We can all agree Botox and fillers are amazing at helping you feel and look younger and more refreshed. Why spend money on an eye cream that may work, when you know a quick injection will actually decrease the appearance of crow’s feet for months to come?
As much as Botox and fillers are miracle solutions, there are things you must avoid doing in order to make the most of your injectables after getting them.
Because both Botox and dermal fillers are metabolized by the body and are eventually safely secreted through the kidneys and liver, things like drinking alcohol and exercising are on the no no list. While fillers go deep into the skin, Botox is injected into muscles, where it is absorbed slowly (which is why it takes longer to set in). Because of this, each requires a different set of rules of things to avoid after being injected. With so many holiday appointments coming up (and lots of parties to attend after), I, Danielle Smith, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and Miami botox and filler specialist at smith & co, thought this was the best time to remind all my clients of the rules for post-appointment protocol.
What NOT to do after getting Botox
Botox is a girl’s (and guy’s) favorite neurotoxin, because it goes into the muscle to temporarily reduce lines and wrinkles (think crow’s feet and 11 lines between brows). Typically, it lasts up to four months (depending on your metabolism). To help make the most of your BOTOX, make sure to SKIP:
Intense Cardio
Cardio is a no-no. Because it temporarily raises your blood pressure, cardio right after Botox can increase swelling and/or bruising. And that’s something we all want to avoid. It’s best to take a full day off to let your Botox settle before you jump back into your workout. So skip the gym. It’s OK this time. I promise.
Makeup
Needles leave tiny holes at the Injection site. Applying makeup directly after Botox could potentially expose you to bacteria. But, if you wait at least 30 minutes, these tiny holes will start to heal themselves and you can jump back into your makeup routine.
Facial Tools
Jade rollers are fun, but did you know using them right after Botox can increase blood flow and cause swelling and/or bruising? Even worse, it can cause Botox to migrate under the skin. Avoid using these tools after getting Botox. You want your tox to stay right where I, your injector, intended it to go.
Laying Down
Maintaining your youth is an exhausting job. But avoid laying down for the first four hours after getting injected. Laying down could cause your Botox to migrate and it could also increase bruising. Same goes for sleeping on your face the first night after getting Botox. You want it to settle into your muscles the way your injector intended, so prop up some pillows and sleep on your back.
Alcohol
Botox appointments generally happen right before special occasions. And special occasions generally include alcoholic beverages. But if you just got injected, you’ll want to skip the drinks, especially if you are prone to bruising. Alcohol thins the blood and that can cause you to bruise. Skip the drinks and opt for water instead.
And then there’s filler. It literally fills in those wrinkles on your face you can see when your face is in the resting position (think laugh lines). While fillers are great at also restoring collagen loss and increasing collagen production, when it comes to DERMAL FILLERS, here’s what you’ll want to AVOID after your appointment:
Facials and Massages
Fillers don’t have a tendency to migrate, but if enough pressure is applied to them, they can. That’s why it’s best to skip facials, massages, even microdermabrasion for the first two week after getting filler. You’ll also want to avoid rubbing where you were just injected for a few days after your appointment to help stave off bruising and swelling.
Tanning
Tanning is never a great idea. It’s best to always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors. But if you’ve just received filler, it’s especially best to avoid direct UV rays. They can cause swelling and/or bruising and redness where filler was applied. You want to look your best (which is why you just got filler), so keep things covered.
If you are thinking about Botox and/or fillers, let me, Danielle Smith, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, help you determine which is best for your needs. We’ll create the look that will leave you smiling—minus the crow’s feet. You can schedule a consultation with me by calling 305-393-2311 or reaching me here online. I’m also happy to answer any questions you may have via DM on Instagram at smithand_co.
