Many people have botox procedures to get rid of those frown lines or crow’s feet on their face. Some have them as a preventative rather than a cure. Botox works by preventing the nerve from communicating with the muscles in your face, so if your brain tells the muscle to contract, it won’t be able to. This will prevent a wrinkle from forming to start with and thus, your face will stay looking smooth and young.
Once you have the injections, your doctor will remind you of certain things you should or should not do for a while to ensure you get the best result. This will have been discussed beforehand and you very likely will have a sheet of instructions. But it is easy to forget, especially if you feel stressed out by the procedure. In fact, it is a very simple procedure which is one reason why it is so popular, but the first time may make you feel stressed.
So here are some skin care tips to remember for after the Botox injections.
- Never rub the injection site – at least, not for 24 hours after the injection. Some people tend to rub or massage the area if it is feeling painful. This can cause an infection. Don’t forget the skin has been broken if only ever so slightly. It is still possible for bacteria to enter from your hand. It will also make the area bruise more if you rub it. Rubbing increases circulation which is what you don’t want.
- If you feel pain afterwards, take Tylenol, but not aspirin that thins the blood. Better still, apply an icepack. Don’t have one? A packet of frozen peas will do just as well. Wrap it in a clean cloth, then hold it to your face.
- Don’t lie down for four hours after the injection. You can sit in a comfortable chair and put your feet up, but your upper body must stay upright to ensure blood doesn’t run to your face. This not only helps to prevent bruising, it keeps the Botox in the correct position.
- Don’t drink alcohol, even to alleviate pain. An approved painkiller is all you should take.
- Don’t play sport or go jogging directly after or for at least 24 hours as this can increase the chance of bruising.
- Don’t have a hot shower straight afterwards. When you do have one, make it only warm for the next 24 hours.
- Don’t bathe your face in hot water, only use ice or cold water.
- Never get a facial, chemical peel or dermabrasion treatment for 24 hours after treatment.
- Vitamin K cream is good for a Botox bruise or you can have laser treatment to disperse it more quickly.