A perpetual high performer in the cosmetic world, Botox offers consistent, impressive and, best of all, safe outcomes for patients who long for a more youthful facial appearance.
However, to ensure the best possible results, it may be best to:
- Continue to stay away from blood thinning medication. You should continue to avoid any medications with blood thinning properties for at least the first 24 hours after your injections. This will help minimize any bruising.
- Avoid strenuous activities. There really isn’t much of a “downtime” with injectables, but it’s still a good idea to limit your activity levels for at least the first day. Avoiding high-energy workouts can help your body recover. It also gives the product time to “settle” so your results don’t move or appear uneven.
- It can take 2 to 7 days for your results to become visible. During that period, avoid rubbing the injection site.
- Avoid heat. For the first 24 hours after your injections you should avoid hot showers or baths. Heat causes the blood vessels in your skin to open up, allowing more blood through, which increases the chances of bruising.
- Ice the injection site. Using a simple ice pack on your injection sites will help with any minor swelling that might occur, as well as reduce the risk of bruising. The sooner you do this after the procedure, the more the risks are reduced. Use ice packs for short periods of 20 seconds or less: any longer and you risk “burning” your skin with the extreme cold. Be sure to discuss this with your injector; some injectors prefer that their patients avoid using ice.
- Sleep on your back. This will reduce the risk of the injected product moving during the night, causing unwanted side effects.
- Exercise the treated muscles for an hour or two after the procedure. For example, practice frowning, raising your eyebrows, or squinting, depending on what your treatment targeted. This helps the injection work its way into the muscle.
- Stay upright for four hours after your injection. Don’t “rest your head” or lie down, as it may cause the Botox to move out of the treated area. A lot of patients choose to have their injections done in the morning or around lunch, so they aren’t tempted to go back to bed.
- Follow up with your doctor. The recovery associated with these kinds of injection procedures is usually very swift but it can be even easier if you stay in contact with your doctor. That way, if you notice any abnormalities or complications, or you have any questions about your recovery, your doctor is only a phone call away.
- Go for touch ups. If, in the end, you’re not completely happy with your results, or you simply need a little “touch up” to meet your goal, feel free to make another appointment.
