What to Know About Botox Aftercare

The thing to keep in mind about BOTOX is that there really is no downtime. The procedure is quick, non-invasive and proven to be safe. Procedures take an average of 20 minutes, after which you can go about your normal activities.

The goal of Botox 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 Botox, it’s a good idea to:

  1. Do NOT massage or apply pressure on the treated area for 6-8hrs after treatment since Botox may migrate to areas of undesirable effectiveness.
  2. Do NOT lie down for 6 hours after treatment. Also Do NOT lean forward, shower, cook over a hot stove.
  3. You MUST keep your head UPRIGHT for at least 6 hrs after injection.
  4. Avoid yoga or other rigorous exercise activities, extensive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages for the 1st 24 hours after treatment. This may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the sites of the injection.
  5. Avoid facials and saunas for 24 hours after treatment since this will decrease the chance of your blood pressure rising and thus decrease the chance of minor and temporary bruising.
  6. Try to exercise your treated muscles for about 2 hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting). This helps to work Botox Cosmetic® into your muscles. I t will NOT negatively impact your treatment if you don’t do this.
  7. Headaches are common. Botox is even used to treat headaches. However, if you have a headache we recommend you avoid aspirin or aspirin containing products. You may opt instead to use Motrin, Tylenol, and/or cool compresses. If headaches continue or worsen, contact your physician.
  8. Avoid taking Advil, Vitamin E, Ginger, Ginko, Bilboa, Ginseng, and Garlic for 2 weeks since this may increase the risk of bruising. You may shower and do most other regular daily activities.
  9. Note that any bumps or marks will go away within a few hours. If you do develop a bruise it will resolve like other bruises you have had in about a week. There is occasionally some mild pain, swelling, itching, or redness at the site of injection similar to most other injections. Redness may last for 1-2 days, rarely longer. You may apply cold compresses or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce swelling or discomfort.
  10. Results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect although many people will recognize the benefits in 3-5 days after treatment.
  11. Botox Cosmetic® is a temporary procedure. In most people the benefits of Botox last about 6 months. Sometimes a few wrinkles may start to return in 2-3months. The effectiveness of Botox will last longer with successive treatments.
  12. Initially, the physician may want to see the patient between 2-4 weeks for a brief “touch-up” and checkup of the procedure. If you allow Botox Cosmetic® to completely wear off, it is difficult for the doctor to be able to see how your individual muscles reacted and therefore optimal results for your face can be more difficult to achieve.
  13. Makeup: It is recommended that you wait 12 hours after the treatment before applying make-up.
  14. Cold compresses may be used 10 minutes on 10 minutes off to reduce swelling 2-3x per day during the 1st 1-2 days if needed.