If you are familiar with any cosmetic procedures, you are most certainly acquainted with the name Botox. This is the most commonly used name for the injections that are derived from botulinum toxin because it has been in use the longest and is approved for the most purposes. Dysport and Xeomin are two similar products that are available and are also made from strains of botulinum toxin.
All of these injections can be used to reduce some of the noticeable signs of aging on the face, such as wrinkles, lines, and furrows. They are so quick and easy to do, leaving little evidence, that they are often obtained during the patient’s lunch hour or while they are out running errands. That being said, you do not want to get your Botox injections and then head to your hot yoga class! This article is going to tell you why!
Best Practices for Botox, Dysport, And Xeomin Aftercare
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are three products that originate from botulinum toxin and are administered in the form of non-invasive injections. They are most often done for cosmetic purposes to reduce wrinkles that are formed when we smile, frown, or make other repetitive motions with our facial muscles.
These injections are called neuromodulators because they all consist of a protein that restricts or prevents the transfer of signals between the facial muscles and the nerve center that controls them. In short, the injections paralyze the muscle, so it relaxes and does not move. This not only prevents lines such as crow’s feet and forehead lines from appearing on our face, but it also relaxes the look of the face at rest.
Botox Treatment Instructions
While it is true that Botox injections are non-invasive and do not require any downtime, this may not actually mean exactly what you think. This means you are not going to spend time “recovering” per se; however, there are some cautions, both pre- and post-procedure, that you need to be aware of to avoid unwanted adverse side effects.
- Pre-Op Botox
- The first, and maybe most crucial, step in ensuring favorable results from your Botox injections is to select a qualified medical specialist to administer the injections. A board-certified cosmetic surgeon or a board-certified dermatologist would be a good starting point. The majority of the Botox horror stories that you have most likely heard were unfortunate situations that occurred because the injector was inexperienced.
Before you have Botox injections, it is recommended that you refrain from taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Ibuprofen for two weeks prior to your appointment to lessen your risk for bleeding and bruising. If you are on any type of “blood-thinning” medication, you should inform your qualified injector before your appointment.
- Post-Op Botox Or Other Neuromodulator Injections
- Because neuromodulators are administered by injection in a muscle, and the injection is a liquid, we want to do all we can to prevent that liquid “muscle paralyzer” from migrating to a spot where we do not want it to go. We want it to saturate that muscle but stay in the spot where we injected it until that muscle is able to fully absorb it. Therefore, there are some things we do not want you to do just after receiving injections of Botox.
5 Most Popular Do And Don’t Questions After Getting Botox
- 1. Is there anything I should do right after getting injections of Botox?
- Yes, you can make faces. Really! Although the jury is still out as to whether this makes any difference in helping muscles absorb Botox any faster, you can frown, smile, and make crazy faces, and it may mean your results show up a little sooner.
- 2. Is there anything I should not do right after having Botox?
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- Do not lie down for at least four hours. You do not want to be doing anything that would put your head lower than your heart during these initial hours; (No yoga or downward dogs)
- Do not wear anything tight on your head for at least four hours. Exerting pressure on the injection locations can cause the migration of your Botox and increase your risk of bruising;
- Avoid activities that will elevate your blood pressure because they can increase swelling;
- Avoid sun exposure;
- Avoid any type of hot water (hot showers, hot tubs) for 48 to 72 hours;
- Avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours.
- 3. What is the best way to sleep after my Botox treatment?
- The day of your Botox injections, you want to remain in an upright position for at least four hours, but when it is time to go to sleep, try to sleep on your back and slightly elevated. Avoid sleeping on your face and your sides that first night to get the best results.
- 4. When can I wash my face after having Botox?
- If you are able, you should avoid touching your face for about four hours after your injections, but as long as you use a light touch and tepid water, it is fine to wash your face the evening you have your Botox treatment.
You should avoid having a facial that involves rubbing or massaging your face for 24 to 48 hours after having Botox injections.
- 5. When can I exercise after Botox injections?
- You should wait at least 24 hours before doing any sort of mild exercise and wait a safe 72 hours before engaging in moderate exercise or engaging in activities such as hot yoga or sitting in a hot tub or sauna. This gives the Botox time to fully absorb into the muscle, and the risk of it moving into other areas has passed.
If you have had a combination treatment and are wondering about exercise after Botox and fillers, the guidelines are the same. Taking these precautions will give you the best results. Having the opportunity to discreetly “refresh” your appearance (unlike after cosmetic surgery) can go amiss if you experience substantial bruising or the Botox or filler migrate.
If you are interested in Botox or filler injections in Atlanta, contact Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics to learn more. Dr. Angelina Posteov, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, offers a variety of neuromodulator and filler selections to address your cosmetic concerns. Set up your appointment today!
