What should you do or avoid after a botulinum toxin injection?
Botulinum toxin injections are popular for reducing expression wrinkles and fine lines and rejuvenating without surgery. Although considered safe and relatively simple, following your doctor's aftercare is essential to optimise results and minimise complications. Whether new or regular patients, understanding what to do and avoid is crucial.
This article details aftercare, what to avoid and best practices.
Why is following aftercare important?
Aftercare following botulinum toxin ensures product stays in place and acts properly in targeted muscles. Good practices can:
- Prevent migration to unwanted areas.
- Minimise side effects such as bruising or swelling.
- Optimise results by ensuring effective wrinkle and fine-line reduction.
Despite non-invasive treatment and little downtime, precautions are essential to avoid adverse effects and ensure optimal results.
What you should do after a botulinum toxin injection
- Stay upright for the first 4 hours : after injection, remain upright for at least 4 hours. This allows binding to targeted muscles and reduces migration risk. Avoid lying down, bending or movements lowering the head during this period.
- Use gentle skincare: continue care with gentle cleansers, fragrance-free moisturisers and sunscreens.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: recommendations are adapted to your specific case. Follow them carefully.
Incorrect instructions
Some doctors provide instructions that should be avoided because they can cause complications.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling: ice on the treated area causes product movement. Other muscles may then be blocked, causing side effects.
- Move facial muscles: although injected areas should not be rubbed or massaged, gentle frowning, smiling or eyebrow raising for around an hour is sometimes suggested to help integration and effectiveness. In reality, movement can displace toxin.
- Hydrate well : drink plenty of water to help recovery. Good hydration may minimise potential effects such as headaches.
In reality, hydration has no influence. Good hydration matters for general health.
What should you avoid after a botulinum toxin injection?
- Do not touch, rub or massage treated areas : avoid doing so for at least 24 hours. Touching can spread toxin to untargeted muscles, causing unwanted asymmetry or drooping eyelids.
- Avoid exercise for 48 hours: running, weight training or any activity increasing circulation or causing head movement should be avoided for at least 48 hours.
Increased circulation could disperse toxin, reducing effectiveness and increasing bruising risk.
Heat from increased circulation and head movement can cause migration. - No sauna, steam room or hot baths for 48 hours: hot environments should be avoided for at least 48 hours. Heat dilates vessels, increasing migration or bruising risk.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours: dilation can increase bruising and swelling. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after treatment.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medicines without medical advice: aspirin or ibuprofen can increase bleeding and bruising risk. Always consult your doctor before post-treatment medication to avoid interactions or adverse effects.
- Avoid facials and massages for a week: facials, massages, laser, chemical peels and laser peels should be avoided for at least a week. They can cause inflammation, compromise results and cause side effects.
- Do not wear tight helmets or hats: pressure on injected areas should be avoided for 24 hours. Excess pressure could displace toxin.
How long does it take to see botulinum toxin results?
Botulinum toxin gradually relaxes wrinkle-producing muscles.
Initial results appear within 3 to 5 days, with full effects at 7 days. A review for free touch-up is scheduled one to three weeks after initial injection to optimise results and correct asymmetry.
How long do botulinum toxin effects last?
Effects generally last 3 to 6 months depending on area, metabolism and dose. Regular treatments may last longer as muscles progressively weaken. Maintenance every 5 to 6 months is recommended according to needs and goals.
What should you do about side effects after a botulinum toxin injection?
Rare effects may include headaches, swelling, bruising or slight asymmetry. Most resolve spontaneously within days.
Here is what to do if you experience side effects.
- Take Arnica for bruising. However, bruises are very small and rare.
- Take analgesics such as paracetamol for headaches, but avoid ibuprofen or aspirin unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
- Consult your doctor with concerns or if effects persist beyond a few days.
Swelling resolves spontaneously in 10 minutes. Asymmetries are corrected at touch-up.
Choosing an experienced doctor is crucial for minimal complications and optimal results.
