BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world because it’s highly effective and minimally invasive. Residents of Elgin, South Elgin, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, St Charles, and Geneva can get a BOTOX injection at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL. Read on to find out more about this treatment and what you should avoid after your session.
What Should You Avoid After Getting a BOTOX Injection?
Neuromodulator injections work by relaxing the muscles in the treatment site and preventing them from creating the facial shapes that cause wrinkles. Although BOTOX is minimally invasive and doesn’t require a long recovery period, you have to closely follow the aftercare guidelines to achieve the desired results.
Don’t take blood-thinning substances, expose your skin to the sun, or perform strenuous exercise in the days after your appointment. Lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent a premature deterioration of your results.
Certain Substances
During your initial appointment, we’ll give you a list of substances you can’t take in the days before and after your appointment. They include NSAIDs, turmeric, garlic, ginseng, and chamomile. Medications and supplements that contain these substances thin the blood, so they can cause issues and slow down the healing process. We suggest that you wait for at least three to five days before you start taking them.
Sunlight Exposure
Did you know that UV rays alter the DNA inside your skin cells and therefore cause discoloration, premature wrinkles, and even skin cancer? After your appointment, your skin is more sensitive than usual, so it’s important to keep it away from the sun. Don’t expose your treatment area to direct sunlight. Stay in the shade as much as possible, and apply high-quality sunscreen when you go outside.
If you’re not sure which skincare products are best, let us know. We can suggest some cosmetics that are suitable for people who have had BOTOX treatment.
Strenuous Exercise
You can resume almost all your regular activities right away. This includes going to work, walking, and doing light housework. However, it’s best to skip strenuous workouts for a few days to give your body a chance to fully recover from the treatment.
Don’t participate in activities that heat your skin too much because they could interfere with the healing process. If you want to stay active, do yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, or stretching. You can also go for a walk or go swimming.
An Unhealthy Lifestyle
The results from botulinum toxin injections can last for many months, but only if you take good care of your body after your session. Stick to a healthy diet that includes all the vital nutrients. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and cut down on processed junk food. Substances like alcohol and caffeine dry out your tissues, so they can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Always drink plenty of water to replenish your fluid levels.
Exercise is equally important because it allows you to maintain your weight and improves the condition of your skin. However, some people have found that intense exercise speeds up their metabolisms, so their bodies break down BOTOX more quickly. To prevent this, you might want to limit high-intensity workouts to once or twice a week. Try some lower-intensity exercises like cycling or Aqua Aerobics.
How Does BOTOX Work?
When botulinum toxin is injected into the treatment site, it immobilizes the muscles and prevents them from creating certain facial expressions that lead to wrinkling. This treatment works particularly well on dynamic wrinkles that disappear when the patient’s face is neutral. It is also suitable for people who have thin or uneven lips. If it’s injected into the muscles around the mouth, BOTOX encourages the lips to fold outwards and look plumper.
What If I Have Static Wrinkles?
If your wrinkles have become static, you can still participate in treatment. After the neuromodulator relaxes your muscles, your skin might look smoother, and further damage can be prevented. However, you might benefit from a combination of BOTOX and other injectables. Dermal fillers plump up the skin and encourage the production of collagen. They are perfect for people who are suffering from static wrinkles or a loss of volume in the cheeks.
How Often Do I Need to Come to the Clinic?
Most of our BOTOX patients come to the clinic three or four times a year. This treatment schedule is safe, and it allows them to maintain excellent results in the long term.
It’s important to remember that every patient is different, and you might need BOTOX more or less frequently than the average person. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate the condition of your skin, your goals, and your medical history and then come up with a treatment schedule that works for you. If you suffer from significant signs of aging, we might recommend a combination of BOTOX and dermal fillers, laser treatment, and chemical peels.
Achieve Your Esthetic Goals with Neuromodulator Injections
BOTOX is a great injectable for people who are experiencing the first signs of aging or those who would like to subtly enhance the shape of their lips. The aftercare instructions are simple and easy to stick to, so patients’ lives aren’t disrupted by the treatment. Call us at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL to schedule your first BOTOX injection.