Here's What You Can Expect After Your Botox® Treatment

According to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Report compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox® Cosmetic was the top minimally invasive procedure. Nearly 4.5 million procedures were performed in 2020 alone, and the number is projected to soar well into the next decade.

Botox is practically a household name and well-known for its wrinkle-busting power, so its popular use may come as little surprise. If you’ve been considering joining the millions of people who relied on Botox to reduce wrinkles, look for the expertise of board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Cecil Yeung. 

Here’s what you can expect after your Botox treatment here at The Yeung Institute in Houston, Texas.

Receive your post-injection instructions 

After you receive any injectable, Dr. Yeung provides post-injection instructions, and it’s important to follow the guidelines thoroughly. Although your specific instructions may vary, these are common after-care steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Don’t rub the treated area 
• Avoid lying face-down or putting pressure on the treatment area for about 4-6 hours after receiving your Botox injections
• Avoid wearing heavy sunglasses right after receiving Botox, especially if getting treatments in your eye area
• Stay out of the sun for 24 hours
• Wait to apply makeup for at least 24 hours, and use clean makeup brushes to reduce your risk of infection at the injection site
• Continue to follow good skin care practices, including keeping your skin clean and moisturized 
• When washing your face, use a gentle cleanser and pat dry 一 never rub

If you have any questions about your after-care instructions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re always happy to answer your questions.

You might notice mild bruising or redness 

Side effects from Botox are generally mild, but it’s important to know what to expect. Slight bruising and redness at the injection site is common, but these dissipate quickly. 

You can reduce your risk of bruising by following your pre-injection instructions such as limiting blood-thinning supplements and foods like ginseng, garlic, vitamin E, and fish oil. Talk to Dr. Yeung before you receive Botox to go over your list of current medications and supplements.

You can use cold compresses to reduce lingering inflammation or redness. Wrap an ice pack in a washcloth or use cold compresses designed for facial surgery. Apply the ice pack gently to avoid pressing too hard on the treated area. Arnica gel is a natural product that helps reduce bruising.

You might need to alter your bedtime routine

Sleeping on your stomach could put unwanted pressure on your face and disrupt the Botox serum following your injections. Instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated. This helps alleviate any swelling and prevents you from applying pressure on treatment areas.

Avoid heat

Heat increases circulation, which could increase the risk of Botox migration. For the first 24 hours, avoid high heat, including saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, hot showers, and tanning beds.

When to expect noticeable results

We know it’s exciting to say goodbye to wrinkles, which is why “When can I expect to see results?” is a common question we hear. Although each treatment takes just a few minutes, it can take a few days for your results to appear.

Within 24-48 hours, you’ll see less of some fine lines and wrinkles, but it can take up to a week to see the full effect of your Botox treatment. Typical Botox results last three or four months.

Following these tips can keep your recovery on track and help you achieve your aesthetic goals, and it’s important to remember that these initial inconveniences are short-lived. Within a week, you notice a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, and you can expect a boost in self-confidence as well!

If you’d like to include Botox injections in your beauty routine, schedule your consultation at The Yeung Institute today.