Botox® (and its competitor, Dysport) is a revolutionary procedure that involves injecting a medication into the skin to relax the muscles, decrease wrinkles, and fight signs of aging. While one benefit of this cosmetic treatment is it requires little to no downtime, it’s still important to be aware of the do’s and don’ts to follow after having it done.

Do:

Stay Upright for 4 Hours.

You must stay upright for at least four hours following the procedure to avoid increased blood flow or pressure in the injected areas. This will help to prevent dispersion of the Botox and to properly target the area of the treatment.

Move the Injected Areas.

To help the Botox reach the intended cells, you may practice making pronounced facial expressions in the hours following treatment. This includes raising your eyebrows, smiling, or frowning, thereby exercising whichever areas you are treating.

Avoid Heat.

Avoid any areas with high temperatures, such as a tanning bed, sauna, or steam room. Heat can increase the body’s blood flow, which may make the Botox treatment less effective.

Don’t:

Take Blood Thinners.

You should avoid taking any blood thinners, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, before the treatment, as these can cause the injected areas to bruise. It’s best to ask your doctor how long to wait before you can take these drugs again. Acetaminophen is one pain killer that does not increase the risk of bruising and is safe to take before or after treatment.

Work Out.

Give yourself at least a 24-hour window before you begin working out again. Exercise will raise your body’s temperature and may prevent the treatment from lasting as long as it should.

Wear Makeup.

Avoid putting on makeup or spray tans following the treatment, as these could increase the risk of infection. Wait for the redness and swelling to disappear before you apply anything to your skin.

When you’re ready to schedule your next Botox or Dysport appointment, Dr. Melanie Tantisira, MD in Honolulu, HI, has the expertise and experience to help you achieve the results you want. She also provides a wide range of additional services, from fillers and skin laser treatments to cosmetic eyelid surgery. Call (808) 591-9111 to schedule a consultation or visit the website for more information about the practice.