Botox is an injectable cosmetic medication that paralyzes your muscles temporarily. It uses a neurotoxin called onobotulinumtoxinA, made by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The injection uses a diluted amount of the toxin to prevent muscles from contracting, allowing wrinkles to soften and relax. Botox injections are considered to be safe.
At Kumar Aesthetics, Dr. Kumar uses his years of experience and excellent injectable techniques to help you achieve your desired look.
Regardless of why you’re using Botox, a few crucial aftercare guidelines will help you avoid bruising and achieve the desired outcomes.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox inhibits nerve signals to the muscles. As a result, injected muscles cannot contract (tense up). These effects are usually transitory, but they can last for months. The primary area of concern determines the muscle that is injected. Several areas can be treated in a single session.
What Aesthetic Issues Can Botox Treat?
Botox cosmetic injections are used to treat the signs of aging. This procedure can smooth fine lines and wrinkles on your face in a variety of locations, including:
- Forehead
- Eyebrows
- Eyes (crow’s feet)
- Lips
- Nose
- Jawline
- Neck
- Chin
What Medical Conditions Can Be Treated With Botox?
Botox has been utilized in the medical field for decades.
These injections can be prescribed for the following conditions:
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- Excessive muscle contractions (dystonia)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Eyelid twitching
- Chronic migraines
- Overactive bladder
- Pediatric upper limb spasticity
- Cervical dystonia
- Adult spasticity
- Blepharospasm
What to Do After Botox Treatment
Your skin care specialist will provide detailed Botox aftercare recommendations to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. Here are a couple things to consider before returning to your normal activities.
Apply a Cold Compress or Ice
Some people develop swelling and pain near injection sites. Apply a cold compress to the affected regions to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. However, do not apply any pressure to the cold compress.
Simply place the compress on the swelling. Botox injections are usually associated with mild bruising and edema at the injection sites, which resolve within 48 hours. Applying heat to swollen injection sites and taking NSAIDs, not only makes the pain worse but might also promote migration. This is strongly discouraged.
Exercise Your Face
Exercise your face muscles for 30 seconds after receiving Botox injections by frowning, squinting, smiling, and lifting your brows. Repeat these movements numerous times throughout the day to aid in the infiltration of the Botox solution into the targeted muscles.
Try Sleeping on Your Back
On the first night following your Botox treatment, try to sleep on your back as much as possible to relieve strain on your face muscles. Of course, if the injections were intended to eliminate forehead wrinkles or brow furrowing, you won’t have to worry about your face pressing against your pillow.
On the other hand, botox injections for crow’s feet are often administered close to or on the side of the face. If you sleep on your side, consider arranging pillows next to your body to keep you from rolling over.
Relax in the Shade
After getting Botox injections, avoid complete sun exposure for the remainder of the day. Heat of any sort (even hot baths) raises blood pressure and promotes bruising. Avoid going out into the sun for one to two days, if possible, to eliminate the possibility of migration caused by sunshine and heat. Also, refrain from using tanning beds, saunas, or hot tubs for at least 24 hours. (When it’s safe to return to the sun, use high-quality sunscreen.)
What Not to Do After Botox Treatment
Don’t go to the gym for a couple of days. Strenuous exercise raises the heart rate and blood flow. While it is acceptable to go for a leisurely stroll after obtaining Botox injections, avoid Nordic Tracks and ellipticals for at least 24 hours.
Heavy activity may inadvertently distribute Botox to other areas, reducing its efficacy and causing unwanted adverse effects. Exercise that is strenuous following treatment may raise the risk of edema and bruise around the treatment locations.
Avoid Wearing Makeup for the Remainder of the Day
Applying liquid foundation, blush, face powder, eyeshadow, and even eyebrow pencils to the skin might cause Botox to spread to other places. It is entirely OK to apply makeup the next day.
No Significant Lying Down or Leaning Forward During 4 hours
Lying down or leaning over for more than a few minutes after a Botox treatment may cause the Botox solution to spread away from its intended site. Sitting up straight can also help decrease bruising by avoiding increased blood flow to your face if you are prone to bruising.
Do Not Consume Alcohol Before or After Botox
Beer, wine, and hard liquor all include ethanol, which dilates blood vessels and raises blood pressure. When blood vessels dilate, more blood may flow quickly throughout your body. Swelling and bruising at and around injection sites may develop as blood flow increases. A solid rule for Botox aftercare is to avoid alcohol 48 hours before and after treatment.
Delay Other Skin Treatments
You should wait at least 48 hours before getting facials, microdermabrasion, laser skin therapy, or massages. This allows Botox to perform its magic on the muscles that cause wrinkles.
Botox Cosmetic & Injectable Services Available in Franklin, Tennessee
Botox and other procedures are available at Kumar Aesthetics Institute to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Dr. Sujay Kumar is a board-certified physician, master injector, and trainer with extensive experience providing Botox and injectable treatments. He uses the most up-to-date techniques to deliver outstanding results.
Call our offices to speak with a representative or schedule a consultation online today!
