Botox Aftercare: Our Tips for Best Results

Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a popular cosmetic procedure known for reducing small imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles. Although renowned for its uses within the beauty industry, its applications extend far beyond aesthetics, encompassing a number of medical treatments, too!

However, it’s important to know how your body will feel, and the best way to take care of yourself following an appointment. We want to make sure you receive the best results, and know what to expect!

What to expect after a botox injection

Known best as the anti-wrinkle injection, botox treatments are used to improve a number of aesthetic skin concerns for a number of clients regardless of age or skin type. 

Immediately following your appointment, there is a little downtime and a few minor side effects you’ll have to care for.

Side effects you should be aware of

Swelling

The most common side effect is slight swelling and tenderness at the injection site. If it bothers you, use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling. Don’t keep the compress or ice pack on the affected area for more than 10 minutes at a time.

Bruising

While less common, slight bruising can appear after some injections. This happens when the injection hits a minor vein underneath your skin. Bruising should subside within a couple of days, but keep a watchful eye and reach out to your provider if you notice anything unusual or prolonged symptoms.

Headaches

Another less common, but possible side effect is headaches and other flu-like symptoms. Like the others, it’s normal to experience and should go away within a couple of days. 

How long do side effects from botox last?

These side effects are temporary and resolve on their own within a couple days to a week of your appointment. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it's important to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Another important thing to remember: Botox results don’t appear right away! It takes at least a couple days to a week to show their full effects, similar to how long it takes for your side effects to go away.

What to do and not do for botox aftercare 

After a botox treatment, it is incredibly important to follow the appropriate botox aftercare instructions to get the most out of your service, and minimize any negative side effects. For best results, follow the tips and tricks outlined below: 

Do not go to the gym for at least a day

Strenuous exercise within the days following your botox appointment may result in negative side effects and imperfect botox results. To prevent bruising and shifting of the botox treatment, avoid any sort of physical activity for a minimum of 24 hours and only participate in light exercise in the days following. 

Avoid any alcohol

Alcohol and botox should not mix following an appointment. Alcohol is a vasodilator which means that the likelihood of swelling and bruising are increased if consumed shortly after. Customers can drink alcohol after at least 24 to 48 hours have transpired in order to achieve the best results and avoid the potential side effects of blood thinning. 

Pause any blood-thinning medication

For the same reason as alcohol, you’ll need to stop taking any medications that have a blood-thinning side effect. You’ll also be advised ahead of your appointment to stop taking these medications. Bruising and swelling are common side effects, but you’ll have to deal with them without the use of ibuprofen. It goes away quickly, we promise!

Drink plenty of water

With any skin care service, it is always strongly recommended to stay hydrated following an appointment. Consume plenty of water to ensure that your skin looks as happy and healthy as it can following the service. 

Do not use makeup for 12 hours

Re-evaluate your skincare routine and normal daily activities to assess what products come in contact with the face. Applying makeup and other facial products can introduce bacteria to the freshly treated area, opening the door to the potential for infections.

It’s important to avoid touching your face and applying products for at least 12 hours. For best results, be sure to use a gentle cleanser to keep bacteria at bay.

Contact your medical professional

For tips on what the best practice is following your botox, be sure to consult your medical professional for a full list of potential botox side effects, as well as how best to care for your newest service. 

As a rule of thumb, try to avoid touching or excessive movement of the area to ensure that the injection settles perfectly. Additionally, clients shouldn’t sleep on the area treated with botox after at least 48 hours following their appointment. 

Emergency Fix is here to guide you through the botox experience!

Considering getting botox? Do you feel as if hyaluronic acid treatments and regular facials aren't quite doing enough to improve the quality of your skin? Come give us a visit! For the best botox that lasts, the professionals at Emergency Fix are here for all your botox and filler needs.

We’d love to utilize these competencies in helping you be the best version of you! The doors of Emergency Fix are open to you as an accessible and comfortable investment in your overall well being.