Botox is a decision that involves careful consideration: selecting a reputable provider, understanding the benefits, and ensuring it’s the right fit for you. Just as important as these steps, however, is knowing what not to do immediately following your treatment. Achieving that refreshed, youthful look relies heavily on the actions you take in the hours and days after your Botox appointment.
At Xage Medical Spa, we know that aftercare makes all the difference; you deserve to get the most out of your treatment. We’ve created a guide for what not to do after Botox so that you can get the smooth, natural results you’re looking for.
Don’t Touch or Rub the Injection Sites
After your Botox treatment, resist the urge to touch or massage the treated areas.
Why It Matters
When you rub or apply pressure, you can accidentally move the Botox from its intended location. When this happens, you may get uneven results or even temporary muscle weakness in the surrounding area.
What to Do Instead
Resist temptation and keep your hands away from your face for at least 4–6 hours after treatment. Follow your provider’s advice on cleansing your face or applying skincare products.
Don’t Lie Down Immediately After Treatment
One well-known piece of advice you may have already heard regarding what not to do after Botox is to remain upright for several hours following your session.
Why It Matters
Gravity can increase the chance of Botox migrating to unintended areas. You want the neurotoxin to settle where you want it to.
What to Do Instead
Remain upright for at least 4 hours following your treatment. This means avoiding napping, sleeping, or lying down for a massage.
Don’t Engage in Strenuous Exercise
Take a rest day from your workouts. Avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours after Botox.
Why It Matters
Heavy workouts increase blood flow and muscle activity throughout your body, including your face. This heightened circulation may move the Botox before it has settled into the targeted muscles.
How Long to Wait
Avoid intense exercise, hot yoga, or any vigorous physical activity for a full 24 hours. Light walking is usually fine, but rest from high-intensity training until at least the next day.
Don’t Have Facials, Massages, or Skin Treatments
Facials and facial massages are a prime example of what not to do after Botox. Pressure is applied to the area, you lie down, and they increase circulation. Schedule any other treatments at least 24–48 hours after Botox.
Why It Matters
Pressure on the face within the first day or two can affect your Botox results. Avoid any treatments that press on or manipulate the treated muscles.
What to Avoid
This includes professional facials, facial massages, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and similar treatments. Even gentle face massages at home should wait.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
While it may be tempting to enjoy a celebratory glass of wine or a cocktail after your treatment, this is one of the key things on the list of what not to do after Botox.
Why It Matters
Alcohol may increase the risk of bruising and swelling. Alcohol also dilates blood vessels, which can affect how your Botox settles.
Recommended Time Frame
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your Botox appointment. This precaution helps minimize potential side effects.
Don’t Apply Heat to the Face
Keep things cool for the first day or two after treatment.
Why It Matters
Excessive heat from saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, or tanning beds can increase blood flow and swelling and potentially affect how the Botox distributes.
When to Resume
Wait 24–48 hours before exposing your face to any significant heat. This includes very hot showers.
Don’t Skip Follow-Up Instructions or Appointments
Follow-up appointments may be needed to assess your results.
Why It Matters
Follow-up visits allow our team to evaluate how the Botox has settled and make any necessary adjustments.
What to Do
Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments and don’t hesitate to contact Xage Medical Spa if you have concerns during your recovery period.
Don’t Expect Immediate Results
It can be disheartening to look in the mirror after your appointment and see no changes. However, patience is needed to see Botox results.
Why It Matters
Seeking additional treatments too soon is a key example of what not to do after Botox, as it can lead to over-treatment. Your Botox results will usually be visible in 3–7 days.
What to Remember
Give yourself enough treatment time to work before judging the outcome. If you have concerns after two weeks, schedule a follow-up consultation.
Don’t Stress or Touch Your Face Constantly
Minimize contact with the treated areas, and avoid headbands or hats.
Why It Matters
Even if you are not actively rubbing the treated area, excessive contact or fussing can interfere with the settling process.
Best Practice
Your post-treatment routine should be gentle and minimal. Avoid resting your face in your hands or leaning against surfaces.
Bring Out the Best of Your Botox Results
Whether you are still in the consideration stage or if you’ve just had your treatment and are frantically googling “What not to do after Botox,” Xage Medical Spa in Provo is here to help. Our experienced team is committed to providing you with exceptional care before, during, and after your treatment.
Contact our team today to schedule your consultation, get answers to your questions, and learn more about our neurotoxin treatments.