Over the years, Botox® has grown in popularity thanks to its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as its versatility. Botox can be used to treat numerous conditions, such as excessive sweating and migraines. Other people can use Botox injections to slim their jaw or facial lines. 

No matter what you use Botox for, there are numerous pre and post-treatment precautions you should follow in order to take care of your skin. Botox Pittsburgh expert Dental & Aesthetics of Pittsburgh offers 6 skincare tips you should follow after your next appointment. 

Pre-Treatment Tips

Remember to Follow These Pre-Treatment Guidelines Offered by Botox Pittsburgh Expert Dental & Aesthetics of Pittsburgh

In the week or two leading up to your appointment for Botox, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of dealing with nasty side effects. 

We recommend that you:

• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours before treatment, as alcohol can thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising
• Discontinue anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen two weeks prior to your appointment
• Eat a hearty breakfast or lunch before the procedure so you won’t feel faint
• Avoid smoking before your appointment to reduce the risk of bruising
• Thoroughly clean your skin free of any dirt and makeup

Botox Pittsburgh Experts Review Top 6 Post-Treatment Tips 

Taking Care of Your Skin After Botox is Critical for Achieving Desirable Results

When administered correctly, Botox can do wonders for your appearance. But there are numerous precautions you must take after receiving it. In order to achieve the best results from your Botox, remember to follow these 6 simple aftercare tips. 

1. Avoid Activities That Can Irritate Your Skin

You must avoid touching or rubbing your face for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Try to remain vigilant of this rule, as it is easy to forget it and absent-mindedly start to rub your face. You will also have to avoid placing ice on your face. Applying pressure to the area may end up moving the injected dosage around. Rubbing your face can also cause drooping eyelids or nerve damage. 

2. Practice Face Exercises

A study by the Feinburg School of Medicine at Northwestern University discovered that completing facial exercises after receiving Botox injections can speed up results. 

Facial exercises are simple. If you received forehead injections, practice raising and knitting your eyebrows. Study author Dr. Murad Alam recommends that patients perform three sets of 40 reps of these exercises. They should be completed ten minutes apart, spanning into a four-hour session. 

3. Protect Yourself from the Sun

While direct sunlight does not interfere with Botox, you should still manage your sun exposure after treatment as it can age the skin. 

Frequent sun exposure can cause unpleasant signs of aging such as wrinkles and sunspots. Therefore, you should try to limit your exposure to the sun whenever you can. If possible, try to avoid direct sunlight for at least 72 hours after your treatment. When you do have to head outside, remember to wear a high SPF sunscreen and to apply a topical antioxidant to your skin. 

4. Avoid Smoking or Consuming Large Amounts of Alcohol

While smoking won’t immediately impact the effects of your Botox treatment, it can harm your skin over time and cause it to age prematurely. For example, if you experience bruising after your treatment, it may take longer for your bruises to heal if you smoke. Over time, the aging effects of smoking can ultimately undo the benefits that Botox treatment offers. 

Because alcohol is a blood-thinner, it may also worsen any bruising or swelling you experience after receiving Botox. To stay safe, we recommend avoiding alcohol for a couple of days post-treatment.

5. Stay on Track with Your Skincare Routine

Whenever you wash your face or apply skincare products to it, you will need to use a gentle touch. If your skincare routine includes any chemical peels or microdermabrasion, you will need to put these services on hold for at least a week. Otherwise, any cleansers, exfoliators, or moisturizers you use are safe to apply to your face. 

6. Keep the Exercise Light

While you can still perform light workouts such as jogging or yoga, you will want to avoid strenuous exercises. Heavy lifting or intense cardio should be put on hold for at least six hours after you undergo treatment. 

One of the greatest benefits of Botox is the lack of downtime required to resume normal activities. Patients can resume their normal routine immediately after their procedure. However, practicing our recommended aftercare tips is critical for avoiding unpleasant side effects. Ready to schedule a consultation with a Botox Pittsburgh expert? Contact the team at Dental & Aesthetics of Pittsburgh today.