After a botulinum toxin treatment, your cosmetic doctor will outline how to avoid undesired side effects. This Blog highlights what botulinum toxic injections are, what to do after forehead botulinum toxin injections, why patients use the anti-wrinkle the forehead, and what to avoid after the treatment.
Botulinum toxin treatments are gaining popularity in smoothening horizontal and vertical wrinkles between the eyes. The treatment works by relaxing muscles responsible for forming pronounced wrinkles. The cosmetic procedure is quick and provides an optimal result that appears natural. However, if performed by an unqualified practitioner, it may cause too much forehead muscle relaxation, which causes eyelids to drop or uneven eyebrows. It is usually accompanied by mild side effects like swelling that last for a few days. Otherwise, anti-wrinkle toxin treatments are a safe and effective way to improve facial appearance. Cosmetic doctors publish various aftercare tips to ensure efficient treatment results.
What is Botox?
Botox is a popular brand representing cosmetic procedures that soften facial wrinkles and deep-rooted fine lines through non-invasive treatment. According to Satriyasa&BagusKomang (2019), the treatment is based on injecting a determined amount of botulinum toxin into facial muscles to affect how your nerves work. The injectable relaxes the facial muscles at the injection point, thus making the outer facial skin appear smoother and plumper. The Food Standard Agency (FSA) considers the treatment safe and provides a natural, immediate result. However, the toxin provides an optimal outcome for a few months. The anti-wrinkle treatments remain effective between 2 and 6 months, depending on patients’ metabolism, frequency of use, the amount injected, and the skills of the cosmetic doctor.
Why Use Botulinum Toxin Injection for the Forehead?
Eldin et al. (2021) explained that botulinum toxin is injected into the forehead muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles, eliminate crowfeet around the eyes, and soften debris between your brows. There is a decline in the production of skin proteins and fats, such as collagen and elastin, responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Unlike fillers that restore the lost skin’s natural substances, toxin injections temporarily relax the outer forehead muscles to smooth and soften facial wrinkles. Some people are genetically born with pronounced forehead wrinkles, and others develop premature aging signs due to environmental factors like excessive sun exposure.
What to Do After Botulinum Toxin Injections on Your Forehead
Although toxin injections are safe, they can accompany mild side effects and complications that fade away within 48 hours. These side effects include bruising, swelling, and an itchy forehead. Most qualified cosmetic doctors know how to fasten the healing process; these could include;
Sit up
Sitting up straight for the first 3-4 hours after getting the toxin injection is recommended. Bending your head or lying on the injected area could result in the migration of toxins to unwanted areas; this can also promote bruising and swelling.
Sleep with Your Head Elevated
The first night after Botulinum toxin treatment, you should sleep with your head facing up to allow the Botulinum toxin injection to settle on your forehead. Resting on your face can increase the chances of toxins spreading to untargeted areas.
Eat Healthier and Stay Hydrated
Fruits and vegetables may fasten the healing process; the diet introduces nutrients crucial for a good recovery. In addition, good skin hydration softens the forehead muscles making it easier for Botulinum toxin injection to settle and provide an immediate outcome.
Frown Repeatedly
Cuzalina et al. (2021) suggested that a patient frown one hour after the filler treatment to spread the toxin to the targeted muscles, making the treatment more effective. Afterward, the patient should avoid extreme facial expressions for 24 hours to give the poison enough time to settle.
Listen to Your Cosmetic Doctor
It is important to adhere to additional guidelines from your cosmetic doctor. For instance, if you are taking drugs unrelated to the treatment, seek medical advice to determine the effect of your medication on the treatment.
What to Avoid After Botulinum Toxin Treatment?
Bissett & Julie (2020) highlighted the following things to avoid immediately after the cosmetic Botox procedure;
- Alcohol consumption is 24 to 48 hours after the toxin injection; alcohol is a blood-thinner, making the injection site more susceptible to bruising.
- Strenuous exercises for 24 hours; extreme activities increase blood flow to the injected forehead muscles, which could increase inflammation.
- Makeup until the toxin settles; makeup may suffocate the skin, undermining the healing process.
- Exposure to excessive sunlight; heat can boost blood flushing, encouraging bruising. Other high-temperature areas to avoid are hot tubs, hot showers, tanning beds, and saunas.
- Flying within a week, air pressure in planes makes the injection site more prone to bruising and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox
Does a Botulinum Toxin Injection Hurt?
The syringe needle used to administer botulinum toxin is small; pain is minimal from small needles. In addition, most qualified cosmetic doctors use numbing cream on the injection site to reduce pain and discomfort.
How Much BotoxDo I Need?
It is not a straightforward question since the amount of anti-wrinkle toxin depends on the following factors:
- The expertise of the aesthetic doctor
- Patient’s health history
- The frequency of botulinum toxin treatments
- The depth of wrinkles and facial lines to treat
- The degree of facial muscle movement
Conclusion
Before getting the injection, a qualified cosmetic doctor should provide a platform for the consultation where you can express your cosmetic concern; explain your lifestyle and expectations. Afterward, depending on your health history and lifestyle, your cosmetic doctor will instruct things to do and avoid after the treatment. For instance, you should avoid taking alcohol, applying makeup, or performing vigorous exercises for 24 hours after the treatment to prevent toxin migration and severe bruising.
References
Bissett, J. (2020). Face facts: aesthetic treatments. Dental Nursing, 16(1), 14-16.
Cuzalina, A., & Sohn, A. (2021). Forehead and Eyebrow Lift Techniques. In Applied Head and Neck Anatomy for the Facial Cosmetic Surgeon (pp. 149-166). Springer, Cham.
Eldin, R. M. S., Nassar, A. A., &Awad, H. Updated Management of Forehead Wrinkles: An Overview. European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine, 8(03), 2021.
Satriyasa, B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223.
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