For the most part, you can go back to your daily activities immediately following Botox, as it’s a minimally-invasive treatment that yields quick results. However, there are a few things to keep in mind during the first 24 hours — such as staying upright for at least four hours, avoiding touching your face and skipping alcohol.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that bruising, swelling and headaches are common side effects, but proper Botox aftercare can ensure you look and feel your best.
Prior to your treatment, our team will tell you what to avoid after Botox.
The first 24 hours
Consider the first day after your Botox treatment to be a day of rest. Sure, you can go back to work or head to pick up the kids, but these are the rules you need to follow:
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise after Botox.
- Don’t drink. Postpone happy hour for at least a day or two.
- If possible, skip medication like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium, as they may increase the risk of bruising.
- Don’t massage or rub your face, so your injection can settle properly.
What to avoid after botox
More than 3 million Botox injections are given each year, highlighting the popularity of this procedure, which can dramatically reduce the signs of aging on your face. For the most part, side effects are minimal, and when they do occur, they are localized and often subside without additional treatment.
To get the best possible results, though, here’s what to avoid after Botox:
- Don’t take that nap just yet. You shouldn’t lie down for at least 4 hours, as it can cause the product to shift.
- Don’t rub the injection site. Rubbing or massaging your face, especially near the injection site, can diffuse the product and cause it to move to unintended locations.
- Don’t go to the sauna or take a hot shower. Exposure to excessive heat in the first two days after the procedure can cause Botox to metabolize faster.
- Don’t sleep on your face the first night after treatment. Try to rest on your back, so the product doesn’t move or disperse.
- Don’t apply a full face of makeup. Stick to gentle cleansers and light products, so you don’t accidentally rub your face too hard near the injection site.
Exercise after botox and how long to wait
Wait 4 hours before working out. Gentle movement is completely fine in the meantime – it’s raising your heart rate and breaking a sweat that you want to hold off on. More blood flow to the treated area can make bruising and swelling worse, and nobody wants that. Most clinics say 24 hours. We find 4 is enough.
So no, you don’t need to write off the whole day. Go for a walk, do the school run, potter around the house – all of that is fine. It’s the spin class and the weights session we’d move.
Why can’t you work out after botox?
Exercise after Botox does not necessarily pose a risk to your Botox results, as clinicians have found there is very little evidence proving that exercise affects how Botox settles on the face. However, high-intensity workouts may increase your risk of bruising and swelling, making it take longer for you to enjoy your final results.
You should avoid strenuous exercise after Botox because:
- It may put unintended pressure on the injection site. Not to mention, you may begin sweating and inadvertently wipe your face, which can disturb the product.
- It increases blood flow and may cause your blood pressure to spike, which can increase the risk of bruising.
- It involves too much movement. Even low-impact exercises require you to move and change position frequently, which can put too much pressure on your face.
- It increases facial strain. Adding pressure to your face before the Botox has properly settled can impact your results.
We know that exercise is a part of most people’s daily routines, but it’s really best to take it slow, both on the day of treatment and the day after Botox. Strategically time your workout schedule the week of treatment so you can take your rest day after injections are administered.
What counts as strenuous
Strenuous workouts are considered to be any type of exercise or physical activity that raises your heart rate or causes you to sweat. Even low-impact workouts, like gentle flow yoga or stretching, may be too much the day after Botox.
These are the types of workouts that you should avoid after Botox:
- Cardio workouts. Don’t run on the treadmill, jog in the local park or head to your cycling class. Cardio workouts will elevate your heart rate, causing your blood pressure to rise and making you sweat. It puts strain on your face and may make you inadvertently rub the injection site.
- Strength training. You should not lift weights for at least 48 hours after Botox, as it will put a substantial amount of strain on your face.
- Yoga and Pilates. While generally considered to be low-intensity, these workouts should be avoided for at least 24 hours to prevent swelling, bruising and facial pressure.
- Swimming. The main reason to avoid swimming is that you shouldn’t be putting on goggles after having Botox, as the gear can disrupt the injection site and cause the product to move to unintended areas.
- Contact sports. Contact sports put you at a higher risk of facial injury, which you will want to avoid in the days following your Botox treatment.
When it comes to Botox aftercare, there aren’t a lot of physical restrictions, but you should definitely avoid exercise for a couple of days to ensure the best possible results.
Common questions
Can you wear makeup after Botox?
You can wear makeup after Botox, but for the first 24 hours, you may want to stick with a light application using gentle products. Applying heavy makeup immediately after Botox can increase the risk of dispersing product away from the injection site. Generally, though, there is no set timeframe for wearing makeup after Botox and you can use foundation, eyeshadow or lipstick as you prefer.
How soon after Botox can I get a facial?
Wait at least 24 hours before having a facial after Botox. During a facial massage, your practitioner will need to rub your face, and you won’t want your self-care to inadvertently affect your results. If you are having any mild swelling or discomfort after your treatment, you may need to wait a few days longer for your next facial.
How long after Botox can you lay down?
You can lie down about 4 hours after Botox. It’s best to remain upright for at least 4 hours, so the product can settle into the desired area. Remaining standing or sitting also helps to reduce the risk of side effects, such as migraines or drooping eyelids.
How to sleep after Botox?
The night after you have a Botox treatment, you should lie on your back to sleep. You want to avoid sleeping on your face, as this could unintentionally disperse the Botox to other areas. You may want to add an extra pillow to keep your head elevated, and if you are normally a stomach or side sleeper, build a barrier to keep you from rolling onto your face.
Can you drink alcohol after Botox?
You should not drink alcohol for the first 24 hours after Botox. Alcohol can increase the risk of bruising and swelling, and it can also make it more difficult for your body to heal after the injection. If you bruise easily, you may want to consider waiting 48 hours after Botox before having your next drink.
When to call us
When administered correctly by a team of qualified professionals, the risks associated with Botox are greatly diminished. However, there are still a few red flags that you need to look out for.
Call the BodyTonic Med Spa team if you have any of the following symptoms after Botox:
- Drooping Eyelid — This rare complication sometimes occurs after Botox has been administered between the eyes or on the forehead. Known as ptsosis, this condition is temporary, but can last for 4 to 6 weeks unless addressed. If you are experiencing a drooping eyelid after Botox, contact our team to learn more about your options.
- Spreading Weakness — This is a serious yet rare side effect of Botox treatment that requires emergency medical attention. Dial 911 immediately if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or breathing in the days or weeks after Botox treatment.
- Signs of Infection — Infection at the injection site is rare, but can occur. Signs of infection to watch out for are localized warmth at the injection site, increased pain, drainage or fever. If you think you may have an infection, contact our team for a follow-up appointment.
Most people have nothing more than a small bruise. These are the few things worth knowing about, and all of them are uncommon.
During your consultation appointment, you will receive personalized Botox aftercare advice and learn more about the next steps to take. Call us on (216) 279 8058. We’re on Westgate Mall Drive in Fairview Park.
