Make Sure You Don't Make These 7 Common Mistakes After Getting Botox
It's no secret that our skin develops wrinkles as we age, and because of this, many women choose to get Botox. Of course, the injection is meant to give you smoother, more youthful-looking skin, but women have the procedure for other reasons. Botox can treat other conditions, such as excessive perspiration, overactive bladder, and neck spasms, to name a few. Regardless of your reason for getting this non-invasive intervention, it's important you take proper care of yourself after your session.
Partaking in a wide range of activities, from sleeping on your face to consuming alcohol, can reduce the effects of Botox. Now you've just spent a ton of money on a procedure that isn't going to last as long as you wanted it to. To prevent this from happening, dodge these common mistakes women make after getting Botox. Some might interfere with your everyday routine, but avoiding those activities will be worth it in the long run.
Working out immediately after the procedure
It appears harmless, but working out after you get Botox is a big no-no. When you exercise, you strain your muscles, which causes them to contract, decreasing the effects of the injection. Additionally, working out heightens blood flow, which can cause Botox to wear off sooner than normal. To combat this, avoiding strenuous activity for at least 24 hours following the procedure is recommended. Low-impact workouts are okay, though you should wait at least four hours after receiving the injections.
When in doubt, your best bet is to avoid working out until the following day. Though the chances of the Botox wearing off by performing low-impact exercises, such as yoga, are low, you're still putting yourself at risk. Think of it this way — now you have an excuse to have a lazy day! Chill out and let the Botox settle in. Your hot yoga session can wait until tomorrow.
Getting a facial or other beauty treatment
This one probably seems like a given, but it's worth discussing. If you have a facial scheduled soon after your Botox appointment, we highly suggest you go ahead and cancel it. Getting a facial or other beauty treatment of the face after getting Botox is not recommended. Wrinkle relaxers require a certain amount of time to work, and facials can interfere with that process. With that said, you must avoid any facial treatment for a minimum of two weeks after getting the injection.
Believe it or not, facials and Botox work well in conjunction if they are spaced far apart. By waiting the appropriate amount of time, you'll get that gorgeous skin you've been craving. The longer you wait, the less likely your chances are of reducing the effects of Botox. It's time to say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to a smooth, glowy complexion.
Consuming alcohol
One of the most common mistakes many make after getting Botox is consuming alcohol. In this situation, you don't have to worry about its effects wearing off; however, there is a greater chance of bruising surrounding the injection sites. Not only should you avoid alcoholic beverages following the procedure, but it's also recommended you stay away from them before getting Botox as well. Failing to do so can also result in excessive bleeding, as alcohol is a natural blood thinner.
Botox is also known to dry out your skin, which is yet another reason to avoid drinking before and after this cosmetic procedure. If your skin is already dry and cracking before the procedure, Botox is only going to exacerbate those fine lines. If those reasons aren't enough to stop you from drinking, it's important to note it can also increase your chances of swelling. The bottom line, stay away from alcohol for at least two days to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Smoking or vaping
You probably already know the dangerous side effects of smoking and vaping, but did you know they can interfere with Botox as well? Nicotine causes collagen to deteriorate, ruins skin cells, and prevents Botox from doing what it's meant to do. When you smoke, it causes fine lines to form around your mouth and eyes, which no amount of Botox can reduce. Once those lines are there, they're there for life. There isn't a set amount of time you should wait to start smoking after the procedure; if anything, it's best to quit altogether.
It's easier said than done, as nicotine is highly addictive, but if you really want smooth and youthful-looking skin, it's imperative you stop smoking or vaping. In fact, ingesting any product with nicotine will prevent Botox from doing its thing. This includes chewing and smoking pipe tobacco, cigars, as well as wet and dry snuff.
Sleeping on your face
Yes, something as simple as sleeping on your stomach can counteract the effects of Botox. In fact, sleeping on your side can do the same thing. By lying in these positions, you're allowing the Botox to move to other parts of your face. Think of it as wearing a face mask — you wouldn't want to lie down in a position that can cause it to slide off your face. After receiving the injections, do your best to sleep on your back for the night.
We understand it can be challenging to control your sleeping position, especially if you're someone who moves around a lot at night, but if you can avoid rolling onto your stomach or side, it's going to ensure the Botox stays in place. If you're trying to fix the wrinkles on your forehead, the last thing you want is for the treatment to move toward your eyes or mouth.
Wearing makeup
Another common mistake women make after getting Botox is applying makeup and skincare products too soon following the procedure. For a majority of patients, the injections cause redness of the face. Though you might be tempted to conceal the redness with foundation or concealer, it's a good idea to wait until the injection sites have had time to heal properly. If you know you have a big event coming up and want to look your best, we suggest scheduling your appointment far enough in advance.
This way, you don't have to worry about covering up any redness. It's the same as getting a drastic haircut or spray tan too close to an important event, like a wedding. If it turns out poorly, you're stuck dealing with the consequences, whereas scheduling it far out from the wedding gives you a chance to come up with a solution before the big day.
Rubbing or massaging the area
Applying too much pressure to the area can spread Botox to other areas of the face, which you want to avoid at all costs, especially around the eyes. The material can actually cause your eyes to droop (yikes!). Thankfully, it's not a lasting effect, but it's still something you want to prevent from happening. Remember, it takes time for the Botox to settle in, and the less you mess around with your face, the better results you're going to get.
This goes hand-in-hand with not applying skincare products such as moisturizers and serums immediately after the procedure. If you don't apply them, you aren't putting excessive pressure on your face. All in all, the most significant thing you can do for your face is give it a break. Set an appointment on a day you don't have anything going on so you can just chill out while the Botox works its magic.