Botox temporarily blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles. When injected into specific facial muscles, it repvents them from contracting which helps relax and smooth out wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions.

There are some important do’s and don’ts after getting Botox—here’s what you need to know.

Do’s

Stay upright. For at least four hours after your treatment, avoid lying down. This helps prevent the Botox from migrating to unintended areas.

Follow aftercare instructions. Your provider may give you specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment—always follow their advice.

Apply ice to reduce swelling. You can apply a cold compress to the treated areas to reduce any swelling or bruising. Just make sure not to apply too much pressure.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of water after the procedure to help with the healing process.

Don’ts

Avoid exercise. Refrain from intense physical activity, like exercise, for 24 hours post-treatment. This prevents increased blood flow from affecting the Botox’s placement.

Avoid touching or rubbing the area. Don’t rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours. This can cause the Botox to spread to unintended muscles and lead to uneven results.

Avoid heat. Avoid hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms for at least 24 hours, as heat can increase blood flow and affect the Botox’s settling process.

Don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of bruising so it’s ideal to avoid it for 24 hours post treatment.

Don’t schedule facials or cosmetic treatments right away. Wait at least 24 hours before scheduling facials, microdermabrasion, or other skin treatments.

A good age to get Botox depends on individual concerns. Some individuals begin Botox treatments in their late 20s to early 30s as a preventive measure.

However, its best to consult with a qualified provider to determine timing and approach based on your skin and aesthetic goals.

The biggest risk of Botox is the possibility of unsatisfactory results such as uneven or unnatural-looking facial expressions.

Sometimes Botox can cause drooping eyelids, asymmetry, or muscle weakness in unintended areas.

While rare, these side effects are usually temporary and subside after the Botox wears off.

When Botox wears off, the effects gradually reverse as the body metabolizes and breaks down the Botox. Botox blocks nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting.

Once the Botox is metabolized, the nerve signals return to normal, and the muscles begin to contract again.

As a result the wrinkles or lines that were temporarily smoothed out start to reappear. This process typically takes about three to six months.

A typical Botox treatment can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on factors like the area treated, the dosage used, and your body’s individual response.

Over time, the effects of Botox gradually wears off as your muscles regain their ability to contract. In areas with stronger muscle activity, like the forehead, the results may fade a little quicker.