Over the years, botox has emerged as a go-to medical aesthetic procedure for people who want to look ageless. The treatment is simple and effective, with just an injection doing magic and smoothening your wrinkles in a single session. Although you have to go through repeat sessions after 4-6 months, it is a small price for a youthful appearance. While the procedure is inherently safe, you should take a few precautions before, during, and after the session to prevent any risks. Follow it every time, whether during your first session or follow-ups. Here is the Botox safety advice you can depend on.
Choose a reputed specialist
When it comes to ensuring safety with Botox, nothing matters more than choosing the right practitioner. Prioritize skill, credentials, and experience as they assure good outcomes. After all, the procedure is delicate and requires immense precision and confidence that come with experience. Check the hygiene measures at the clinic because they matter most during pandemic times. The last thing you should do is opt for a lesser-known professional only because of cost or convenience. You can go through the specialist’s credentials in the first place. Checking patient reviews is a good idea as they give you an honest overview of the services.
Discuss your requirements
While you may not correlate your requirements with safety, they actually make a difference. For example, you may want to get rid of wrinkles on your forehead. Ensure that the provider goes the extra mile with careful botox injections because the forehead is the most delicate area to get right. Even the slightest deviation or extra dose can affect the outcome of the treatment. You must also be careful while getting injections around the mouth because it is extremely delicate. Once again, choosing the right specialist keeps you on the safe side with the procedure.
Know the red flags
With Botox treatment, you need not worry much about the side effects because they are minimal. You may experience redness, tenderness, and swelling around the affected area. But these side effects often resolve in a day. You may also notice bruising on the skin. The doctor will recommend applying an ice pack for relief. Expect the bruises to go away in a couple of weeks. If they stay for longer, you must see your doctor again. Some patients encounter side effects like muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and vision changes. Consider them as red flags, but the good thing is that they are rare.
Follow the post-treatment precautions
A typical session with Botox takes only a few minutes, and you can resume your usual activities after the procedure. But the doctor will have a long checklist of post-treatment precautions for you to follow. Adherence is vital to prevent any complications and ensure the best outcomes from the process. Here are the ones you have to follow:
- If you are a fitness buff, do not rush to the gym right after your Botox treatment. You must wait for at least 24 hours, though the doctor may advise a longer break from exercise. Since activity increases blood flow, Botox may spread to unwanted areas and reduce intended effects.
- Besides avoiding exercise, you must also not bend or recline right after the procedure. Ideally, you should be in a sitting position for four hours after the injection.
- Applying make-up is a no-no for 24 hours after the treatment. It rubs your skin, potentially dispersing the chemical and affecting the results.
- You must also steer clear of skin treatments like facials, massages, dermal fillers, and exfoliation right after the injection. Avoid touching your face for a couple of days after getting the injection. Let your face rest and the treatment work for at least a day before trying something else.
- Another precaution you must take is to ditch alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure because it elevates the risk of bruising. You must also avoid drinking a day before the session.
- Sleeping on the treated areas can lead to physical pressure, which must be avoided. While you must not sleep for a few hours after the session, make sure that you do not sleep on the treated areas later.
- You must also avoid sun exposure for a couple of days as heat can promote flushing and bruising. Stay indoors, and ditch the hot showers, hot baths, and saunas.
Botox is a simple procedure that does not require you to stay in the clinic. You can go home right after the injection. But make sure you follow these safety essentials to get the results you desire and prevent any complications.