Botox has been a household name for decades for a good reason – it has a long track record as a safe, minimally invasive way to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It’s a quick, minimally invasive in-office treatment with long-term preventive benefits.
Even with non-surgical procedures, you should still follow specific guidelines to ensure you receive your ideal outcome and maximize your results. In this blog post, we’ll give you our top five Botox aftercare tips.
What Is Botox, and How Does It Work?
Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it disrupts how facial muscles respond to nerve signals from the brain. By relaxing the muscles that enable you to make expressions like squinting and frowning, we can prevent deep lines such as crow’s feet and brow furrows from forming.
By partnering with an experienced injector like our aestheticians at M Spa Face & Body, you can exclusively target the intended areas with more natural results. Our expert cosmetic injectors will tailor your Botox procedure for ideal results, while reducing side effects such as excessive swelling and bruising at the injection site.
The Importance of Botox Aftercare
Botox aftercare is an essential part of your recovery. These best practices can make your treatment more effective, prevent unwanted side effects, and prolong your results.
1. Avoid Touching the Treated Area
Rubbing, scratching, or touching the spots where you had Botox administered can make the product migrate before it’s had a chance to settle into your muscles. You should avoid facials, exfoliating scrubs, and similar procedures for at least 24 hours. When cleansing your face, use a mild soap and your fingertips to gently cleanse and then pat dry with a clean towel. Use the same technique with your serums and moisturizers.
2. Stay Upright and Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Strenuous exercises, such as heavy lifting, running, Pilates, or vigorous yoga sessions, can cause the Botox to spread to an unintended area. Though it’s unlikely this will cause any long-term damage, it may reduce your treatment’s effectiveness. Sweat, bacteria from gym equipment, and the excess oil production caused by exercise can also increase your risk of infection. Give yourself a full day or two before returning to your usual exercise routine.
Additionally, avoid sleeping horizontally on your back, as this can also cause Botox to spread. Instead, sleep in a slightly upright position with your head elevated on pillows to ensure the Botox injections remain in place.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure
Living in Texas, you probably know a thing or two about hot weather. Excessive heat or sun exposure elevates your blood pressure and causes your skin to flush. As a result, you can experience increased bruising around the injection sites and a longer wait time to see your desired results.
Stay out of direct sunlight, tanning beds, saunas, hot tubs, and overly hot showers or baths for 48 hours after your procedure.
4. Refrain From Consuming Alcohol and Blood-Thinning Medications
Alcohol and medications such as ibuprofen and Advil thin the blood, which can lead to excessive bruising around the affected areas. Please avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and taking medications for at least 24 hours after your Botox treatment to allow your blood to clot properly and reduce unwanted bruising.
5. Follow Your Provider’s Instructions
Finally, check in with your provider for any additional guidelines you should follow. For example, if you’re currently taking prescription medications, be sure to ask if they might affect your Botox treatment. You can also run your current skin care routine with them to ensure your products are compatible. Your M Spa Face & Body clinician will also give you in-depth instructions on caring for your skin and maximizing your Botox treatment. Closely follow these directions to receive the best results and longest-lasting effects.
Let’s Talk Botox at M Spa Face & Body in Webster, TX!
At M Spa Face and Body, we’ve offered Botox to our Texas patients for years. Coupled with our precise injections, this advice will help you see stunning, long-lasting results from your treatment.
Though Botox has had FDA approval for years, you may still be brand-new to the treatment. Your aesthetic journey begins with a personalized consultation at our accredited plastic surgery facility in Webster, TX. Your Botox expert will examine your skin, customize your treatment plan, work within your budget, and perform a treatment that can boost your self-confidence and defy the effects of aging. Contact us today to get started and see if Botox treatments are right for you!