What not to do after Botox?

Aging is something we all experience as a natural part of life. We cannot stop it, but it is something we can manage through lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, and professional treatments like Botox®. Botox Cosmetic has been around for a long time and has been shown to turn back the clock by smoothing away some types of wrinkles on the face.

Botox is a minimally-invasive treatment that does not require any downtime afterward. However, there are still things you should and should not do after your Botox treatment to ensure the best possible results.

What to Expect After Your Botox Treatment

Botox is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that helps soften wrinkles and lines to reduce signs of aging. If it’s your first Botox treatment and you don’t see improvement when you walk out of your provider’s office, don’t panic. Many patients don’t see immediate results. It can take 2-10 days to see a reduction in those wrinkles. Your provider will likely take before and after photos to help you see the actual improvements in your wrinkles over time.

Botox treatments do not require anesthetics and most patients find the treatment to be relatively comfortable. It is a minimally-invasive treatment with few, if any, side effects. Some patients may experience:

  • Tenderness
  • Mild swelling
  • Light bruising
  • Redness
  • Headache
what not to do after botox

What Not to Do to Your Face after Botox Injections

Like any cosmetic procedure, it is important to follow aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and maximum results. Results vary by patient and can be impacted by bad habits and improper care, including:

Rubbing your Face

Botox is injected into precise treatment areas to tackle cosmetic issues like lines and wrinkles. Continuous rubbing and touching can impact the spread of the injectable and alter results. Keep your hand away from your face for at least one day after treatment to allow it to treat the intended muscles.

Lying on your Face

Much like rubbing your face, resting or sleeping on your face can cause the treatment to pool to an unintended area. Stay upright for at least four hours after a treatment and try to sleep on your back for the best results.

Applying Makeup to Your Face

Putting makeup on the face calls for unnecessary rubbing and pressure that can disperse the treatment to areas outside the target zone. Avoid applying makeup for at least 24 hours after a Botox treatment.

Getting Treatments on the Face

what to avoid after botox

Other facial treatments like peels and lasers can interfere with Botox. Schedule other treatments at least one to two days after Botox to allow the injectable to settle. Your provider should be able to help you set up a treatment schedule to ensure you get the most out of all your procedures.

What to Avoid After Botox

It is important to understand that there are certain things that you should avoid after your injection. After a Botox injection, you should follow aftercare instructions and avoid:

Alcohol

Alcohol can thin the blood and cause bruising after a Botox treatment. It is best to avoid consuming alcohol for at least one to two days before and after an injection.

Some Medications and Supplements

Like alcohol, aspirin is a blood thinner that can cause bruising or bleeding. Ask your surgeon which medications and supplements to avoid before and after a treatment.

Exercise

While exercise and physical activity are recommended for a healthy lifestyle, they should be avoided for a day or two after a Botox injection to ensure no severe side effects.

Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun exposure after a Botox treatment, especially for patients that experience redness or swelling, as it can lead to sunburn.

what you shouldn't do after botox injections

What to do After Botox

The most important thing to do after a Botox treatment is to be proactive in getting after-care instructions from your injector. You can also follow a few easy steps to ensure your Botox will be effective.

Move Your Face

Face exercise can stimulate the muscles and lead to faster visible results. It is important not to touch your face, but you can make different faces like frowning, smiling, and eyebrow raises to stretch your muscles.

Wash Your Face (Very Gently!)

You can wash your face after a Botox treatment, but it is essential to use a gentle cleanser and be gentle with your hands. Do not scrub or apply pressure and use cool water.

Remain Upright for the First Four Hours

To allow Botox to settle and treat the intended area, it is important to stay upright for at least four hours after an injection.

Schedule Your Botox Treatment in Manhattan

Botox is a quick, effective way to address a variety of facial lines to create a more youthful appearance. By taking a few simple steps after your procedure, you can ensure your treatment is both safe and successful. 

Gotham Plastic Surgery is a renowned surgery center in Manhattan, New York, that creates personalized treatment plans to ensure patient satisfaction. Dr. Philip Miller, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, offers a range of procedures, including Botox, in an accredited facility.

Gotham Plastic Surgery aims to create natural results for each patient using the NatraLook® process. This process empowers patients to make informed choices and enhances aesthetic confidence. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about Botox.  

Plastic Surgery from Head to Toe

At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we create custom treatment plans that combine minimally-invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves. Our unique NatraFace™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes.

Gotham’s expert physicians perform advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures that smooth the skin around the eyes to give patients a refreshed look. Our custom NatraEye™ technique combines the use of chemical peels, lasers, eyelash enhancement, and injectables with precision procedures, including:

Our esteemed surgeons utilize the NatraNose™ technique to bring together innovative artistry and unparalleled skill to deliver results that look natural, improve nasal function, and help achieve each patient’s aesthetic goals.

Regardless of your aesthetic goals, Gotham has the skill and technique required for the breast procedure that suits you. Whether adding symmetry or restoring the breast following a mastectomy, Gotham provides patients with enhanced feminine contours and improved body proportions.

Patients from all over the world have undergone amazing body transformation at Gotham, enjoying slimmer bodies with satisfying contours. Our advanced physicians apply their skill and expert technique to precisely sculpt other areas of the body, including the cheeks, chin, buttocks, hips, love handles, knees, upper arms, thighs, and even the neck.

Known for our flawless techniques and a range of skincare options, Gotham Plastic Surgery has all the tools necessary for complete, natural, and comprehensive rejuvenation. As part of a customized treatment plan, these procedures can be performed standalone or in combination with surgical procedures for even more impressive results.

The male face ages differently than the female face, but men have similar goals of wanting to maintain their youthful appearance throughout their lives. A plastic surgeon must take the subtle differences between male and female skin, as well as what comprises the ideal look for their male patients.

No matter what your specific cosmetic concerns might be, Dr. Miller can help. At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we frequently perform the following for our male patients:

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The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller

Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.

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    Episode 44: My First Time

    8 min
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    Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)

    20 min
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    Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas

    11 min
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    Episode 41: All Ears Considered!

    8 min
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    Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy

    9 min
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    Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau

    6 min
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    Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers

    3 min
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    Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty

    1 min
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    Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries

    3 min
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    Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
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    Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?

    2 min
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    Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!

    2 min
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    Episode 32: Endonasal or External

    1 min
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    Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?

    2 min
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    Episode 31: Asian Nose Job

    3 min
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    Episode 30: In The Office

    17 min
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    Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?

    4 min
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    Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose

    3 min
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    Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty

    2 min
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    Episode 26: Columellar Struts

    23 sec
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    Episode 25: Common Terms

    5 min
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    Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing

    5 min
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    Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?

    4 min
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Plastic Surgery w/ Dr. Miller

If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.

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