What happens if you get hot after Botox?

It may be a minimally invasive treatment, but as a prescription medicine, Botox aftercare is important. 

When you invest in Botox treatment, you want to get the best results possible. And while most responsibility lies in the skilful hands of your practitioner, there are steps you can take after treatment to help.

You should be given verbal instructions by your practitioner, but it can be easy to forget – especially if it’s your first time having Botox.

So to give you a handy reference guide, if there was anything you were planning to do after having Botox but weren’t sure, here’s a quick rundown of the dos and don’ts of Botox aftercare.

Good Botox aftercare – what to do after your treatment 

The most important and universally agreed instruction when it comes to Botox aftercare is one you’ll like the sound of. Take it easy, sit down and relax!

You don’t want to do anything strenuous, so for the first 4 or 5 hours, get comfy on the sofa (sitting not lying down), put something decent on to watch and take the opportunity to enjoy some precious time off.

Most practitioners will tell you to use your facial muscles to help get the Botox into where it’s needed. So practice your normal range of facial expressions – chatting and laughing at a good comedy will help.

For any swelling or bruising, you can gently apply an ice pack. Arnica cream can help with bruising too. If you’re prone to bruising, you can also try arnica tablets as a preventative measure – start the day before treatment and carry on for 5 days afterwards.

Bad Botox aftercare – what to avoid

‘Bad Botox aftercare’ is probably overstating the case against these activities, but if you’ve never had Botox before and want to take all the sensible precautions you can, you’ll want to avoid a few things.

Rubbing the treated area is a no-no for the first few hours. This includes any kind of massage – so that relaxing facial will have to wait. The rationale for this is to minimise the risk of diffusion, i.e. Botox spreading to other muscles – in particular, the eyelids.

For the same reason, it’s wise to avoid bending forward or lying down for four to five hours following treatment. Additionally, if you stay upright, it’s less likely that you’ll nod off and rub your face in your sleep.

You’re also advised to wait 24 hours before taking part in any strenuous activity. Any activities that cause an increased heart rate will increase blood flow to the treated area, which is bad for two reasons.

Firstly, because of the risk of Botox travelling into – and affecting – other muscles. And secondly, because you want the Botox to stay in place in the treated area for maximum effect. Dispersing some into other areas may compromise your results.

Try not to get too hot for the same reasons above, as heat will increase your blood pressure. So no saunas, sun beds or hot baths/showers in the first few hours after your treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol for the first 24 hours too.

Conclusion

There is no global consensus on what to do after Botox treatment, but there’s certainly no harm in being vigilant.

Different practitioners will have their own ideas about Botox aftercare, and give their patients different guidelines. Some may say that exercise is fine, some will say you can lay down with no problems – though all will agree that rubbing or massaging the area is to be avoided for the first few hours.

And it’s true that Botox is injected in very small amounts, so the likelihood of any complications arising is minimal. But if you follow the guidelines above, while you may be being extra careful, you’ll also be extra safe – and give yourself the best chance of getting great, natural results.

Aurora Skin Clinics are an award-winning skin clinic offering expert Botox treatment at fully equipped private clinics in Bucks, Northampton and Essex. For information, or to book a free consultation with one of our practitioners, please call 01844 318825 or complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch.

1. Do NOT massage or apply pressure on the treated area for 6-8hrs after treatment since Botox may migrate to areas of undesirable effectiveness.

2. Do NOT lie down for 6 hours after treatment. Also Do NOT lean forward, shower, cook over a hot stove.

3. You MUST keep your head UPRIGHT for at least 6 hrs after injection.

4. Avoid yoga or other rigorous exercise activities, extensive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages for the 1st 24 hours after treatment. This may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the sites of the injection.

5. Avoid facials and saunas for 24 hours after treatment since this will decrease the chance of your blood pressure rising and thus decrease the chance of minor and temporary bruising.

6. Try to exercise your treated muscles for about 2 hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting). This helps to work Botox Cosmetic® into your muscles. I t will NOT negatively impact your treatment if you don’t do this.

7. Headaches are common. Botox is even used to treat headaches. However, if you have a headache we recommend you avoid aspirin or aspirin containing products. You may opt instead to use Motrin, Tylenol, and/or cool compresses. If headaches continue or worsen, contact your physician.

