Botox is great for minimizing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, but treatment with this injectable neurotoxin requires a little bit of special aftercare. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to explain what not to do after Botox and to provide answers to these common questions:
- Can I wash my face after Botox?
- Can I lay down after treatment?
- When can I exercise again after Botox?
- When should I return for a follow-up appointment?
- How can I maximize my results?
Read on to learn the answers to all these questions and more.
Follow These 12 Simple Dos and Don’ts After Botox
At Chasing Vanity Medi Spa in Grand Rapids, MI, we can help you achieve smoother, fuller, and younger-looking skin with Botox. We will take excellent care of you while you’re in our office, but once you leave, there are some important dos and don’ts after Botox that you must follow in order to achieve the best possible results from treatment.
1. Do Keep the Injection Sites Clean
Even though the injection sites are tiny, they still penetrate your skin. As such, they should be treated like any other wound. It’s important that you keep the area clean and free of any dirt, sweat, or other possible irritants.
2. Don’t Use a Fragranced Soap
Once people learn they can wash their face, the next question is usually, “Can I wash my face after Botox using my regular body wash?” However, we recommend you avoid any fragranced soap that may irritate the injection sites. Instead, opt for a mild cleanser and very gently clean the area.
3. Do Schedule Your Follow-Up Appointment
A follow-up appointment is recommended after receiving Botox so that we can make sure your body is responding well to treatment. We will also check to make sure that the Botox has not migrated. We usually like to schedule a follow-up appointment for approximately two weeks after treatment.
4. Don’t Lay Down for at Least 4 Hours
It’s important to remain awake and upright for at least four to six hours after receiving Botox injections. If you lay down immediately after treatment, the Botox could migrate and affect other facial muscles.
Most people choose to get Botox in the morning or early afternoon so that by the time they’re ready to go to bed, it has been well over four hours.
5. Do Exercise the Treated Facial Muscles
After treatment, exercising your muscles by smiling, frowning, and making other facial expressions may be able to help the Botox solution settle into the targeted muscles.
It’s important to note that your results will not be negatively impacted if you forget to do this, but many people believe it can help enhance the effects of Botox and bring about quicker results.
6. Don’t Perform Any Strenuous Activities for at Least 24 Hours
Take it easy for the first 24 hours after treatment, and do not attempt any strenuous activities or vigorous exercise. Doing so could cause unwanted swelling and irritation to the injection sites.
7. Do Stay Hydrated
Hydration plays a big role in the appearance of your skin. Being dehydrated can cause your skin to look dry, dull, and just less healthy overall. So make sure to stay hydrated in order to maximize the results seen after Botox.
8. Don’t Drink Alcohol
You don’t have to swear off alcohol forever, but it is important to refrain from drinking for at least the first 24 hours after Botox treatment. Not only does alcohol dehydrate your body, but it may also cause redness or irritation at the injection sites.
9. Do Sleep on Your Back
The first night after receiving Botox, it is a good idea to sleep on your back rather than on your stomach or your side. This minimizes the amount of pressure put on the treated areas and allows the Botox to finish settling into the targeted muscles.
10. Don’t Rub the Treated Areas
Do not rub, manipulate, or apply any pressure to the treated areas for at least four hours after Botox treatment. Rubbing or massaging your face could cause the Botox solution to spread to unwanted areas.
You may wonder, “How can you wash your face after Botox without rubbing it?” Usually, by the time you need to wash your face, it has been more than four hours since treatment. Still, try to wash the area gently without applying any pressure to your skin.
11. Do Avoid Other Skin Treatments
When it comes to what not to do after Botox, this is one of the most important items. Other skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels can interfere with the Botox recovery process and should be avoided for at least 14 days after treatment.
12. Don’t Apply Makeup for 24 Hours
Makeup may cause irritation around the injection sites, so it’s best to avoid makeup application for the first 24 hours after Botox treatment. This also helps minimize any chance of infection at the injection sites.
How to Learn More
When you come in for a consultation at Chasing Vanity Medi Spa in Grand Rapids, MI, we go over everything you need to know about proper preparation and aftercare for Botox.
However, if you forget something we say or just need some clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to us — even if it’s just to ask a simple question like, “Can you wash your face after Botox?”
To learn more about Botox and the dos and don’ts after Botox, give us a call today.