Botox® has earned itself the top spot in non-invasive anti-aging facial rejuvenation. It is best known for its ability to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines and is especially popular because of its limited recovery time.
While Botox® treatments are non-invasive and require very little preparation and recovery, there are a few things you should know to help you achieve the optimal results from your injections. In this Botox® 101 blog, we’ll go over the essential dos and don’ts so that you can receive the most from your treatments with expert injector and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Martin Stepanyan.
What Is Botox® and How Does It Work?
Botox® is classified as a neurotoxin because its primary ingredient is botulinum toxin. When used in small and safe quantities, the botulinum toxin has the ability to stop nerve signals to the facial muscles, which results in the temporary paralysis of facial muscle movement. When the muscles are limited in the range of movements, dynamic wrinkles, and fine lines dissipate, leaving your skin smooth and youthful.
The Dos and Don’ts of Botox®
At Stepanyan Surgical Art Center in Glendale, CA, we take extensive measures to ensure safe and natural results while you’re in our office, but once you leave, there are some important measures to take after Botox to ensure you achieve the best possible results from treatments.
1. Do Clean and Protect the Injections Sites
Even though the injection sites are minuscule in size, about the size of a needle pinprick, the skin is still broken in these areas. For that reason, the skin should be treated like any other wound. It’s important to keep the area clean and free of sweat, dirt, and cosmetics for at least 24 hours after your injections.
2. Don’t Use Exfoliating or Overly Fragranced Soap
After learning that they should keep their face clean, the question that generally follows is, “What kind of soap should I use to wash my face after Botox?” We recommend that our patients use a fragrance-free, gentle face cleanser and tepid water to cleanse their faces. Avoid over-exfoliating cleansers that contain harsh beads or chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid for the first week after your treatment.
3. Do Schedule A Follow-Up Appointment
Follow-up appointments are highly recommended so that we can ensure your body is responding well to your Botox treatment. We may also check to make sure that Botox hasn’t migrated and that you’re receiving the results you desire. We believe in a less-is-more approach to Botox® to help avoid the “frozen” look, keeping your results natural. The follow-up appointment helps us determine if more Botox is needed to achieve your desired outcomes.
4. Don’t Sleep Laying Down
Those mid-afternoon naps are essential for many people; however, it’s essential that you remain upright for at least six hours after receiving Botox injections. For stomach sleepers, do your best to rest with your head slightly propped with pillows to prevent pressure on the injection sites, as Botox could migrate and affect other facial muscles.
5. Don’t Engage in Strenuous Activities For 24 Hours
Schedule your Botox treatment for non-gym days. Engaging in strenuous activities could cause unwanted swelling and irritation at or around the injection sites. Additionally, sweat is full of unwanted bacteria that could potentially cause an infection and impede your results. We encourage our Botox recipients to rest for the first day after their injections and resume normal activities the following day.
6. Do Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Moisturized
Hydration is key to the health and vitality of your skin. Dehydrated skin can look dull, flakey, and tired. Make sure that you have plenty of fresh water on hand that you can drink before and after your treatment. Additionally, a lightweight moisturizer can be gently applied to the skin to not only add a healthy glow but also aid in healing.
7. Don’t Consume Alcohol and Sugar Beverages
Coffee, energy drinks, sodas, or cocktails are a fun treat, but they are not always a friendly companion after Botox injections. Not only can alcohol dehydrate the body, but it can also contribute to redness and irritation at the injection site. Sugary beverages like crafted coffees, energy drinks, and soda can also lead to excess dehydration. Save the sweet drinks for the next day and focus on meeting your water intake to keep your body and skin well-hydrated.
8. Don’t Take Blood-Thinning Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements
Unless instructed by your primary doctor, it’s best to avoid taking blood-thinning medications, vitamins, and supplements like Advil, Ibuprofen, and Vitamin D. Blood-thinning medications do exactly what you’d expect: they thin the blood, which can lead to excess bruising that lasts longer than it should. If you’re worried about discomfort during treatments, we can apply a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort and relaxation. If you are experiencing tenderness in the injection sites after your treatment, cold compresses can help relieve the temporary discomfort, which should dissipate after 24 to 48 hours.
Smooth Dynamic Wrinkles and Fine Lines with Botox Injections in Glendale, CA
Dr. Stepanyan offers his patients 15 years of prestigious education and 22 years of successful practice in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgical and non-surgical treatments. Take control of how you age by scheduling your Botox® consultation with Dr. Stepanyan today by scheduling an appointment online or calling our office at (818) 551-0088.