What Is forbidden after Botox?
Just had Botox or simply interested in learning the next steps after treatment? Botox is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments for reducing expression lines, and to ensure the results are exactly what you want and last the right amount of time, it's good to know what's forbidden after botox.
Why it's important to be careful after Botox
The first hours and days after Botox play a crucial role in the final result. If you follow the instructions properly, you help the material "stabilize" where it should, avoid unwanted side effects, and ensure a more natural and symmetrical result that lasts. With a little care at the beginning, you can get the maximum benefit from the treatment.
Video with instructions after Botox
What's forbidden after Botox: 6 basic guidelines
Critical first 4 hours: The absolute prohibitions
The first four hours after Botox application are crucial. During this time, the material stabilizes in the muscles and any wrong movement can affect the final result.
1. Lying down is forbidden
This is one of the most important guidelines because if you lie down, the Botox might move and you could have unwanted effects like eyelid drooping or asymmetries.
Keep your head in an upright position and avoid even sideways tilting for rest. What you can do:
- Sit comfortably on a sofa or armchair with your back straight
- If you feel tired, support your entire back, but keep your head high
2. Don't touch or rub
Avoid any contact with the application area because even gentle touching can move the material. Practically:
- No facial massage
- No eye rubbing
- No makeup application with pressure
- No resting your head on your hands
- What you can do: If you need to freshen up, prefer dabbing movements with a clean tissue. Brush your hair or do skincare on other parts of your face without touching the forehead or wherever Botox was applied.
First 24 hours: Additional precautions
3. No intense physical activity
Exercise increases blood circulation and thus raises body temperature. Avoid activities like:
- Gym, aerobic or running
- Weights and intense muscle effort
- Yoga poses with head down
What can you do if you want to move?
- Relaxed walking
- Light stretching without strain or bending
- Breathing exercises for relief and relaxation
4. Avoiding heat
Heat increases blood circulation and can reduce Botox action before it even starts working.
Also, excessive sun exposure is good to avoid as it increases temperature in the area, resulting in reduced material performance.
For this reason, the first 24 hours it's better to say "no" to:
- Very hot baths or showers
- Sauna and steam baths
- Sunbathing or sun exposure
- Hair dryer
- Tip: Prefer cool water and stay in a cool space to help the result "stabilize" properly.
Additionally:
- Use daily sunscreen with SPF 50+, even if it's cloudy
- Wear a hat and sunglasses when going out
- Prefer shaded areas
If it's very hot, choose indoor spaces with coolness or air-conditioning
5. Alcohol cessation
Alcohol increases the risk of bruising and swelling, while simultaneously affecting blood circulation. Avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 24 hours.
First week: Long-term care
6. Postponing other treatments
Additional aesthetic treatments may interact with Botox. Avoid for two weeks:
- Chemical peeling
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser treatments
- Professional facial massage
- Filler applications
What to do for optimal results
Besides the prohibitions, there are some positive actions you can take to enhance the results:
Mild expressions
Right after application, for 30 minutes, you can move your facial muscles slightly to help Botox "settle" correctly. Nothing excessive but natural movements:
- Light frowning of eyebrows
- A natural smile without exaggeration
Proper hydration
Drink plenty of water (at least 2 liters daily) to help your body function optimally and eliminate toxins.
Gentle cleansing
You can gently wash your face with lukewarm water and mild cleanser, as long as you avoid rubbing.
The small movements with a calm rhythm help Botox "bond" harmoniously with your face.
The small movements with a calm rhythm help Botox "bond" harmoniously with your face.
Medications and supplements forbidden after Botox
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Avoid for one week before and after treatment:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- Dipyrone (Ponstan)
- Naproxen
Alternatives: If you need a painkiller, prefer paracetamol.
Blood thinners
Inform your doctor if you take:
- Warfarin
- Sintrom
- New anticoagulants (Eliquis, Xarelto)
Dietary supplements
Avoid supplements that increase bruising risk:
- Vitamin E in large doses
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Garlic in capsules
- Omega-3 in high doses
Ask the Doctor
Dr. Dimitroulas Nikolaos
Plastic Surgeon
210 69 29 999
Diet and lifestyle: The role of daily routine
Foods that increase swelling
Limit for 2-3 days:
- Excessive salt and processed foods
- Red wine (contains histamines)
- Alcoholic drinks in general
- Foods rich in sodium
Helpful foods
Prefer:
- Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
- Pineapple (contains bromelain which reduces swelling)
- Green tea
- Foods rich in vitamin C
Hydration and caffeine
Caffeine can cause dehydration, so limit it the first days if you can and drink more water.
Side effects and management
Normal reactions
It's normal to experience:
- Light redness that subsides in 2-4 hours
- Small bruises at injection sites
- Mild swelling lasting 1-2 days
- Feeling of "heaviness" in the area
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
- Serious asymmetry that doesn't improve
- Eyelid drooping that affects vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Breathing difficulties
- Serious allergic reaction (itching, rash)
Seasonal care after Botox
Winter: Protect your skin from cold
In winter the skin can become more sensitive and for this reason:
- Apply moisturizing cream daily to combat dryness
- Drink enough water, because heating in indoor spaces dehydrates you
Summer: Protect yourself from sun and heat
In summer your skin has different needs. After Botox:
- Apply daily sunscreen with high protection factor (SPF 50+)
- Avoid the pool for at least 48 hours, as chlorine can irritate the area
- Use moisturizer 1-2 times daily to counteract moisture loss from sweating
If you're preparing for vacation or travel
To enjoy your treatment without stress:
- Schedule Botox at least 2 weeks before leaving, so the result stabilizes
- Take sunscreen and light moisturizer with you to have proper care wherever you are
- Avoid spa, steam baths and facial treatments the first days after Botox
Whatever the season or your schedule, with a little prevention and care you can keep the result fresh and natural!
Frequently asked questions
When will I see results from Botox?
Results usually start showing within 3-5 days, while full action is completed in about 14 days. It's important to avoid specific activities (like lying down the first hours or intense exercise the first days) after treatment.
How long do Botox results last?
The duration of Botox results is different in each case, but usually ranges between 3 and 4 months. Factors like the application site, skin type, amount of material used, doctor's technique, and your metabolism can affect duration. With frequent repetitions some people can have longer duration.
Can I shower after botox?
Ideally you need to wait at least 24 hours after treatment before showering. The goal is to avoid heat and pressure or intense massage in the application area, as well as maintaining your head in an upright position, to minimize the risk of material "movement." If you need to shower earlier, it's good to do it gently and without intense rubbing.
How many hours after Botox can I sleep?
You can lie down and sleep safely 4 hours after Botox. Until then, it's good to keep your head in an upright position, to minimize the possibility of material movement.
Can I wear makeup after Botox?
You can apply makeup after 4 hours, as long as you do it with gentle movements without pressure on the area.
Final thoughts
Botox is an excellent treatment for renewing your appearance, but its success also depends on your own care after the procedure. Now that you know what's forbidden after Botox you can maintain beautiful results that last. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Facemed Clinic.