Too much sun exposure isn’t good for the skin if you have botox treatment. This article discusses when to sunbed after botox treatment, including; effects, other aftercare treatments, and frequently asked questions.
Botox is a popular brand representing a cosmetic treatment that uses a well-diluted botulinum toxin injection to clear fine facial lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin treatment is injected into targeted facial muscles by a qualified cosmetic doctor. As a result, it blocks the signaling of the nerve impulses that cause muscles to contract, forming facial lines. Although botoxis effective, it can be accompanied by mild side effects like bruising and swelling. Thereforepatients should avoid activities like sunbed immediately after the injection to avoid worsening side effects or triggering other complications. Use this article to learn more about sunbed after botox.
When Can You Sunbed after Botulinum Toxin Injections?
Several health benefits claims, like increased vitamin D levels, enhanced bone health, and improved skin complexity, are attributed to botulinum toxin injections. However, an onset time is required for patients to wait before sunbedding after botulinum toxin injections. Jehangir & Parkman (2019) suggested that the sun’s radiation cannot be entirely avoided, but it is best to avoid it for at least 48-72 hours after botulinum toxin treatment. This doesn’t mean patients should not walk on a sunny day. According to Khalil & Hanan (2021), patients should sit in a cool environment for the first 4 hours after the injection to allow the treatment to settle and interact with the facial muscular system. There are ways to manage sun exposure following cosmetic treatment. They include:
- Wear SPF sunscreen. Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor ( SPF ) to counteract the effect of a sunbed on the injection site.
- Halanwar et al. (2022) explained that topical antioxidants could help combat free radicals that worsen the swelling and bruising of botox treatment.
- Patients should keep the treated area covered with a soft cloth ifthey have to be in the sun.
- Yaniv &Siniver (2016) claimed that clients should try spray tanning as rather alternative to sunbed but wait at least a day after botox treatment.
- Patients should see their cosmetic doctors if they experience sun damage or other complications after the treatment.
Effects of a Sunbed on Botulinum ToxinTreatment
Sunbed does not have a long-term negative effect on Botox treatment. The Botulinum toxin treatment injected to block nerve impulses on targeted facial muscles is not dissolved or affected by sun exposure. Lin et al. (2016) claimed that botox treatment could come alongside short-lived side effects like bruising, swelling, itching, and increased sensitivity; these effects subside within 48 hours, depending on the amount injected and the professionality of a cosmetic doctor. Excessive sun exposure can exacerbate bruising, making them worse and affecting the skin’s natural healing process. According toBadia et al. (2018), apart from prolonging swelling and bruising, sunbed can have the following effects on the Botox treatment:
- Herpes simplex virus can be activated by sunbed immediately after treating patients with health records of cold sores.
- Early UV radiations may increase swellingon the injection site in case of wrongly injected botulinum toxin treatment by a quack cosmetic practitioner.
- Sunbed can cause dark complexity or affect skin pigmentation in the treated area by damaging skin cells to bring a blackish appearance.
Other Botox Aftercare Tips
The Food Standard Agency (FSA) has regarded botulinum toxin injection treatment as a safe procedure if performed by a qualified cosmetic doctor. It guarantees that there are minimal complications and side effects after the treatment.A cosmetic doctor can guide patients with certain precautions and tips for effective results. Patel & Shailesh (2018) highlighted the following aftercare advice by most cosmetic professionals include:
- Goodman et al. (2020) suggested that patients should avoid taking alcohol 48 hours after thebotoxinjection since the drink causes skin hydration and worsens the short-lived side effects.
- Patients should not apply makeup until they fully recover from the side effects to avoid triggering infections in the treated area.
- Patients should avoid taking blood thinning medications and supplements like Vitamin E, fish oil, Aspirin, and other drugs warned by a cosmetic doctor.
- Clients should avoid heated rooms since high temperature worsens bruising and swelling.
- Patients should sleep with their heads elevated after treatment since resting facing the bedding can trigger toxin migration to untargeted facial muscles.
- Clients should stay hydrated and eats healthier to fasten the healing process
- Clients should avoid flying for a week since the air pressure in the plains worsens the side effects of the anti-wrinkle injections
- The injection site should have a break by avoiding rough touches
Frequently Asked Questions on Botox Treatment
How Long Does Botox Bruising Last?
How long botulinum toxin injections last vary in patients. Singh &Nooreyezdan (2020) claimed that bruising and swelling after botox treatment lasts 5 days. The intensity of side effects depends on the patient’s adherence to aftercare advice, the amount of toxin injected, and the injection technique used by a cosmetic doctor. Some patients may not experience the side effect, while for others, bruising may last for a few hours or a day.
How Will I Know if I Have an Allergic Reaction after Botox?
An allergic reaction after botulinum toxin injection is rare. However, a qualified cosmetic doctor can point out the complication immediately after the injection if the reaction occurs. Patients can experience the following complications afterbotulinum toxin injection treatment.
- A rash
- Prolong dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Large lumps
- Itchy face
What Are Some Possible Side Effects of Botox Treatments?
When performed by a highly skilled cosmetic injector, it is very rare to experience adverse side effects after Botox toxin injections. After botulinum toxin injections, patients may experience bruising, swelling, and redness in the injection area.
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelid
- Facial muscle weakness
- Allergic reactions but rare
- Numbness
Conclusion
Botulinum toxin treatment is an approved cosmetic product by FSA for softening facial wrinkles and deep-rooted fine lines. Botox treatment can accompany short-lived side effects like bruising and swelling lasting a few days. However, excessive exposure to sun radiation immediately after botox treatment can exacerbate these negative effects. Sunbed does not dissolve the anti-wrinkle formula but can easily trigger infections or cause a dark complexity on the injection site. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wait for at least two days before exposure to the sun after the cosmetic treatment.
References
Badia, L., Andrews, P., &Rajpar, S. (2018). Non-Surgical Rejuvenation Of The Ageing Face. In Scott-Brown’s Otorhinolaryngology And Head And Neck Surgery (Pp. 1289-1296). CRC Press.
Goodman, G. J., Liew, S., Callan, P., & Hart, S. (2020). Facial Aesthetic Injections In Clinical Practice: Pretreatment And Posttreatment Consensus Recommendations To Minimise Adverse Outcomes. Australasian Journal Of Dermatology, 61(3), 217-225.
Halanwar, R. R., &Maniyar, M. G. Formulation And Evaluation Of Anti-Wrinkle Herbal Cream Containing Daucus Carota.
Journal Of Aesthetic Nursing, 7(5), 240-2s46
Khalil, H. (2021). Evidence Summaries: Botox For Facial Wrinkles. Australian Pharmacist, 40(9), 66-67.
Lin, Z. Y. W., Shah, V., Dhinakar, A., Yildirimer, L., Cui, W. G., & Zhao, X. (2016). Intradermal Fillers For Minimally Invasive Treatment Of Facial Aging. Plastic And Aesthetic Research, 3, 72-82.
Patel, S. (2018). Post-Treatment Advice Following Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Review.
Singh, K., &Nooreyezdan, S. (2020). Nonvascular Complications Of Injectable Fillers—Prevention And Management. Indian Journal Of Plastic Surgery, 53(03), 335-343.
Yaniv, G., &Siniver, E. (2015). Indoor Tanning, Sunbathing, And The Hazard Of Skin Cancer: The Effect Of The Tan Tax. Theoretical Economics Letters, 5(01), 36.
MS, University of Latvia
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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