8. Avoid taking Advil, Vitamin E, Ginger, Ginko, Bilboa, Ginseng, and Garlic for 2 weeks since this may increase the risk of bruising. You may shower and do most other regular daily activities.

9. Note that any bumps or marks will go away within a few hours. If you do develop a bruise it will resolve like other bruises you have had in about a week. There is occasionally some mild pain, swelling, itching, or redness at the site of injection similar to most other injections. Redness may last for 1-2 days, rarely longer. You may apply cold compresses or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce swelling or discomfort.

10. Results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect although many people will recognize the benefits in 3-5 days after treatment.

11. Botox Cosmetic® is a temporary procedure. In most people the benefits of Botox last about 6 months. Sometimes a few wrinkles may start to return in 2-3months. The effectiveness of Botox will last longer with successive treatments. 

12. Initially, the physician may want to see the patient between 2-4 weeks for a brief “touch-up” and checkup of the procedure. If you allow Botox Cosmetic® to completely wear off, it is difficult for the doctor to be able to see how your individual muscles reacted and therefore optimal results for your face can be more difficult to achieve.

13. Makeup: It is recommended that you wait 12 hours after the treatment before applying make-up.

14. Cold compresses may be used 10 minutes on 10 minutes off to reduce swelling 2-3x per day during the 1st 1-2 days if needed. 

Have you been considering Botox injections but wonder what the chances are that you could have a bad reaction?

Your concerns are completely normal and are to be expected from anyone who is considering an elective procedure or surgery.

However, an adverse or allergic reaction to Botox is very rare.

Only 36 cases involving adverse effects were reported to the FDA between 1989-2003. 

Out of the 36 cases, doctors reported that 13 of them had more to do with an underlying condition.

Research shows us that cosmetic Botox is even safer than therapeutic Botox because the dose is lower.

Rest assured, the overall risk of having a bad reaction to Botox is minimal and the injections are considered safe. 

Below you’ll learn exactly what you can expect, and how to best care for yourself post-procedure in order to enjoy the full effects of your Botox experience.

Afterall, Botox IS a good thing.

Do Botox Injections Have Side Effects?

As with any medical procedure, one can expect that there will be some side effects. 

Knowing what you can expect is an important part of your decision to have Botox.

The right doctor will explain the procedure, possible side effects, and how long they should last.

You should always go to an experienced and board-certified dermatologist or surgeon for any medical procedure, and cosmetic or therapeutic Botox is no exception.

So, are there any bad side effects to Botox injections?

7 Possible Botox Reactions

What could a reaction to Botox injections look like? 

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common side effects below, and what you should do if you have a reaction.

When performed by an experienced doctor, Botox injections are typically safe. 

You are more likely to encounter negative side effects if your Botox injections aren’t prepared to FDA standards, or if they are injected by an inexperienced doctor.

Most doctors will recommend that you do not get Botox if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to the protein in cow’s milk.

Mild Pain, Swelling and Bruising 

Most often, the reactions of Botox and fillers happen around the injection site.

Mild pain, swelling and bruising are common after Botox injections. Even the smallest needle can cause bruising or swelling.

Bruising is caused when a damaged blood vessel bleeds into the surrounding area.

There are steps you can take to avoid or minimize bruising, but you should always speak to your doctor about your individual circumstances.

What To Do About It 

Some strategies to reduce the appearance of bruising include:

• Keep your head elevated above your heart
• Apply ice at regular intervals for 2-3 days following treatment
• Avoid drinking alcohol a day prior to and immediately following injections
• Avoid blood thinners, if possible
• Avoid vigorous activities for 2-3 days following treatment

If you take any supplements or medications, please speak to your doctor in advance for any personalized recommendations.

Flu-like Symptoms 

In one recent study, 9.2% of 218 patients studied reported flu-like symptoms.

The symptoms usually occur within the first month following treatment and are commonly described as mild to moderate.

Symptoms can be defined as an upper respiratory tract infection associated with fever and fatigue.

What To Do About It 

As with any flu, symptoms can be treated easily. 

Follow these simple steps to recovery:

• Rest and downtime
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Acetaminophen for aches and fever
• Take a steamy bath
• Use a humidifier
• Try an expectorant

It is recommended that you speak to your doctor before taking any medications following your procedure.

A Headache 

Some patients may experience headaches following injections to the forehead. 

