If you are considering Botox training or taking part in Botox courses, as a practitioner then one of the key things you will need to familiarise yourself with is Botox aftercare and how your patients can get the most from their treatment.

If you’re new to the aesthetics industry then we have some helpful information for you and if you’re a seasoned professional then a reminder is always useful.

Hopefully we can clear up any myths you may have heard and give you answers to the common questions you may be asked. 

Can I touch my face after Botox?

You may have heard that you should not touch your face after receiving botulinum toxin injections. This is somewhat true.

Rubbing your face immediately after having Botox injections can cause the Botox to spread away from the injection site and into unwanted areas. It is therefore advised to wait for at least 4-6 hours before gently applying direct pressure to the skin, allowing time for the Botox to settle into place.

You can still go about your usual facial skincare routine, like washing your face with cold or lukewarm water, but keep in mind that you want to minimise pressure as best as you can so try to wait for 24 hours before resuming any firm massaging or pressing of the skin.

Should I ice my face after Botox to avoid bruising?

Leading on from the above, the main issue with icing your face after any anti-ageing treatment is the application of pressure to the skin.

Cold presses and ice will reduce swelling and bruising because the cold temperature shrinks the blood cells under the skin.

The use of ice will be discussed with your treatment provider but it is generally okay to use ice if you are only applying very gentle pressure to the skin for short intervals.

There are other ways to reduce swelling than just using ice, like keeping your head elevated overnight, avoiding excessive heat, and not taking Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications that thin the blood in the days before or after your treatment.

Can you go in the sun after botox?

Another thing we frequently get asked is how exposure to the sun will affect your Botox success. Well, there a few elements to this that are important to answer.

The sunlight itself will not be directly detrimental to how your Botox works as the UV light does not react to botulinum toxin A in any way. However, UV light does cause your skin to wrinkle and it is well known that long term exposure to the sun ages the skin quickly. Therefore, we recommend using a high-quality sun cream when you are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

What does have an impact on how your Botox looks though is the heat. Remaining in the presence of heat in the 24 hours following your Botox treatment can increase the chance of bruising and swelling to the injection site. This includes saunas, hot tubs, and even hot showers.

Another element to consider is how you are exposed to sunlight. Sunbeds are theoretically safe after receiving Botox but because you have to lie down to use them, we recommend that you wait for 4-6 hours so that the Botox has time to settle and does not transfer to other muscles in the face.

What is the best way to sleep after having Botox?

If lying down after receiving Botox is a cause for concern then what is the best way to go to sleep the night after having your treatment?

The good news is you can sleep in any way you want to, provided you are not applying pressure to the face and that you leave at least 4-6 hours before lying down.

When can I have another cosmetic procedure following Botox?

You should bear in mind that Botox takes around two weeks to display the full results, so don’t rush into planning any cosmetic procedure until you can see the success of your Botox treatment.

In terms of anti-wrinkle treatments, each one has its own wait time if being applied following Botox.  

For chemical peels and microdermabrasion, you should wait for a few days after receiving Botox. Although light chemical peels may be acceptable slightly earlier.

Dermal fillers require a longer wait time than chemical peels because they are administered via an injection. Because you should wait for two weeks to see the full impact your Botox has had, dermal fillers are not advised within those two weeks. It is best to wait for another week after this period

For aesthetic services like eyebrow waxing, we recommend waiting a full 24 hours. Be aware though that depending on the areas injected, Botox can have an effect on the natural shape and definition of your eyebrows so they may change during the first two weeks after injection. 

We advise that you wait for 4-6 hours before following your normal make up routine.

Is there anything I can do to aid the effect of the Botox?

There are many things that you can avoid to make sure that Botox works as well as possible, and this is often what will be discussed with your doctor following your procedure.

However, there are also things that you are encouraged to actively do that can help make your Botox procedure as much of a success as possible.

After avoiding interacting with the injection site for 4-6 hours after your procedure, you can begin to gently stretch and exercise the facial muscles by raising and lowering your eyebrows and moving your eyelids to squint or frown. This will not increase your development of crows feet, frown lines, or fine lines in the forehead.

Doing this helps the Botox travel deeper into your facial muscles so you get the full effect of the treatment at a quicker pace.

Anything else that should be avoided after Botox?

There are a few other things that you can avoid to make the treatment as smooth as possible and mitigate the common side effects of Botox.

Try to avoid strenuous activities for at least the first 24 hours after your injection. This allows the toxin to settle into your facial muscles and will prevent it from spreading to nearby facial muscles.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol for a couple of days after your injections. Alcohol thins the blood like Ibuprofen does and this can elevate the severity of the bruising which may appear after Botox.

As a final thing, you should not fly for the first couple of days after your appointment. While it is contentious if the change in cabin pressure and altitude will severely impact your Botox treatment, it is better to be safe than sorry. And what is known is that it can make bruising worse, so it is best to wait after immediate treatment.

Need Advice on Botox Aftercare?

Speak with aesthetic professionals at Dr Hennessy Academy below or contact us on 01704 567557