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Botox: What to do before and after Botox


Woman looking in mirror

I am considering Botox - what now? 


You’ve come to the right place. 


While Botox has become quite the regular treatment - just like you get your nails done routinely - there are a few important steps you need to know to achieve the most successful and satisfying results. 


How to prepare for Botox


Select the right clinic

Researching and choosing a reputable provider is crucial to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Botox should only be performed by a qualified and experienced professional. Throughout the research process, make sure to ask for recommendations and read reviews (and check out before and after Botox photos!)


How do you know if you’ve found an appropriate provider?

An experienced, qualified aesthetician will conduct a thorough consultation to fully understand your desires, expectations, and of course, worries. The provider should also share with you all the necessary information about the procedure - how many units will be needed, the cost, potential side effects, and answer any of your questions. 


Following the consultation, you should be able to make an informed, confident decision about whether or not to undergo the Botox treatment. 


Plan your schedule

You may have temporary side effects after Botox injections, including redness, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Make sure to schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks before any important event or special occasion to allow any potential side effects to subside. 


Aftercare prep

The Botox aftercare is just as important as the Botox preparations - to allow for the best results, you’ll want to allow yourself proper downtime, make sure to follow post-Botox instructions, and schedule a follow-up appointment. 


What to do before Botox?

Wash your face

Make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly - obviously, this includes taking off any makeup and using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. Before the treatment, it is recommended to skip your skincare routine - which includes avoiding the application of any moisturizer or other skincare products. 


Hydrate 

Hydration is crucial both before and after Botox injections. Not only can water calm the nerves before the treatment, but it enhances the efficiency of the procedure, improves the skin elasticity, and minimizes side effects. 


Did you know: When your body is well-hydrated, it promotes better circulation - allowing the neurotoxin to reach its intended destination. 


Exercise

You should plan your workout schedule accordingly to allow yourself a good training session before your Botox treatment (and avoid exercising at least 24 hours post-Botox injections). 


Working out helps dilate blood vessels - allowing for improved blood flow. This increased circulation is ideal for Botox treatments because it can aid in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to your skin. Not to mention that exercising can help open your skin’s pores allowing for better absorption of the Botox solution. 


Apply numbing cream

In order to minimize discomfort, many patients opt for numbing cream. It is important to give your provider a heads up during your consultation, allowing them to prepare accordingly. You should plan to apply the numbing cream 30 minutes before your Botox treatment.  


What not to do before Botox?

Avoid blood thinning medication

One week before undergoing Botox injections, avoid taking blood thinning medication such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil, as well as certain supplements like fish oil or vitamin E. These medications and supplements may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site. 


Skip wine night

You should avoid drinking wine at least one week before Botox injections. Wine, especially red wine, can increase the chances of bruising on your face.


Don’t eat garlic

Garlic can thin your blood - and that isn’t ideal for Botox injections. So, its recommended to skip garlic-centered foods. 


Botox aftercare


What to do after Botox

Eat antioxidant-rich foods

Botox injections can cause temporary inflammation at the injection sites. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the skin, alleviate discomfort, and promote faster healing. Some foods to add to your Botox prep shop: berries, oranges, kiwis, spinach, kale, bell peppers, and green tea. 


Avoid alcohol

Alcohol consumption can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising. After Botox injections, there may be some minor bruising at the injection sites. Drinking alcohol can exacerbate this and lead to more noticeable bruising, which may take longer to heal.


Alcohol can interfere with the body's natural healing process. After receiving Botox injections, the body needs time to adjust to the treatment and repair any minor tissue damage caused by the injections. Consuming alcohol can slow down this process and prolong the recovery time.


It's best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours after getting Botox injections to minimize the risk of complications and ensure optimal results.


Limit salt intake

High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention in the body, causing swelling or edema. After Botox injections, there may be some minor swelling at the injection sites, which is a normal response to the procedure. However, excessive sodium intake can exacerbate this swelling, making it more noticeable and potentially prolonging the recovery time.


High sodium intake can lead to dehydration, as the body needs to retain more water to balance out the increased sodium levels. Dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation and may not heal as quickly. After Botox injections, it's essential to stay well-hydrated to support the healing process and optimize the results of the treatment.


Gently exercise the face 

For 15 to 20 minutes after you receive Botox injections, exercise your facial muscles by frowning, squinting, smiling, and raising your eyebrows for 30 seconds. This helps the Botox solution infiltrate targeted muscles.


What not to do after Botox

Do not lie down 

Ideally, you should stay upright for at least 4 hours post-Botox treatment. If you lay down or bend over excessively, you risk causing the toxins migrating to other unintended muscles. While sleeping, it is recommended to try and avoid sleeping on the injection site - giving the Botox ample time to settle in the muscles. 


Avoid touching the injection site

It’s important to keep the injection site clear for the first 24 hours in order to avoid the chances of the toxins spreading to unintended muscles. This includes applying makeup or getting a facial massage.  


Skip your workout session

Refrain from strenuous exercise or activities for the first 24 hours post-treatment. This can help prevent the migration of the toxin to unintended areas.


Stay out of the sun

After Botox injections, there may be temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. Sun exposure can exacerbate these effects by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the skin, potentially worsening bruising and prolonging its duration.


Sun exposure can also cause inflammation in the skin, which may interfere with the healing process and the efficacy of the Botox treatment. Inflamed skin is more prone to swelling and may not respond as well to the Botox injection.


It is recommended to stay out of the sun (and tanning beds!) at least 48 hours post Botox treatment. 


Botox Frequently Asked Questions


How long after Botox can you lay down? 

The main reason why you should avoid lying down after getting Botox injections is to prevent the toxins from spreading to other locations in the face (where it wasn’t intended). 


Most providers suggest not lying down for at least 4-6 hours after getting Botox injections. And, following that period, it is recommended to place a pillow under your head for extra elevation. 


How long after Botox can you work out?

To achieve the best results out of your Botox treatment, providers recommend refraining from exercise for at least 24 hours after your Botox injections. While light walking is okay, patients should avoid any workouts that cause their heart rate to exceed 130. 


How long after Botox can I sleep on my side?

Waiting at least 4 hours before laying on one side of your face is recommended. Botox takes a few hours to settle into place and lying down may cause the toxin to migrate to other muscles. 


Patients should plan to sleep on their backs with their heads slightly elevated for at least 2 nights after getting Botox injections. 


How long after Botox can you get a facial?

According to qualified providers, it is recommended to wait at least a week before getting a facial treatment after getting Botox injections. Patients should give the Botox time to settle accordingly before administering pressure on the injection sites. 


For more advanced facial treatments (ones that involve semi-invasive technology or techniques), providers suggest waiting longer than one week. 


Before heading to your first consultation, try out different aesthetic treatments (virtually of course) in order to come prepared. Thankfully, we can help you out with our free AI virtual simulator which allows you to visualize different aesthetic treatments on your face. 


If you’d like more information about aesthetic treatments or want to book a consultation immediately, don’t waste any more time and reach out here. 



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