Botox Aftercare Instructions
The goal of Botox aftercare is to encourage optimal treatment results. It can also minimize the risk of bruising and spreading to other areas.
Return to your normal activities
Botox injections don’t require any recovery time. Therefore, you won’t have to take off work or school. You can resume your usual activities right after.
Wait 24 hours to exercise
If exercise is part of your daily routine, wait at least 24 hours to work out. Your doctor might suggest waiting for several days.
Physical activity increases blood flow. This could potentially spread the toxin to unintended areas and reduce its effectiveness at the injection site. It also increases the risk of bruising.
Exercise also contracts your muscles, which may decrease the toxin’s effectiveness.
Go makeup-free
If you received a Botox injection in your face, take a break from makeup for 24 hours. Applying makeup will rub the skin, potentially dispersing the toxin.
Sit up
Sit up for the first 4 hours after getting Botox. Bending or lying down might spread the toxin and promote bruising.
Don’t drink alcohol
Before getting Botox, you’ll be asked to avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Alcohol increases the risk of bruising.
This holds true after the procedure, too. Wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol.
Don’t touch your face
To avoid spreading the toxin, don’t touch your face for at least 1 day. Some doctors suggest waiting 3 days.
If you got Botox in another part of your body, you should also avoid touching those areas.
This includes professional massages on the treated areas. It’s best to schedule your next massage for several days later.
Avoid other skin treatments
Botox needs some time to settle into the muscle. For the first 24 hours, avoid other skin treatments like:
facials
facial massages
exfoliating scrubs
dermal fillers
Getting these treatments too soon may reduce the effectiveness of your injections.
Don’t sleep on the treated areas
Try your best to avoid sleeping on the injected areas. This will minimize the physical pressure and let the Botox settle into your muscles.
Also, avoid sleeping within 4 hours after your procedure.
Stay out of the sun
Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours. The heat can promote flushing and increase your blood pressure, which may encourage bruising. To be extra safe, avoid the sun for 24 to 48 hours.
It’s also best to avoid other forms of heat exposure, such as:
tanning bed
hot tubs
hot showers or baths
saunas