What does treatment with Botulinum Toxin involve?
It is a non-surgical procedure in which a small amount of Botulinum toxin is injected into certain selected facial muscles using a fine 30/33 G needle. Generally, Botulinum toxin (Dysport) treatment for the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown (glabellar frown lines) takes about 10 minutes. Discomfort is minimal and very short-lived, and no local anaesthetic is usually required. The injection can sting for a few seconds, but usual activities can be resumed soon after. Following the injection, it takes about 2-3 days for Botulinum toxin to begin taking effect and it takes about seven days to see the full effect.
How does Botulinum Toxin work?
The Botulinum toxin blocks signal from the nerves to the muscles. The muscle that is injected can no longer contract, which results in relaxation and softening of the wrinkles the wrinkles. It is most often used on, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), forehead lines and frown lines. It can be used to treat Axillary Hyperhidrosis (problem underarm sweating).
How long does Botulinum Toxin last?
Normally, if the right amount of Botulinum toxin is injected by a trained doctor in the right muscles, the results could last 3-4 months. BOTULINUM TOXIN should last longer than a few weeks, but the duration varies. First time Botox users, might experience that the toxin is wearing off in < 3 months.
After Care after Botulinum toxin injections
Generally, on the day you get Botox, it’s a good idea to:
- gently exercise your face
- relax for the rest of the day
- maintain a normal heart rate
- avoid touching, rubbing, or physical pressure on the affected area
- leave the treated area alone
Wait 24 hours to exercise
If exercise is part of your daily routine, wait at least 24 hours to work out. Your doctor might suggest waiting for several days.
Exercise also contracts your muscles, which may decrease the toxin’s effectiveness.
However, it’s safe to do facial exercises like:
- frowning, smiling, raising your eyebrows
These movements can help the effects of Botox show up sooner.
Go makeup-free
If you received a Botox injection in your face, take a break from makeup for 24 hours. Applying makeup will rub the skin, potentially dispersing the toxin.
Sit up
Sit up for the first 4 hours after getting Botox. Bending or lying down might spread the toxin and promote bruising.
Ask your doctor about medications
Some medications might increase your risk of bruising. Be sure to ask your doctor when it’s safe to start taking them again.
Don’t drink alcohol
Before getting Botox, you’ll be asked to avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Alcohol increases the risk of bruising.
This holds true after the procedure, too. Wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol.
Don’t touch your face
To avoid spreading the toxin, don’t touch your face for at least 1 day. Some doctors suggest waiting 3 days.
If you got Botox in another part of your body, you should also avoid touching those areas.
This includes professional massages on the treated areas. It’s best to schedule your next massage for several days later.
Avoid other skin treatments
Botox needs some time to settle into the muscle. For the first 24 hours, avoid other skin treatments like:
Getting these treatments too soon may reduce the effectiveness of your injections.
Don’t sleep on the treated areas
Try your best to avoid sleeping on the injected areas. This will minimize the physical pressure and let the Botox settle into your muscles.
Also, avoid sleeping within 4 hours after your procedure.
Stay out of the sun
Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 hours. The heat can promote flushing and increase your blood pressure, which may encourage bruising. To be extra safe, avoid the sun for 24 to 48 hours.
It’s also best to avoid other forms of heat exposure, such as:
