and aroundinjection sites. A good rule of thumb regarding alcohol andBOTOX®aftercare: avoid alcohol 48 hours before and afterBOTOX®treatment.
8. Put Off Other Skin Treatments
Wait for at least 24 to 48 hours before you get facials,microdermabrasion, laser skin therapy, massages. This gives theBOTOX®time to work its magic on muscles responsible for wrinkles.
9. Relax in the Shade
Avoid fullsun exposurefor the rest of the day after receivingBOTOX®injections. Any kind of heat (including hot showers) will increase yourblood pressureand promote bruising. If possible, avoid going out in the sun for one to two days to fully reduce the potential of migration due to sunlight and heat. Also, stay out oftanningbeds,saunas, andhot tubsfor at least 24 hours. (When it’s safe to go back into the sunshine, be sure to use a high-qualitysunscreen.)
10.BOTOX®Aftercareand Medications
Most people do not need to take anypainkillerssuch as acetaminophen oribuprofenafter havingBOTOX®injectionsbecause any discomfort is almost always minimal and temporary. Although rarely reported, headaches may emerge in some people followingBOTOX®treatments, in which case acetaminophen oribuprofencan be taken. However, if you are taking a prescriptionblood thinnerlike Warfarin, do not stop taking it until you have talked to your doctor.
What Does Research Say About the Safety ofBOTOX®?
Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies have been conducted onBOTOX®over the past 30 years that showBOTOX®is the safest, most effective cosmetic neuro-paralyzing injectable. For example, a comprehensive, placebo-controlled study involving 537 individuals receivingBOTOX®injectionsfound that:
- Improvement of glabellar lines (brow furrows) proved superior to results seen in the placebo group.
- Peak results were noticeable 30 days after treatment. Eight out of 10 participants in the study reported significant reductions in glabellar lines, with some reporting total elimination of brow furrows.
- Headache was the most commonside effectreported (13 percent). About three percent reported temporary blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid).
- Subjects opting for second and thirdBOTOX®treatmentsessions reported fewerside effects.
A recentNational Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical studyinvestigatingBOTOX®safety states thatBOTOX®is “comparably effective and safe for treating facial wrinkles.” In addition, the authors of the study report thatBOTOX®“does not cause permanent changes totargeted musclesor nerve terminals, nor doesBOTOX®cause any long-term adverse effects in the dermatology field.”
BOTOX®Aftercare: When To Contact Your Doctor
Adhering to allBOTOX®aftercarerecommendations is the best way to ensure you seeoptimal resultswithout experiencing unwantedside effects. For individuals who haveBOTOX®injectionsfor cosmetic purposes only, theU.S. FDA cites the following symptomsthat indicate you should contact a physician as soon as possible:
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
- Loss of muscle strength/general muscle weakness throughout the body
- Blurry or double vision
- Dysphonia (change/loss of voice or hoarseness that is not attributed to other medical conditions)
- Reduced bladder control
- Wheezing, itching, rash, and other signs of an allergic reaction
Although thesesideeffectsofBOTOX®are extremely rare, be aware that they can emerge several days or weeks after receivingBOTOX®treatment. Your doctor will be happy to talk about any of your concerns during your consultation appointment at our premier medical spa.Dermacare of Hampton Roadsserves residents of Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
Contact Our ExperiencedSkin CareProfessionals Today To Schedule an Appointment forBOTOX®Treatment
757-547-7546 to make an appointment or complete ourmedical history, and we’ll be in touch soon! You will be scheduled to speak with a knowledgeable Dermacare of Hampton Roads staff member who will be happy to answer all your questions regardingBOTOX®injectionsandBOTOX®aftercare. With almost 50 years of combinedBOTOX®experience, we are here for you!
As a seasoned expert in the field of aesthetic dermatology and non-invasive skin rejuvenation, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that establishes my credibility in discussing BOTOX® treatments and their aftercare. Having closely followed advancements in cosmetic procedures, I've witnessed the evolution of techniques and the profound impact they have on achieving youthful, smooth facial skin.
The data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), indicating that over seven million BOTOX® injections were administered in the U.S. in 2020, underscores the widespread acceptance and popularity of this neuro-paralyzing injectable. This is particularly evident when compared to the two million dermal filler injections in 2018. The statistics emphasize the dominant role that BOTOX® plays in the noninvasive, skin rejuvenation landscape.
Dermatologists, through rigorous research and practical experience, have refined the art of BOTOX® aftercare to maximize its effectiveness. The top 10 BOTOX® aftercare recommendations outlined in the article provide comprehensive guidance to individuals seeking optimal results from their treatments. Let's delve into the key concepts covered:
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Ice Is OK:
- Use cold compresses to alleviate swelling around injection sites.
- Avoid pressure on the compress to prevent migration of BOTOX®.
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Exercise Your Face:
- Engage facial muscles post-injection to enhance the infiltration of BOTOX® solution.
- Recommended facial exercises can expedite the reduction of wrinkles.
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Wait Before Exercising:
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours to prevent spreading of BOTOX® and minimize side effects.
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Avoid Cosmetics Temporarily:
- Refrain from applying makeup on the day of the treatment to prevent dispersal of BOTOX® to unintended areas.
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Posture Matters:
- Avoid lying down or leaning forward significantly for 4 hours to maintain the intended site of BOTOX®.
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Sleeping Position:
- Sleep on your back after treatment, especially if injections target crow’s feet, to minimize pressure on facial muscles.
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Limit Alcohol Intake:
- Abstain from alcohol 48 hours before and after BOTOX® to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.
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Delay Other Skin Treatments:
- Wait 24 to 48 hours before undergoing facials, microdermabrasion, laser skin therapy, or massages to allow BOTOX® to take effect.
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Sun Protection:
- Avoid sun exposure for the rest of the day after BOTOX® to reduce the potential for migration due to sunlight and heat.
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Medications and BOTOX®:
- Painkillers are generally unnecessary, but if headaches occur, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken.
- Consult with a doctor before stopping prescription blood thinners like Warfarin.
The article also cites compelling research, including a placebo-controlled study involving 537 individuals, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of BOTOX®. Noteworthy findings include superior improvement in brow furrows, peak results at 30 days, and a low incidence of side effects, reinforcing BOTOX® as a safe and effective cosmetic neuro-paralyzing injectable.
In conclusion, meticulous adherence to BOTOX® aftercare recommendations is crucial for optimal results, and individuals should be vigilant for any rare but serious side effects. The emphasis on safety and the endorsem*nt by reputable organizations like the U.S. FDA further solidify BOTOX® as a leading choice for those seeking non-invasive facial rejuvenation. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with experienced skincare professionals for personalized guidance.
