Any kind of cosmetic procedure requires a little aftercare — whether you’re getting fillers, a neck lift, or Botox.
Botox is a popular facial rejuvenation treatment that can reduce wrinkles and other signs of ageing. You may have read up on the benefits of Botox and how to prepare for it, but have you considered what you can and cannot do after the procedure?
The treatment itself doesn’t take very long and you won’t need to stay in a cosmetic clinic overnight. However, to get the best results and quickest recovery time, there are a few actions it’s best to avoid. Read on to learn about 5 things you shouldn’t do after getting Botox.
What shouldn’t you do after having botox?
After getting Botox injections, your recovery period should be short. You won’t need to take time off work or follow any specific skincare routines.
In the first 24 hours after your injections, you may notice a bruise at one of the injection sites. This will fade in a few days to a week and can be concealed with makeup if you wish. Headaches can occur in approximately 1% of patients treated. These subsided in 24-48 hours.
It will take 3-5 days to start to notice results from your BOTOX (R). While it might feel like you are frowning fully, the power will be much less if this was an area you had treated. It can take 2-4 weeks for the full effects to be evident. At Dr Nestor’s, we offer a 2-4 week follow-up at no extra cost if you find that you need additional injections.
If you experience any changes to vision or dropping of your brow or eyelid, seek guidance from a medical professional immediately.
The following advice will help minimise side effects and speed up your recovery process.
1. Avoid pressure to the face for 72 hours
It’s important to not apply pressure to the following treatment for a few days. (while there is no evidence for how long to avoid this for, we would recommend 3 days).
This includes facials, facial massages, eyebrow waxing/threading/ back massages where the face is pressed against a pillow, etc.
2. Don’t work out
Because it takes a bit of time for Botox to settle, it’s best to wait until the next day before exercising. As it increases blood flow, this can lead to bruising at the injections and a theoretical risk of displacing Botox, away from the intended area. You may also experience more prominent bruising if you exercise directly after your treatment.
Interestingly, small facial exercises can be beneficial. Repeating motions such as frowning, smiling, and raising your eyebrows can speed up the effects of Botox. While there is little evidence to support this, there is some evidence to suggest that exercising facial muscles BEFORE treatment can speed up the onset of results by up to one day.
3. Don’t take NSAIDs or drink alcohol
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin, are common painkillers. It might be tempting to take them to reduce any discomfort after your Botox injections, however, these medications thin the blood which can cause bruising and bleeding at the injection sites. The treatment is carried out with an extremely thin needle and any discomfort is very mild and lasts for a second.
Speak to your cosmetic practitioner for advice on taking painkillers after your procedure if you feel you need them.
Alcohol can also have the same blood-thinning effect. It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for the rest of the day after your Botox treatment.
4. Don’t sunbathe or use a sun bed
As mentioned, your skin will be sensitive after Botox injections (mostly due to the needle rather than BOTOX(R) itself). Heat and sun can cause inflammation and redness, prolonging any swelling. Avoid extremes of heat for a couple of days. When you do venture outside in hot conditions, ensure you protect your skin with SPF and wear a sunhat.
Tanning beds are also best avoided for a couple of days after treatment and ideally avoided for life. The vast majority of lines in the skin are due to sun damage. Having BOTOX(R) and then going for a sun bed is the equivalent of hitting the gym, then having Mcdonald’s and a Ben and Jerry’s for dinner.
Botox treatment in Edinburgh
If you’re looking to get Botox in Edinburgh, Dr Nestor’s Cosmetic Clinic can offer you expert advice and the highest quality treatment.
Dr Nestor only uses Botox by Allergan — this is the most extensively researched toxin and has been successfully used as an aesthetic treatment for over 20 years. The team provide safe, natural-looking results and can treat areas including crow’s feet, frown lines, gummy smiles, underarm sweating and ‘orange peel chin’
For more information on Botox and our other treatments, take a look at our aesthetic medicine services.