The cosmetic industry has a lot to offer us nowadays, and it’s easier than ever to look a few years younger with just the poke of a needle. BOTOX® Cosmetic is so effective at reducing dynamic wrinkles that people even use it as a preventive treatment.
However, for you to make the most of your BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, you need to be particularly mindful of your aftercare routine. In this blog, you will learn how to take care of yourself after getting BOTOX® Cosmetic so that you can enjoy all of its benefits.
What Is BOTOX® and Why Do People Get It?
BOTOX® is a neurotoxin derived from botulinum toxin, which temporarily paralyzes or immobilizes the targeted muscle. Once it’s injected, the nerves will no longer receive the signal to move into your muscles, allowing them to relax. As the days pass, the absence of unnecessary muscle contractions will enable your skin to become smoother, reducing the intensity of your wrinkles.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is often used to treat issues like gummy smiles, crow’s feet, or smile lines. However, BOTOX® can also treat conditions like excessive sweating or even chronic migraines.
What to Do After BOTOX®?
After getting a BOTOX® injection, regardless of its reason, there are several aftercare steps that you need to take. Here is what you should do:
1. Be Careful of the Medication You Take
Some medications have the potential to increase inflammation after a BOTOX® Cosmetic injection. You can take some Tylenol or use arnica gel to soothe the pain, but you should steer clear of blood-thinning options like ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, or vitamin E. You should check with our providers during the consultation if you are concerned about pain or inflammation.
2. Apply Ice Packs
After BOTOX® injections, you may notice some bruising and swelling. This is a normal reaction to needles and the body accommodating foreign substances. To reduce the swelling and bruising, you can reduce the blood flow by applying cold compresses on the area several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Drink a Lot of Water
BOTOX® may have the potential to dehydrate the body, which can significantly increase your levels of bruising. Your body also needs to be hydrated in order to heal, something that water can significantly help you with. Drinking plenty of water in the days following your BOTOX® procedure can be beneficial to your recovery and results.
Things to Avoid After BOTOX®
There are also some things you should avoid doing after a BOTOX® procedure. This includes:
1. Going to the Gym
Exercise gets your blood flowing faster than usual, which can increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling. Your sweat can also be packed with toxins and bacteria that may irritate the skin when it comes in contact with the injection point. We recommend that you avoid the gym or any intense exercise for the next 24 to 48 hours. Try an easy walk instead if you are looking to get your body moving!
2. Applying Pressure to Your Face
In the first few hours after getting the BOTOX® treatment, the neurotoxin will settle in your skin and start doing its magic. By scratching, or applying any kind of pressure to your face, you can potentially cause the BOTOX® to migrate. So, make sure to use gentle motions when washing your face.
3. Using Makeup
Applying makeup right after BOTOX® Cosmetic can be bad for numerous reasons. First, your skin needs to heal and breathe, something that it can’t do if it’s covered by makeup. Secondly, using makeup means you will apply pressure to the area, which can cause the BOTOX® Cosmetic to travel to other areas of the face. If you really cannot avoid makeup, make sure to apply it using light touches.
The Bottom Line
BOTOX® can give you natural, worthwhile results whether used medically or cosmetically. Still, if you want to enjoy the full benefits of the treatment, then it is important to be very careful with your aftercare routine. Contact Metropolitan Skin Clinic and schedule an appointment for BOTOX® and find out everything you need to do before and after the session.
For more information about BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic, you can contact Metropolitan Skin Clinic at 952-288-2230. We will offer you all the information that you need. You can also book an appointment for our services, and we can provide all the guidance that you need.
Please select a virtual or in-person consultation or call us (952) 288-2230
