Botox® injections treat thin lines and wrinkles caused by the inevitable aging process, hereditary conditions, sun exposure, and muscle spasms. It doesn’t act as a filler substance; instead, it’s a protein that relaxes the underlying muscles by temporarily blocking nerve impulses that create lines and wrinkles on your face.
This process must be repeated every three months to prolong the effects of the therapy; however, it’s not the end-all alternative to stop aging. Sometimes, conjunctive treatments with hyaluronic acid, peelings, and laser application can coexist with Botox® for a longer-lasting and more thorough approach.
Before diving into the specifics of Botox® aftercare, it’s important to remember that this treatment is inadvisable for people who suffer from degenerative muscle diseases like multiple sclerosis, pregnancy and active breastfeeding, infections on the injection area, those with unrealistic expectations about the effects of the treatment, psychologically unstable patients, and medications that interfere with Botox®.
Though the Botox® application may produce satisfying effects for everyone involved in the process, not taking proper care of your face after a Botox® procedure can be harmful.
Before starting, make sure your doctor has taken disinfecting measures before applying the product, refrain from alcohol one week before treatment, and stop all anti-inflammatory medications like Advil and Motrin two weeks before your appointment to reduce the chances of adverse effects.
Botox Aftercare
Post-Botox® care is not complicated, but it can often be forgotten, especially with patients diving into the process for the first time. After subjecting yourself to Botox® therapy, it’s crucial to keep these tips in mind to reduce possible adverse reactions and effects and improve your experience with this anti-aging treatment.
The Don’ts
- Do not lie down or bend over for at least 4 hours after Botox® application. Exercising, like pilates, yoga, swimming, etc., should be avoided. These sudden changes in posture can cause the Botox® to spread and cause unnecessary bruising on the injection site.
- Do not massage the treated zone. This may cause the solution to spread to the adjacent muscles, which may cause eyelid drooping. For the same reasons, avoid wearing tight caps or any garment in the zone that’s been affected.
- Avoid facials. For the same reason listed above, facials are not recommended after having a Botox® treatment.
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, UV rays, and extreme heat (like saunas and hot showers). This won’t interfere with the Botox® treatment but may cause skin sagging and stretching.
- Do not apply makeup for at least six hours unless it’s mineral based.
The Do’s
- Move your facial muscles as usual. Though no medical studies have proved that over-expressions will make the effects of Botox® work better, you may exercise your facial muscles depending on the treated area, like squeezing your eyebrows together or raising them and smiling repeatedly.
- Follow your regular daily routine as long as you avoid the don’ts above.
- You may cleanse, moisturize, or apply sunscreen, but remember to avoid pressure on your face and use gentle strokes away from the treated area.
- Notify your doctor if you experience swelling or itchiness near the infected area, eye dryness, or other eye symptoms.
Complications
Though Botox® complications are rare, it’s important to keep them in mind and notify your physician. Inflammation, bruising, and eye tearing may happen. Headaches, though less common, may also appear. Pain in the injection site, face asymmetry, and temporary eyelid drooping as less common, and more serious complications may happen without proper Botox® aftercare.
Aftercare is important!
And keeping your doctor informed about arising problems with your Botox® treatment can save you from many headaches. However, aftercare is a simple process that anyone should be aware of, and everyone undergoing Botox® treatments should follow. The application of this treatment shouldn’t interfere with your daily routine and is a relatively risk-free process as long as proper precautions are taken by you and your doctor.
If you are interested in Botox® treatment, Zap Laser Center offers the perfect service in the Aurora, Colorado, area.
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