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Botox Treatment: What to Do and What to Avoid

Whether it’s to get rid of the wrinkles and frown lines on your face or to help relieve the constant jaw pain of a TMJ disorder, getting Botox can make a huge difference. Before you schedule your appointment, though, it’s important to realize that the success of the treatment may largely depend on some of the decisions you make afterward. Here are some of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind after receiving Botox.

mature woman smiling

How Does Botox Work?

First, it’s important to realize what a Botox treatment is. A special neurotoxin is injected into a specific area of the face to paralyze certain muscles. This stops the (usually unconscious) contracting that contributes to wrinkles and TMJ disorders. This treatment is highly effective, but it also requires time to work.

The Dos Following Botox Treatment

It can take up to a week or more for the effects of Botox to fully kick in. In the meantime, here are some ways you can help ensure that the injection does its job properly:

  • Keep your head upright for at least two to four hours after the treatment. This way you won’t put too much pressure around the injection site and can prevent blood flow from increasing (which could cause the Botox to disperse so that it doesn’t last as long).
  • Move your face (particularly the injected area) for the first hour after treatment. Frowning, smiling and raising your eyebrows are all good ways to do this. These actions will make it easier for the Botox to reach the cells it’s targeting.
  • Avoid getting your face too hot, which can increase blood flow and disperse the Botox. Obviously, that means staying away from saunas and particularly hot weather. You should also avoid strenuous exercise, as it can raise your core body temperature.

The Don’ts Following Botox Treatment

You need to take proper care of your face after Botox treatment in order to see the best results. Here are some things you absolutely should not do:

  • Do not touch the injection area, as this might end up moving it to unintended muscles.
  • Do not travel too far from your Bloomingdale dentist immediately after the treatment. If there are unintended side effects, you’ll want to have the problem addressed immediately.
  • Do not apply makeup or a spray tan for at least 6 hours after receiving Botox. Doing so could create a risk for infection.
  • Do not receive a facial massage for at least 2 weeks after the treatment; again, this is to avoid moving the injection to areas besides where it was meant to go.

Your dentist can give you further advice on Botox recovery, as well as for instructions for preparing for the treatment. Make the right choices to protect your face, and you can look forward to having a wrinkle-free, pain-free smile in no time!