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You invest time and money into neurotoxin injections to reap aesthetic or health benefits, so, of course, you want the results to be as good as they possibly can. \u201cThe first 24 hours after treatment matter. What you do\u2014or don\u2019t do\u2014can directly influence your outcome,\u201d says New York dermatologist\u00a0Marina Peredo, MD. While Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist\u00a0Sue Ellen Cox, MD notes that while aftercare for neurotoxins is relatively simple compared to many other aesthetic treatments, there are still some critical things you should avoid. \u201cRubbing, pressure, increased blood flow, heat or gravity too soon after treatment can cause the product to migrate to unintended areas,\u201d warns Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. \u201cThis may result in uneven results, reduced effectiveness, increased bruising or unwanted effects such as drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows and facial asymmetry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most important rule is to avoid anything that puts pressure or causes swelling on the face for a period of time after injections,\u201d says Dr. Cox. \u201cThis includes other facial massages, at-home tools such as jade rollers or gua sha and suction-based devices like HydraFacial.\u201d Even actions as simple as rubbing the face or resting it firmly in your hands could be problematic, notes Dr. Longwill.<\/p>\n
Dr. Peredo suggests avoiding any pressure, even including wearing helmets or tight headwear, for 24 hours. For more intensive high-touch treatments like \u201cfacials, facial massage or lymphatic treatments, patients should wait seven to 10 days to allow the neurotoxin to fully settle,\u201d says Dr. Longwill. Dr. Peredo explains that \u201cneurotoxins require time to bind to targeted neuromuscular junctions. Excess manipulation can increase the risk of unintended diffusion into adjacent muscles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Longwill recommends patients avoid lying flat or bending forward excessively after getting neurotoxin injections. Basically, \u201cPatients should remain upright for at least four hours after treatment,\u201d she says. It might seem silly, but it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n
Dr. Cox says patients scheduling multiple aesthetic appointments too close together or in the wrong order is a common issue. \u201cFor example, if you plan to have both a facial and neurotoxin injections on the same day, the facial should always be done first. Performing a facial afterward can disrupt the placement of the product,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
Dr. Peredo also urges patients not to schedule any laser or microneedling after neurotoxin injections. \u201cFacial manipulation, external heat and prolonged reclining may interfere with early toxin localization.\u201d She recommends waiting one to two weeks, depending on your doctor\u2019s recommendations.<\/p>\n
\u201cStrenuous activity increases blood flow and vascular dilation, which may promote early diffusion before the neurotoxin has fully localized,\u201d explains Dr. Peredo; however, she notes light waking if fine. Dr. Longwill advises avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours post-treatment.<\/p>\n
Avoid heat, including saunas, steam rooms and hot yoga for at least 24 hours after treatment, advises Dr. Longwill. \u201cHeat increases circulation and may contribute to swelling or diffusion in the early phase,\u201d explains Dr. Peredo, who recommends waiting two days if possible.<\/p>\n
Dr. Longwill urges patients to skip consuming excess alcohol within 24 hours of getting neurotoxin injections. \u201cAlcohol promotes vasodilation and increases the risk of bruising,\u201d Dr. Peredo explains.<\/p>\n
This task might be the hardest since it\u2019s all mental, but Dr. Peredo advises patients not to panic if they don\u2019t see results immediately. \u201cThe biologic process requires time,\u201d she explains, noting that initial softening tends to take three to five days with the full effect taking shape in 10 to 14 days.<\/p>\n
Whatever you do, don\u2019t seek out more injections out of sheer panic. \u201cOver-treating too early can lead to heaviness, imbalance or an unnatural appearance,\u201d says Dr. Peredo. She recommends reassessing at two weeks with your doctor to see if refinement is needed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n