Botulinum Toxin - Aftercare Advice

Botulinum Toxin Aftercare

The goal of Botulinum Toxin aftercare is to encourage optimal treatment results. It can also minimize the risk of bruising and spreading to other areas.

Generally, on the day you get Botulinum Toxin, it’s a good idea to:

- Gently exercise your face
- Relax for the rest of the day
- Maintain a normal heart rate
- Avoid touching, rubbing, or physical pressure on the affected area
- Leave the treated area alone

You can also follow the best practices for Botulinum Toxin aftercare below.

Return to your normal activities

Botulinum Toxin injections don’t require any recovery time. Therefore, you won’t have to take time off work or school. You can resume your usual activities right after.

Wait 24 hours to exercise

If exercise is part of your daily routine, wait at least 24 hours to work out. Your practitioner might suggest waiting for several days.

Physical activity increases blood flow. This could potentially spread the toxin to unintended areas and reduce its effectiveness at the injection site. It also increases the risk of bruising.

Exercise also contracts your muscles, which may decrease the toxin’s effectiveness.

Go makeup-free

If you received a Botulinum Toxin injection in your face, take a break from makeup for 24 hours. Applying makeup will rub the skin, potentially dispersing the toxin.

Sit up

Sit up for the first 4 hours after getting Botulinum Toxin. Bending or lying down might spread the toxin and promote bruising.

Ask your practitioner about medications

Some medications might increase your risk of bruising. Be sure to ask your practitioner when it’s safe to start taking them again.

Precautions

Botulinum Toxin aftercare also includes some precautions. On the day of your procedure, here’s what you should keep in mind.

Don’t drink alcohol

Before getting Botulinum Toxin, you’ll be asked to avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Alcohol increases the risk of bruising.

This holds true after the procedure, too. Wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol.

Don’t touch your face

To avoid spreading the toxin, don’t touch your face for at least 1 day. Some practitioners suggest waiting 3 days.

If you got Botulinum Toxin in another part of your body, you should also avoid touching those areas.

This includes professional massages on the treated areas. It’s best to schedule your next massage several days later.

Avoid other skin treatments

Botulinum Toxin needs some time to settle into the muscle. For the first 24 hours, avoid other skin treatments like:

• Facials
• Facial massages
• Exfoliating scrubs
• Dermal fillers

Getting these treatments too soon may reduce the effectiveness of your injections.

Don’t sleep on the treated areas

Try your best to avoid sleeping on the injected areas. This will minimize the physical pressure and let the Botulinum Toxin settle into your muscles.

Also, avoid sleeping within 4 hours after your procedure.

Stay out of the sun

Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours. The heat can promote flushing and increase your blood pressure, which may encourage bruising. To be extra safe, avoid the sun for 24 to 48 hours.

It’s also best to avoid other forms of heat exposure, such as:

• Tanning bed
• Hot tubs
• Hot showers or baths
• Saunas

When to see a practitioner

After getting Botulinum Toxin, it’s typical to have redness, tenderness, and swelling. These side effects usually disappear in 1 day.

Bruising is also common. You can apply a pack of ice for relief. The bruising should go away in about 2 weeks.

But if you notice any of the following effects, seek medical help immediately:

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

Although these side effects are rare, they warrant immediate medical attention.

I confirm that potential complications for the procedure undertaken and aftercare instructions have been explained to me. I agree it is my responsibility to read and understand the information provided in this form and to follow the instructions on it, until the site has healed.