Botox injections are a very popular anti-aging treatment for both men and women. Botox is great for reducing the signs of aging and can even prevent fine lines and wrinkles like crow’s feet from forming in the first place. Botox can take years off of your appearance!

Botox injections are a quick cosmetic treatment with virtually no downtime after. Injections can be performed by our medical professionals at Great City Medical in New York City.

While there is no downtime and little risk of side effects of Botox, there are a few key do’s and don’ts after your appointment. The biggest concern post-Botox injection is facial bruising. Luckily, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of facial bruising.

If you receive Botox injections with us, here is everything you need to know to give yourself the best Botox aftercare.

Can you Wash your Face after Botox?

You can wash your face after getting Botox. It is important to keep your face clean, especially around the Botox injection sites, to avoid any irritation or risk of infection. Just be very careful when washing your face.

Use gentle cleansers only. Avoiding massaging or scrubbing your face, as this can cause irritation. Instead, use a light touch when washing your face. To avoid heat exposure, use warm or cold water instead of hot.

Avoid any additional facial treatments, such as massages, chemical peels or microdermabrasion, within 24 hours of your appointment.

You may also wish to avoid using makeup and other topical creams like Retin A for at least 24 hours after botox injections.

How Soon after Botox can I Exercise?

It is best to avoid any strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after getting a Botox injection for several reasons.

Physical activity increases your blood flow, which can cause the Botox to break down more quickly. It is better to let the Botox settle first so the skin tightening effects have time to take place.

Strenuous activity also increases your blood pressure. Increased blood pressure can also increase swelling in the face. There is the chance of swelling around the injection sites, so it is best to avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours or until any swelling from the injection subsides.

Finally, exercising can cause you to sweat. Sweat can increase your risk of infection and irritate the injection sites. To avoid sweating, it is best to also avoid using saunas, sunbathing, or other exposure to heat for 24 hours after getting Botox.

In most cases, excising after 24 hours post-Botox injection should be fine. If you can, waiting up to a full week to exercise post-injection is recommended. This will allow plenty of time for your Botox to settle, optimize your results, and significantly decrease your risk of any side effects from exercise.

If you do need to exercise after getting Botox, try to stick to light exercise such as walking. Consider exercising when temperatures are lower or indoors in an air-conditioned space to keep heart rate and sweating low.

Are there any Foods or Drinks I Should Stay away from after Botox?

There are no foods or drinks that you need to avoid when getting Botox and no special diet is required. However, some food, drink, or supplements can increase your risk of bruising so you may wish to avoid them in the days immediately before and after your appointment.

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol, especially red wine, for 24 hours before and 24 hours after your procedure. Drinking alcohol has been shown to increase your risk of bruising and can cause you to be dehydrated. Dehydration can negatively affect recovery.

You may also wish to avoid drinking excessive caffeine before or after your appointment, as caffeine can also cause you to be dehydrated and can increase your heart rate. As with strenuous exercise, increased heart rate and blood flow can cause the Botox to break down more quickly before the skin tightening effects have time to take place.

Foods containing garlic and supplements like vitamin e have also been shown to increase the risk of bruising.

Are there any Medications I should Stay Away from After Botox?

Avoid taking blood thinners for 24 hours before or after your Botox appointment, unless recommended by your doctor.

Also avoid taking aspirin or NSAID pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) for 24 hours before or after getting Botox. These painkillers can act as blood thinners.

Blood thinners all increase your risk for bruising or bleeding after your injection.

Instead, Tylenol is recommended for managing any pain and swelling.

You may also wish to use arnica gel around the injection sites several times per day for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk and appearance of bruising.

Key takeaways for Botox aftercare

• DO ice the treated areas
• DO gently wash your face
• DO drink plenty of water
• DO take Tylenol if needed
• DO use arnica gel if needed
• AVOID additional facial treatments, like massage or chemical peel
• AVOID drinking alcohol or excessive caffeine
• AVOID taking blood thinners and NSAID pain relievers
• AVOID strenuous exercise or excessive sweating
• AVOID heat exposure

Book an appointment for Botox injections today!

At Great City Medical, our medical professionals provide appointments for Botox, dermal fillers, and other non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

We can work with you to achieve and maintain the youthful appearance you’re looking for. Skip the plastic surgeon! Add Botox to your skin care routine and get the best NYC Botox treatment now!

Schedule an appointment with our medical professionals today.