Injectable products like Botox and dermal fillers are a fantastic way to reverse common signs of aging. They’re a worthwhile investment in your anti-aging routine to get rid of wrinkles fast, perfect your pout, and sculpt youthful cheekbones. But what can you do to maximize the results of your injections?
Here at Simply You by Stef MedSpa, our goal is to ensure you look amazing in between touch ups in our Winter Park medspa office. So we’re going to share our best aftercare tips for Botox and dermal filler that will keep you smooth, contoured and ready to wow.
What to Expect
Immediately following your injections, experience some swelling and bruising, both of which are totally normal. Gel ice packs and arnica are your BFFs for a few days. Keep in mind, it can take up to 14 days to see your final result.
Before Your Treatment
First, let’s start with what to do before your procedure to help minimize the chance of bruising/swelling.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin and Aleve) and supplements (ginkgo biloba, primrose oil, flaxseed, fish oil, ginseng and vitamin E) for ten days prior to your treatment.
- If you are prone to cold sores, injections can contribute to an outbreak so please let us know prior to your treatment.
Day of Treatment
On your procedure date, arrive at the office with a clean face — washed and makeup free, if possible.
We may use a topical anesthetic or inject a local numbing medication to maximize your comfort.
Aftercare Tips: Extending the Life of Your Botox and Dermal Filler
Congratulations on making your self-care a priority! Let’s get straight to what you should NOT do after injections.
- Do not rub or massage the injected area for 24 hours. Avoid any pressure on the treated areas.
- Avoid strenuous exercise such as weightlifting, running or yoga for 24 hours. It can contribute to increased bruising and migration of your Botox/filler to unintended areas.
- Wait 24 hours before consuming blood thinning medication.
- Avoid facials, facial massages and exfoliating scrubs for at least 24 hours, unless you are seeing Desiree.
- Avoid hats and helmets for a minimum of 24 hours as the weight and pressure can disperse Botox and flatten filler.
- For lip injections, avoid puckering the lips for 24 hours. No straws, water bottles, popsicles and definitely no cigarettes or e-cigarettes. A sweet kiss is ok but keep the passion to a minimum for 24 hours!
- Avoid sun exposure for at least four hours. Avoid hot showers or baths, saunas, hot tubs and tanning beds.
All of those don’ts are a real drag, so let’s talk about what you SHOULD do after injections:
- Stay upright for a minimum of four to six hours. This is a great time for getting some work done or watching a movie, not so much for scrolling on social media.
- Take arnica supplements to minimize bruising or apply arnica gel.
- Gently apply gel ice packs for 10 minutes every hour to help with pain and swelling. Remember, don’t press anything onto the area or you risk dispersing Botox/filler.
- Use Tylenol for any discomfort.
- Drink plenty of water. Hydrating your skin from within will bind to hyaluronic acid-based fillers, keeping you plump!
- On the night after your treatment, elevate your head with an extra pillow to minimize swelling.
- Though extremely rare, call us immediately if you experience pain at the injection site or blanching of the skin.
One of the most important things you should do after Botox and dermal fillers is to use quality skincare products like those we offer here at Simply You by Stef MedSpa. It’s nearly impossible to undo in the office the harmful things you do to your skin at home every day. Using medical grade skincare makes a whole lot of sense when you’re already investing in your anti-aging routine.
Finally, sunscreen! It protects your skin and the life of your filler. Use SPF 30 or higher. Every. Single. Day.
Botox paired with dermal fillers is the secret to turning back the clock in minutes. One smooths out wrinkles and the other provides volume and contour to restore lost facial volume. Incorporate a medical-grade skincare routine, and you’ve got the winning combination to get the most out of your injections.