Botox injections are FDA-approved, have a long track record of safety, and very rarely cause any serious side effects. However, if you want to enjoy the benefits of Botox in the safest of ways, there are a few precautions you can and should take before and after your injections.
Only get Botox from a licensed provider.
Only certain medical professionals — medical doctors, physician's assistants, and registered nurses — can legally administer Botox injections. This is a treatment to pursue at a dermatologist's office or at a med spa with medical personnel on staff. If you meet with a cosmetologist or stylist who doesn't have a nursing or medical degree offering this service, you may not want to hire them. Botox does need to be injected carefully at the proper depth and in the proper place in order to prevent side effects.
Be gentle with the treatment area prior to your injections.
The more relaxed your muscles are when your doctor injects the Botox, the lower your risk of minor side effects like swelling and bruising. Before your appointment, avoid poking or tugging at the area to be treated. Do not use any harsh cleansers in this area, and don't scrub or rub the area too much. Get a little exercise on the day of your appointment, too. This will help get your blood flowing to reduce tension and inflammation in the tissue prior to your injections.
Stay makeup-free for a day.
After your Botox injections, you may be tempted to apply makeup and see what your face looks like after the injections. But it is better to be patient and wait a day. It's more about the pressure you apply to your skin when applying makeup; you don't want to push on your skin with brushes and sponges, as this could disperse the Botox, leading to both inflammation and less noticeable results.
Keep cool.
This may sound strange, but you want to avoid getting too warm for a couple of days after your Botox treatment. When you get too warm, your blood pressure can increase, and that can lead to increased inflammation in the treatment area. Sit in front of a fan or open window if you get warm easily.
Again, Botox is very safe, and most side effects are mild inflammation, bruising, and soreness. Even these side effects can be reduced and minimized by following the protocols above.
