After Care & Pre Care: Botox Injection
Are you thinking of getting botox injections for the first time? Or getting it for a second or third time? We know that a series of questions will be running through your head.
“Can I put on makeup after Botox or is it ok to wash my face?”…
While the procedure is quick and relatively simple, it is important to know how to prepare for botox beforehand and what aftercare steps to follow. In this blog, we will guide through all aspects of Botox treatment pre-care, aftercare, and recovery, ensuring that you achieve the best possible results from your Botox injections.
Table of Contents
Botox Injection: What & Why?
Botox, derived from the botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles. It is used for a variety of medical and cosmetic purposes including forehead creases, frown lines, sagging brows and eyelids, crow’s feet and sagging cheeks. Botox injections are quick, minimally invasive, and usually involve minimal discomfort, making it a go-to option for those looking to reduce signs of aging.
The toxins prevent the muscles from contracting and as a result wrinkles and fine lines diminish, giving the skin a smoother appearance and tone. To know more about botox injections read: Top Things to Know about Botox.
Pre care for Botox Treatment
Once you decide to get a botox injection, it’s necessary to understand the botox treatment precare. It will help you achieve optimal results and minimize any side effects after your Botox injections. It includes:
- Ask your dermatologists regarding your concerns about botox along with sharing your medical history, current medications, allergies and medical conditions.
- Schedule the botox injections 4 weeks prior to special events for complete healing and optimal results.
- Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen (generic, Advil, Aleve or Motrin), Vitamin E and fish oil or omega-3s one week prior to prevent bruising. Consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication.
- Avoid waxing, tweezing, bleaching, hair removal creams and anti aging products including retinols, retinoids etc for three days prior.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine at least 24 hours prior to treatment to prevent the risk of bruising.
- Have some or meal before your appointment.
- Drink plenty of water and keep your skin hydrated and moisturized in the days leading up to your treatment.
Aftercare for Botox Treatment
Proper botox aftercare is necessary to ensure the best results and avoid further complications such as bruising. The aftercare steps include:
| Do’s | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Apply cold compress or ice pack as needed if you’re experiencing any discomfort. | Don’t manipulate the treated area for three hours following injections. |
| Stay upright for three to four hours after Botox. | Don’t perform strenuous activities including straining, heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for twenty four hours following treatment. |
| Do facial exercises like frowning, smiling, and raising your eyebrows. | Don’t receive facial, laser treatments or microdermabrasion for at least seven days. |
| Apply sun cream in the treatment area to protect it from sun damage. | Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after the botox injection. |
| Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins. | Avoid sleeping in the injecting area. |
| Apply makeup only after 24 hours following botox. | Don't rub or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours. |
| Do facial exercises like frowning, smiling, and raising your eyebrows after one hour of botox injections. | Avoid going out in the sun for one to two days and stay out of tanning beds, saunas, and hot tubs for at least 24 hours. |
Recovery Timeline for Botox Injection
After the Botox treatment, people may start noticing the desired effects around the third or fourth day. Full results will be visible within 10 to 14 days. The botox injection recovery time can be divided into:
- Immediately after treatment: You may experience slight redness, swelling, or mild bruising at the injection sites, but this typically subsides within a few hours to a day.
- 1-3 days post-treatment: You might start noticing subtle changes in your facial muscles. It’s important to be patient, as the full effect of Botox doesn’t appear immediately.
- 7-14 days post-treatment: The full results of the treatment will be visible within this period. Your skin will look smoother, with reduced wrinkles and lines in the treated areas.
- 3-6 months post-treatment: The effects of Botox generally last for 3 to 6 months. As the Botox wears off, muscle activity will gradually return, and wrinkles may reappear. Regular follow-up treatments can help maintain results.
If you choose botox injections, you will need to undergo follow up treatments every six or seven months for optimal results. Along with that follow the after care routine and healthy lifestyle for a glowing and youthful appearance. Book an appointment with us for the best dermatology Clinic in Ajman. With excellent infrastructure and board-certified dermatologists, we will guide you through the botox journey.