BOTOX® Aftercare – Maintaining Your Results
By Dr. Corey Hartman
With over 4.4 million procedures performed in 2020, BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is one of the most common cosmetic minimally invasive procedures in the US. And, undergoing BOTOX® can represent a life-changing moment for many people.
However, while we’re focused on finding the right surgeon and preparing for the procedure, it’s easy to forget about the importance of BOTOX® aftercare. Instructions for self-care in the hours and days after the procedure are usually simple and easy to follow, but they are also vital to see and maintain the best results while avoiding any swelling or bruising.
One of the unique benefits of BOTOX® over other cosmetic procedures is that it involves minimal downtime and no interference with your daily life. Yet, how you take care of your skin after the procedure makes a difference in the long run. Here are five tips to keep in mind.
Follow Post-Treatment Instructions
Your cosmetic surgeon will give you clear instructions about looking after your skin after the BOTOX® procedure. While you can go back to work within hours of the treatment without feeling any pain, it’s important to follow these steps to avoid bruises, aches, and impaired results.
Here are some instructions to follow after the treatment, but your surgeon will offer more details depending on your specific case:
- Avoid lying down for at least four hours to prevent the Botulinum toxin from spreading
- Avoid wearing headbands
- Don’t massage the affected area
- Don’t receive other treatments such as facials
- Avoid painkillers
- Use an ice pack on bruising if this appears
Don’t Add Stress on the Treated Area
Most people experience little to no pain after the BOTOX® procedure. It’s important to remember, however, that injectables, such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, increase the sensitivity of your skin.
You should avoid rubbing, scratching, or pinching the affected area of your skin. Adding pressure to the area can also cause the BOTOX® to migrate onto another area of the face, compromising the results.
To avoid adding unnecessary pressure, make sure to avoid sleeping on the side of your face that has received BOTOX®.
Exercise Your Face – Gently!
Practicing gentle facial exercises after BOTOX® has many benefits. A recent study points out that exercising your cheeks, chin, submental area, and forehead by augmenting your expressions can speed up the BOTOX® healing process and make results appear faster. However, these exercises—such as exaggerated smiling or frowning—are also vital for giving your face a natural look.
Get Plenty of Sleep and Focus on Relaxing
As we have seen, you should not lie down or go to sleep after BOTOX® for at least four hours to avoid bruising, swelling, and poor results. However, after this time has passed, you should invest in self-care, rest, and relaxation. Make sure you’re following a balanced diet and getting enough sleep at night to promote healing and skin health.
Keep Your Heart Rate Normal
A little exercise of your facial features can help your skin regain elasticity and a natural look. However, you should strive to keep your heart rate normal and avoid any strenuous or aerobic exercise for at least 24 hours after the BOTOX® procedure.
In fact, high-intensity physical activity can cause your blood flow to increase, thus increasing the risk of moving the BOTOX® to unwanted areas of the face, further compromising the natural-looking results you might have otherwise enjoyed.
Learn More at Skin Wellness Dermatology
BOTOX® is a minimally invasive procedure that can yield impressive results. But good preparation and a talented provider aren’t the only influential factors to consider when getting the most of your BOTOX® appointment.
Proper BOTOX® recovery and aftercare are crucial for achieving the maximum, desired results. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of post-BOTOX® self-care at Skin Wellness Dermatology today!
Schedule your BOTOX® appointment today!
The benefits of BOTOX® are practically common knowledge these days, but steps for proper aftercare are lesser known. To maximize the benefits and achieve the results you’ve been dreaming about, follow these and other aftercare steps. After your procedure, your provider will go into greater detail about how you can maintain the best benefits of BOTOX®. To schedule your BOTOX® appointment, or to learn more about BOTOX® aftercare, visit Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama online, or call us today at 205-871-7332.