BOTOX ® injections are a popular treatment for facial lines and wrinkles, especially those on the forehead and between the eyebrows. A derivative of botulism toxin, BOTOX ® effectively paralyzes the muscles that can create what are known as dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that occur due to contraction of muscles just beneath the skin. Frown lines are a good example of this kind of wrinkling.
Precautions after BOTOX ® Treatment
BOTOX ® is a relatively simple procedure, but does require some post-procedure precautions. Since the doctor has made several injections into the facial muscles, there is likely to be some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort at the injection sites. As with any injury to the skin, it's possible for the punctures to become infected, but this is very rare. There also might be small red marks where the needle penetrated the skin. Redness, swelling and marks on the skin should disappear after an hour or two.
Until the BOTOX ® is completely absorbed, it is possible for it to move under the skin. Because of this, most doctors recommend that you not lie down for about four hours after the treatment. In addition, you should not rub the treated area for twenty-four hours. This ensures that the BOTOX ® remains at the injection site and does not migrate. Migration of the BOTOX ® under the skin can lead to undesirable results.
Post-Treatment Care for BOTOX ® Patients
Additional care after BOTOX ® treatments includes:
Results of the treatment will increase over the next few days. BOTOX ® treatments last a few months, and then must be followed up with maintenance treatments to ensure continued results.
