BOTOX® Aftercare Tips: Get the Most Out of Your Recovery

BOTOX remains one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the U.S., and more than 4 million BOTOX injections were administered in 2020 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. BOTOX is a quick and easy way to make yourself appear younger. If you’re considering BOTOX, the team of professionals at Horizon Medical Center in Schaumburg, IL can offer some tips for making the aftercare process smooth.

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a wrinkle relaxer that works by blocking the nerve signals between your brain and your facial muscles. Keeping these muscles from contracting can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

What should I do right after treatment?

While you can return to your normal activities if you wish since BOTOX injections don’t have a lengthy recovery time, like some invasive cosmetic procedures, we recommend taking the day to relax and avoid rubbing the area where you had treatment. This can be especially important if you’ve never had BOTOX before and are unsure how your body will react. If this is your first BOTOX treatment, the team at Horizon Medical Center in Schaumburg, IL will make sure you feel comfortable and well-informed about what to expect.

What are the most common side effects from BOTOX?

Most people who have BOTOX treatments do not report side effects, but bruising, swelling, and headaches are the most common side effects of BOTOX. In most cases, they are minor and go away within a day.

When can I return to normal activities?

Many people return to work on the same day as their BOTOX treatment. However, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before resuming any strenuous physical activity. Vigorous exercise increases blood flow, which can cause the active ingredient in BOTOX to spread to areas that weren’t intended for treatment. That can result in unsatisfactory and unwanted results in both the areas that you had treated and ones you didn’t.

Can I wear makeup after getting BOTOX?

If your BOTOX treatment was on your face, avoid wearing makeup for at least the first day after treatment. No matter how gentle your makeup routine is, it still involves putting pressure on your face, which may cause the injected BOTOX to dissipate from the area where it was injected. That can make the treatment appear less effective.

Can I take a nap after getting BOTOX?

If you can sleep sitting up, taking a quick nap after having a BOTOX treatment shouldn’t be a problem. However, it’s recommended that you avoid lying down or bending over for at least a few hours after treatment. Lying down flat can cause BOTOX to leach out of the treatment area, promoting bruising and affecting overall results. We also recommend that you avoid sleeping on the area you had treated for at least a few days to ensure the treatment will have its maximum effectiveness.

Can I have other facial treatments after BOTOX?

Those getting BOTOX treatments on their face may want to schedule other services, like facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and more. It’s best to avoid any other treatments on your face (or whatever area you’re treating with BOTOX) for at least 24 hours to avoid negatively impacting the effects of your BOTOX treatment.

Contact us to schedule your BOTOX treatment

Our team at Horizon Medical Center consists of Family Doctors in anti-wrinkle treatment and facial rejuvenation. Whether you’re interested in BOTOX or other cosmetic injectables, our Schaumburg, IL team will work with you to address the areas you are concerned about and make sure you are happy with the results. Schedule a consultation with our specialists today.