What Should I Expect After Botox?

Botox is the number one cosmetic procedure performed worldwide. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and prevent new ones from forming. Because it blocks nerve signals, it also can help lazy eye, neck spasms, and even overactive bladders. 

Typically, there is no set recovery period after a Botox treatment. Because the procedure is noninvasive, you can resume most everyday activities immediately. However, there are some easy-to-follow tips to help ensure a picture-perfect outcome, including the following:

• Perform facial exercises, such as frowning, smiling, and raising eyebrows. These gentle exercises can actually help the Botox start to work. 
• Return to work and school while your treatment begins to work.  
• Do not lie down for at least three hours after your Botox treatment. You do not want to run the risk of spreading the Botox to other areas. Try to avoid sleeping directly on or distorting the treated area when you sleep. 
• Avoid rubbing or scratching your face in the area that was treated. You may want to consider going makeup-free for 24 hours to avoid rubbing but if not, apply makeup very gently.
• Wait for more than 24 hours to get a facial or massage that includes the head. You do not want to apply pressure on the treated areas. 
• Avoid tanning booths, hot tubs, and spas for at least four hours after treatment. Heat can raise your blood pressure and lead to bruising in the treated areas. 
• Do not do any vigorous exercise for at least two days after treatment. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, and consequently, the risk of bruising.
• Keep out of the sun for 24 to 48 hours to reduce the chance of flushing in the treated area. 
• Stop using alcohol, blood thinners, and some herbal supplements for 24 hours after treatment as they can also cause bruising. Do not stop prescription medications without your doctor’s consent. 
• Avoid certain skin treatments. Botox needs some time to settle into the muscle. For the first 24 hours, avoid skin treatments such as facials and facial massages, dermal fillers, and exfoliating scrubs.

What Else Should I Do After Treatment?

If you bruise easily, the following can help:

• Put an ice pack on the site after the procedure for 15 minutes each time, every two to four hours. Icing is most effective within the first 24 hours.
• Use extra pillows under your head at bedtime to avoid pressure and control blood flow at the injection site.
• Avoid facial treatments, especially injectables, for a few days.

It is typical to have slight redness, tenderness, and swelling after your Botox treatments. These minimal side effects usually disappear within a day. If you notice any of the following rare effects, get immediate medical help:

• Muscle weakness
• Trouble swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty breathing
• Poor bladder control
• Vision changes

MAEZ Integrative Healthcare Offers a Variety of Botox Services in New Jersey

Our licensed medical professionals at MAEZ Integrative Healthcare invite you to experience the many benefits of our Botox services in New Jersey. Look and feel better with this nonsurgical technique that is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide. For an initial consultation, call us at 609-748-4110 or contact us online. Located in Linwood, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Northfield, Somers Point, Margate, Longport, and Atlantic County.