Botox is a common procedure that leaves your skin looking smoother and younger in just days. However, maintaining your skin and taking proper care after your injections are extremely important. Botox is a chemical known as Onabotulinumtoxina – in other words, it is a neurotoxin that causes a temporary paralysis of the muscles. On the bright side, this treatment isn’t particularly invasive, and the healing process is relatively quick. You’ll need to take some precautions, so make sure to follow your doctor’s post-botox skincare recommendations.
Procedure and Results
You’ll have a preliminary appointment with your doctor before any botox injections, so make sure to ask any questions you have and get their after-care recommendations. The process of the injections is quick and easy. On average, this procedure is safe, and very few feel any kind of side effects, but it is possible to see bruising around the injection site or extended muscle immobility. Even so, there is plenty you can do to minimize bruising and swelling. You should see results anywhere between 2-10 days after getting your treatment.
What Happens After
Botox is so convenient, it requires no downtime after. You should take it easy for the first few hours if you can. You may apply ice to ensure there’s no bruising in the area if you are especially prone to bruising. Botox works by relaxing the muscles in your face. The more relaxed the muscles are, the less they’ll pull at your skin when you make expressions, slowing down the appearance of more wrinkles. You may go back to work, school, or whatever daily life but remember to relax for the day.
Botox Aftercare Instructions
Doctors recommend not doing any strenuous exercise after receiving botox for at least 24 hours, but talk to your doctor first as some recommend not working out for longer. Exercise increases blood flow all over the body, including the face, which can increase your chances of bruising. You should also generally leave your face alone – no touching, rubbing, or poking at the just-treated area.
Talk to your doctor about which skincare products are appropriate to use in the days after. Your regular creams and washes may be fine, but certain ingredients and fragrances can irritate your sensitive skin, so your doctor may provide you with suggestions on what to use.
You should also:
- Take a break from makeup for the first 24 hours, as rubbing the face may spread the carefully-placed neurotoxin
- Avoid laying down for 4-5 hours after the procedure
- No alcohol 24 hours before or after the procedure (at least)
- Avoid hot baths and showers (make sure the water is cool or slightly warm and avoid your face)
- Exercise your face slowly after the procedure by wiggling your eyebrows, nose, and other facial muscles. Gentle face movements should help the botox settle in and assist in your skin’s recovery
Scheduling Follow-Ups and Consultations
If you need to schedule an appointment for botox, call us at the Hillelson-Whipple Clinic at 804-290-0060 and consult a doctor. Our doctors will help you decide on which treatments are the best for your skin, and advise you on any risks, side effects, aftercare instructions, and answer any questions you might have.