Although Botox is a particular brand of injections, it has become synonymous with botulinum toxin. Botox, or however you may prefer to call it, is a neurotoxic protein that causes botulism, i.e., paralysis of the muscles. However, when injected safely and in small amounts, Botox can be a powerful cosmetic tool. It has the ability to smooth out all the unwanted wrinkles that come with age. If you’re looking for Botox in Bloomingdale, IL, you know where to find it. In the meantime, you should know what to expect if you ever decide to get it. What’s more, the success of this procedure will depend highly on the quality of your Botox aftercare.
Therefore, in order to get the best results possible, there are a few guidelines you should follow. After all, not doing so will not only hinder the effects of Botox but also cause complications that could jeopardize your health.
Botox Aftercare Instructions to Go By
Before coming in to get the injections, you should avoid alcohol for at least two days. In addition, you should stay away from aspirin and ibuprofen for at least four days before the procedure. They’re blood anticoagulants and could worsen the bruising.
You should also report any other medication or supplements you might be taking to the medical professional to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the procedure.
We suggest checking out its Wikipedia page if you want to gather some more information about Botox and the science behind it. In this article, we’ll be focusing on proper Botox aftercare.
Common and Uncommon Side-Effects You Need to Be Aware of
Once the doctor completes the procedure, you can expect to see results in about two or three days. They’ll gradually become more pronounced over the course of two weeks, after which they’ll slowly start disappearing. In three to four months, the effects of Botox will most likely completely wear off.
Side-effects like swelling, bruising, drooping, tightening, and redness are normal and will most likely disappear in about a week or two. However, if you notice any other consequences, seek medical attention immediately. The occurrence of itchiness, rashes, difficulty breathing, vision problems, headaches, nausea, dizziness, etc., could mean you’re having an allergic reaction to Botox. And if the injection spots are red and extremely tender, that could indicate that you have an infection.
Still, such complications are quite rare. Besides, by opting for a certified and reliable medical professional, you’ll significantly lower the risk of them ever happening.
Exercise
Although you can go about your day after getting Botox injections, you should still take it easy for a while. As physical exercise increases blood flow, it can cause excessive bruising in the injection areas. In addition, it contracts the muscles, which can compromise the effects of Botox. Lastly, excessive moving could shift the toxin to other areas and cause complications.
Thus, your doctor will most likely recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days after the procedure.
On the other hand, doing facial exercises is highly recommended. It could speed up the process and cause the effects to show up sooner. After the procedure, you should practice smiling, frowning, and eyebrow lifting for optimal results.
Sleeping
To prevent excessive swelling, you should avoid lying down for at least four hours after the procedure. We recommend resting in a sitting position for the rest of the day.
After the four hours have passed and the Botox has settled into place, you can go to sleep as you usually would. However, you should still be careful not to put pressure on the injection spots. Try to maintain a sleeping position on your back or side rather than on your stomach.
Pain Management and Medication
Another important aspect of Botox aftercare is proper pain management. As we touched upon already, you should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other anti-inflammatory medication for a few days before and after the procedure to keep the bruising minimal. Paracetamol is a much safer, yet equally effective alternative.
Supplements such as St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E should also be avoided to ensure faster healing. Be that as it may, you should always consult your doctor before taking/stopping any treatment.
If the swelling becomes bothersome, you can apply an ice pack to the area for a short amount of time. However, make sure to press gently to avoid moving the Botox around. Arnica cream and pills have also been said to help with swelling.
Read Also: What to Do If you Chip or Damage your Teeth
Makeup and Facial Treatments
While you might be eager to treat your perfectly smooth new face with lavish beauty products, we recommend waiting at least a few hours before doing so. After that, you can continue with your regular skincare and makeup routine.
Still, you need to be careful not to apply too much pressure to the injection spots to avoid shifting the toxin to other areas. If you must, rub your face lightly.
It goes without saying that you also need to refrain from facials, massages, and treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peel, laser treatments, and others. When it comes to eyebrow waxing and other hair removal treatments, you should wait at least two weeks after getting Botox.
Other Things to Consider
Your doctor will probably also recommend that you stay away from heat to minimize the bruising. That means no hot baths, saunas, or sunbeds for at least a day after your Botox procedure.
Exposure to the sun won’t hinder the results, but it does have completely opposite effects, causing your skin to age and wrinkles to appear much quicker. Wearing sunscreen should become a part of your daily routine, regardless of Botox.
Another thing you should be cautious about is alcohol consumption. As it has blood-thinning properties, you must stay away from alcohol a few days before, as well as after the procedure.
Finally, it’s best to wait at least a day or two before flying via plane. The drastic pressure changes could cause the Botox to move, negatively affecting the outcome of the procedure.
Conclusion
Botox is a great way to correct some imperfections that you’re self-conscious about and instantly improve your appearance. However, you should follow all of these Botox aftercare tips to ensure you get the most out of the procedure and avoid any complications.
