Can I Ice My Face After BOTOX® Injections?
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If you’re looking to refresh your appearance and reduce the appearance of forehead creases, frown lines, and Crow’s feet, you may have considered BOTOX in the past. BOTOX injections have been around long enough for us to know quite a bit about their short-term and long-term effects, and it’s generally considered safe.
Aftercare is crucial with BOTOX injections. Below, the team at Dermatology Center of Dallas explains how to care for your face after BOTOX, including the icing protocols you can follow if you experience any bruising or swelling.
What is it like to get BOTOX?
BOTOX is an injectable wrinkle relaxer that keeps the muscles underneath the skin from moving in a way that makes fine lines and wrinkles visible. This can also help prevent the formation of new wrinkles.
The BOTOX injection procedure can take just ten minutes, and some patients require no recovery time. However, some patients experience mild redness, swelling, and occasional bruising at the injection site.
How will I feel after I get BOTOX?
Side effects should be mild and limited to the injection site. Patients who experience other side effects should discuss them with their practitioner.
Some patients who are new to BOTOX may need time to adjust to the feeling of not being able to contract their facial muscles automatically, but this is normal.
How should I care for my face after getting BOTOX?
If you are only getting BOTOX at your appointment, aftercare instructions are relatively straightforward. However, if you receive multiple treatments on the same day, defer to your practitioner's specific instructions.
The most important things to remember in the days after getting a BOTOX injection are to:
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Avoid heat, sun, alcohol, and strenuous exercise right after treatment
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Avoid lying down for four hours after injections
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Avoid blood thinners
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Try to relax and maintain a normal heart rate for the day
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Do not touch or press the treated area
Can I use ice on my face after BOTOX?
Because there may be redness and swelling almost immediately after BOTOX injections, many patients are tempted to ice their faces to alleviate these effects. However, while there’s no issue with the cold, the pressure you apply with the ice pack may interfere with results.
If patients gently apply a cold compress or ice pack to their faces, it is safe to do this right after treatment. You can continue intermittent ice applications as long as the redness and swelling appear. Just be sure not to lay on the ice pack.
After 24 hours, your practitioner will likely give you the go-ahead to apply more pressure to your face. At this point, you can apply ice and not worry about leaning or lying on an ice pack.
Take years off your face with BOTOX treatment at our office in Dallas.
If you’re interested in BOTOX treatment for cosmetic or medical issues, schedule a consultation with the team at Dermatology Center of Dallas.
Our practitioners in Dallas, TX can give you all the information you need on what to expect from BOTOX injections, provide aftercare instructions, and tailor their advice to your specific needs.