BOTOX ® is a non invasive cosmetic treatment that can relax the facial muscles, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles. An injection with BOTOX ® solution can be effective for 4 to 6 months. To ensure that the results are optimal, you should follow the instructions of the plastic surgeon. Special care must be taken the first 24 hours after the procedure; after that, you can get back to your regular lifestyle.
After the Treatment
The BOTOX ® procedure's duration is between 20 to 30 minutes and a light anesthetic cream may be used. Immediately after the treatment, the treated area will be swollen. The BOTOX ® solution is injected under the skin, into the muscles, so there should be no or minimal pain. If you feel discomfort or pain, ask for a pain medication; some patients experience headaches. Don't take any aspirin or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 24 hours after the procedure, as these may interfere with the botox solution. Opt for Ibuprofen or Tylenol, if need be.
You may also have a few small red dots (from the injection needle) and in rare cases, bruising occurs. You may apply some compresses, but these should be light and cold. Avoid rubbing the treated areas.
You should also keep your head in an upright position to keep the BOTOX ® solution in place; avoid any strenuous physical activity for the following 24 hours. Walking and brisk walking are acceptable.
You should move your muscles every 5 minutes for 1 hour post injection, to ensure that the BOTOX ® solution penetrates the muscles. Avoid sleeping or lying down for 4 to 5 hours after the procedure. The results of the BOTOX ® treatment will be visible in 3 to 4 days after the injection; however, the best results will only be visible in 2 weeks.
Don't Massage the Area
The treated area shouldn't be massaged 48 hours after the administration of the injection.
Massaging the area can send BOTOX ® to other muscles of the face as well, and these may also be relaxed, so you may have an unnatural look (i.e. dropped eyelids).
Other Considerations
After the swelling is gone, you can use makeup and other facial creams that you regularly use. Your plastic surgeon may also recommend you some special anti wrinkle formulas that can be effective in improving the texture of your skin, as BOTOX ® does not work on the texture of the skin.
Schedule a follow up appointment 2 to 3 weeks after the intervention, to ensure that there are no complications and the BOTOX ® is fully effective.
Repeating the Treatment
An injection with BOTOX ® solution can keep the muscles relaxed for 4 to 6 months; after this period, the muscles will start to contract again and you will notice that the wrinkles will be visible when you smile or frown. The BOTOX ® treatment can be repeated as many times as you want and the more treatments you get, the longer the treatment tends to last.