Botulinum toxin injections have some side effects which need proper aftercare. This article will explain how long you can sleep on your side after the treatment, tips on sleeping after injection, and what else to avoid after botulinum toxin injection.
Botulinum toxin injection is a go-to treatment for facial rejuvenation. It is done to reduce the appearance of forehead, brow, and frown lines. Downtime is required for efficient healing. Patients may get confused about how to sleep after the treatment. Patients should wait for a week before sleeping on their side; this ensures the injected area heals properly to avoid contamination and other side effects. Sleeping on your side can put pressure on the injected site and increase bruising.
Tips on How to Sleep After Botox Treatment
Sleep on Your Back
After botulinum toxin injection, the best position is sleeping on your back. This prevents the injected area from getting any infection or germs. Sleeping on the injected area can pressure the toxin, making the product migrate to an unintended location? Instead, it would help if you slept on your back to secure the injection.
Use a Pillow
Using wedge pillows ensures you avoid rollover. Use a special neck pillow, such as a side sleeper, that provides support while sleeping to stabilize the neck’s posture. Soft-filled pillows minimize the intensity of physical pressure on the injected area.
Sleep on Silk Bedding
Silk beddings can be anti-aging because they reduce the appearance of wrinkles; they have sericin protein, which helps retain moisture and reduce friction on your skin.
Using Face Creams before Bed
The patient should avoid face creams for one or two nights; the cream is integrated with the skin, leading to irritation in the injected area.
Sleep on Clean Beddings
Wash your bedding regularly to prevent dirt and germs contaminating your injected area. Dirty beddings block pores, causing causes acne and spots. The botulinum treatment requires a high level of hygiene due to skin sensitivity.
Avoid Headbands and Wraps
Wraps could increase pressure, especially if you have had forehead treatment. Putting pressure on the injected may result in the migration of fillers to other areas giving undesired results. Headbands should also be avoided for two nights to ensure efficient healing.
Avoid Hot Showers
Hot showers or saunas can increase body temperature and blood flow in the face, causing the product to migrate or wear off quicker. Rewari et al. (2020) advised that after the botulinum toxic injection, one should stay in areas with low temperatures
Get Your Botox Injected in the Morning
Cosmetic doctors recommend lying down for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure. Going for the procedure in the morning allows the treatment to settle down.
What Happens When You Sleep on Your Side Immediately After Botox
According to Alaqeely et al. (2021), sleeping on your side sooner might cause migration to areas surrounding the injection site. Pressure and rubbing may also increase bruising and pain associated with the fillers. Even if you feel drowsy after the treatment, avoid lying down. Bruising and swelling; are common side effects after the treatment caused by damaged blood vessels and trauma from the needle. Lying down on the side with the face could prolong the healing period.
What to Avoid after botulinum toxin injection
Patients should avoid the following practices after the fillers;
Physical Exercises
This increases blood flow, swelling, and excessive sweating, which could contaminate the injected area.
Alcohol and Painkillers
According to Kaur et al. (2013), alcohol and some painkillers act as blood thinners which could cause swelling and bruising . Speak to your cosmetic doctor in case you are under medication or supplements for better advice.
Touching or Massaging the Injected Area
Massaging the treated area increases pressure on the injected area, which could cause the dosage to migrate. Touching is also bad because it can cause infection.
Heat and Sunlight
Too much heat increases blood flow. According to Kim et al. (2019), heat speeds up blood flow and increases the chances of swelling. It is advisable to wait for some time before going to heated places; the patient can also apply sunscreen materials when going to the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions on Botulinum toxin injection.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botulinum toxin injection lasts three to four months, depending on the anti-wrinkle injection used. The treatment is temporary, but a top-up can be done to look youthful much longer.
Can I Drink Coffee after the Botulinum Toxin Injection?
It is advisable to avoid anything containing caffeine because it can increase swelling and inflammation. Other things to avoid include foods with high sodium and sugar.
Does Botox Give a Youthful Look?
Botulinum toxin injection reduces the appearance of facial lines, marionette, and smoker lines.
Does Botox Ever Look Natural?
Botulinum toxin injection is safe and looks natural if injected correctly. It can go wrong in many ways if the cosmetic doctor is not experienced; patients should find a reputable clinic to get the services from the best.
Conclusion
The recommended time to wait before lying down on the injected side is four to six hours after the injection. Following these guidelines will reduce the increase of side effects, slowing down healing. Keep in touch with your medical expert after your procedure to help you monitor your progress. Before the procedure, go for a consultation with your cosmetic doctor to know what botulinum toxin injection entails to be able to make an informed decision. Find a certified practitioner to avoid complications because the botulinum toxin injection is irreversible.
References
Alaqeely, R., Alzahrani, E., Aljaloud, A., &Alzahrani, S. (2021). Botox and Fillers are they Cosmetic or Therapeutic. Saudi Journal of Oral and Dental Research, 6(1), 1-8.
Kaur, R. R., Glick, J. B., & Siegel, D. (2013). Achieving hemostasis in dermatology–Part 1: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 71.
Kim, S. H., Lee, S. J., Lee, J. W., Jeong, H. S., & Suh, I. S. (2019). Clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection for reducing scars in patients with forehead laceration: a double-blinded, randomized controlled study. Medicine, 98(34).
Rewari, A., Dabas, N., Sanan, R., Phogat, S., Phukela, S. S., &Vigarniya, M. (2020). Esthetic rehabilitation using magnet-retained cheek plumper prosthesis. Case Reports in Dentistry, 2020.
Sleep specialist
Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
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