Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The reasons for its popularity are quite self-evident; it works fast and does a great job at getting rid of wrinkles and smooth lines on the face. But for it to work well, it is important that you follow the instructions to the latter. This is particularly essential in the period following the Botox injection. After getting the shot, there are a few things you simply must refrain from doing. Granted, this might cause you some inconvenience, but it is well worth the effort.
Here are six things you should not do right after getting the injection and how to make Botox last longer
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Intense Physical Activity
Working out is one of the things you must give up immediately after getting Botox, at least until the product has settled in your body. The same rule applies for activities that are physically strenuous. But why is this important, you ask? It is because the Botox could move to other unwanted parts of your face, and this could have unwanted consequences. For your own peace of mind, avoid engaging in intense physical activity the first 24 hours after getting the shot.
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Touching the Injection Site
When part of your skin is itchy or somewhat sensitive, your natural reaction is to rub it so as to soothe the pain away. Although Botox injections rarely cause a lot of pain, your skin may be prickly a few hours following the procedure. You may be sorely tempted to rub the area or touch it, but you simply must battle that temptation. Massaging the area is also a big no- no. You have to let the product settle in. Your skin also needs to heal on its own. Like with exercise, massaging the area could cause the Botox to move to unwanted facial muscles, and this could have negative implications.
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Sleeping on Your Face
Another thing you should avoid right after getting Botox is lying down on your face. Give the product at least four hours to properly settle in, then you can take a nap or even go to sleep. You would therefore be well advised to get the injection early on in the day when the temptation to go back to sleep is relatively low. After getting the shot, keep yourself occupied to minimize the chances of sleeping. In the aftermath of the injection, your face is immensely delicate and you have to treat it with utmost care.
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Don’t Drink
One of the most common complaints regarding Botox is that sometimes, it causes bruising on the injected area. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your body system is alcohol free before and after you get the shot. Alcohol is known to exacerbate bruising, which is why you need to avoid drinking right after getting the shot. Staying alcohol free for a day will be enough to minimize the chances of bruising.
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Do Not Use Blood Thinners
You should also avoid taking blood thinners right after getting Botox. The reason for this is that the medication may aggravate bruising, which is something you certainly don’t want. Before getting the injection, tell your doctor whether or not you are on any medication, and which particular medication you are on. Many pain killers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen happen to be blood thinners as well as medication for certain conditions. You might not know whether or not the drugs you are on qualify as blood thinners, which is why it is important that you consult your physician before getting the shot.
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Avoid Excessive Exposure to Heat
Exposing your delicate skin to excess heat will only serve to make it more sensitive, so you ought to avoid doing this. This means that activities such as sun bathing or heat lamp procedures are a no-no until the bruises have healed and the swelling has subsided.
Conclusion
It is imperative that you take great care of your sensitive skin right after getting a Botox injection. There are certain activities that you have to refrain from doing if your skin is to heal nicely. They may not be the easiest things to do, but they can go a long way in helping you heal quickly. Your patience will be richly rewarded when you get the results you want
See more: 5 Common Questions about Botox