There is no consensus among experts as to the cause of the headaches. 

Some theories include:

• Accidental bumping of the frontal bone of the forehead
• Over-contraction of certain facial muscles
• Potential impurities in a particular batch of Botox

What To Do About It 

While the cause of the headache may be unknown, it’s simple to treat a headache with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as acetaminophen.

Taking an OTC should relieve your headache within a few hours or a few days.

Always discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who will make recommendations based on your individual circumstance.

Constipation and Nausea

An upset stomach, nausea, or constipation can occur in 1 to 10% of patients. 

Symptoms are reported as mild or moderate and typically last a few days up to two weeks.

What To Do About It

While uncomfortable, treating an upset stomach caused by constipation and nausea can be simple:

• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables
• Drink ginger tea to soothe your stomach
• Eat bland, low-fat foods
• Take a fiber supplement or stool softener, as directed
• Take a warm bath
• Light exercise 3-5 times a week

Dry Mouth 

You may find that your mouth feels dry after Botox injections. 

This is not uncommon and usually passes within a few days.

Any of the symptoms below can indicate a dry mouth as a result of your injections:

• Mouth feels sticky or dry
• Saliva is thick or stringy
• Your throat feels hoarse or dry
• You have trouble swallowing

What To Do About It

To relieve a dry mouth try the following remedies:

• Take small sips of water often
• Suck on sugarless candy
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash
• Avoid breathing through your mouth

Dysphagia or Trouble Swallowing

Because the response to Botox can vary among patients, dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can occur even after the most expertly applied injections.

While a given dose may not be enough for one patient, it can prove to be too much for another. 

This may result in toxins spreading to the muscles next to the injection site.

This side effect usually occurs within 2-10 days of treatment, and almost always resolves itself.

It’s important to let your physician know exactly what symptoms you are experiencing as future doses may need to be adjusted.

What To Do About It

If you experience dysphagia as a result of your botox, you can:

• Take small mouthfuls of food and chew thoroughly
• Keep a glass of water nearby while eating to help wash food down
• Try eating only softer foods for a while, avoiding anything hard or crusty
• If swallowing fluids is difficult, try sitting up and using a straw while drinking

If food or drink is frequently entering the windpipe, it could end up in your lungs and cause an infection. 

While this is very rare, you must contact your physician immediately.

Drooping eyelids

When Botox migrates to either the forehead or the area between the eyes, this can result in a droopy eyelid.

One reason people choose Botox may be to reduce the appearance of forehead or vertical frown lines. 

On occasion, some of the Botox may seep into the upper eyelid and paralyze the muscle that holds the upper eyelid up. 

This can result in a drooping eyelid.

What To Do About It 

Droopy eyelids should disappear within four to six weeks, but you can alleviate symptoms by trying these treatments:

• Apraclonidine- eye drops that can help drooping eyelids (but not drooping eyebrows)
• More Botox to counteract the relaxed muscle

Choosing the right doctor can greatly reduce the risk of side effects such as drooping eyelids.

How Long Do Botox Side Effects Last?

Most side effects are temporary and should relieve themselves shortly.

Side effects can occur in anyone, regardless of age or health risk.

Botox remains overwhelmingly safe when performed by a qualified doctor or surgeon. Most doctors rarely see adverse effects, other than mild bruising or swelling. 

However, side effects may indicate an allergic reaction and would be cause for you to seek immediate help.

Can Botox Cause Allergic Reactions?

Can you be allergic to Botox?

An allergic reaction to Botox injections is possible, though it is not very common. 

There have been no cases of systemic (body-wide) reactions to Botox, and no one has died.

Usually, an adverse side effect of Botox will present itself within the first week following treatment.

A delayed allergic reaction to botox is highly unlikely. 

However, if you are experiencing any symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should speak to your doctor immediately.

What Does An Allergic Reaction To Botox Look Like?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you could be having an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness

Or swelling of the:

What To Do If You’re Having An Allergic Reaction To Botox

If you think you are having an allergic reaction to your Botox injections, contact your doctor or surgeon immediately.

If you experience severe swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, call 911.

Where To Turn For Botox And Botox Reaction Information

Would you like to know if Botox could be right for you?

For more information about Botox and Botox safety, contact our office to request a FREE consultation.