Ok, so, you’ve decided that you want your lines smoothes, and chances are you've already read our article on how to prepare for your first wrinkle relaxing treatment (check it out now if you haven’t). So, what else do you need to know? Well, one of the things that people often forget is what comes after the treatment. So, what aftercare should you be thinking about, and what should you be doing or avoiding after your anti-wrinkle treatment in order to get the best results?
What are the dos and don’ts after wrinkle relaxing?
Wrinkle relaxing is a fairly quick, simple and effective treatment, which is great for those of us who struggle to find time to breathe some days. And another amazing plus is that because you don’t need anaesthetic, there’s minimal downtime. Fabulous!
So, you can pretty much go on with your day as you usually would - but listen carefully to your practitioner's aftercare advice, as there’s good reason for their warnings...
Things to avoid after anti-wrinkle injections
1) No exercise
One question I hear all the time is "Can I exercise after my treatment?", but, unfortunately, it's a big no here. In fact, you should avoid exercise for the next 24 hours - especially intense exercise - otherwise you run the risk of the toxin spreading to muscles it shouldn’t be touching. So, cancel that exercise class and put your feet up for a bit instead!
2) No events
Don’t go booking any big events for the first couple of days after an anti-wrinkle treatment, as wrinkle relaxingside effects include swelling, redness or bruising around the treated area. This varies from person to person and might not last very long for you, but it’s better to be aware that it could happen rather than have to cancel a date, right? If you do find that you have bruising and discomfort, an ice pack generally comes in pretty handy.
3) No rubbing
Another ‘don’t’ - sorry! But don’t rub the treated area, as this can result in the toxin moving from its target area. And hold off on having other treatments such as facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser hair therapy for the next few days, as these can all cause the botulinum toxin to move around and have a negative impact on your results.
What to do after wrinkle relaxing injections
1) Take note of the side effects
An important ‘do’ is to make sure you contact your practitioner if you experience any unusual side effects or prolonged bruising, and they will be able to give you the right advice. You can find a detailed list of anti-wrinkle treatment side effects in our handy treatment guide, but letting you know the potential risks is something your practitioner should cover in your pre-treatment consultation.
2) Avoid blood thinners
Also, do avoid taking blood thinning medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen for the next few days (but always speak to your GP or practitioner about any prescribed medication containing aspirin). And the same goes for alcohol. I know, I know - don’t shoot the messenger.
If you’re going on a trip, check out our post on travelling after treatment to find out all you need to know. You'll likely want to get your anti-wrinkle treatment a few weeks before a holiday to let the results kick in and any side effects settle.
Botox results: How long does it take for Botox to work?
Generally speaking, the anti-wrinkle treatment won’t kick in straight away. In fact, it can take up to around 10-14 days to see the optimum results. So, don’t be disheartened if you don’t leave the clinic looking like the ‘new’ you. It just takes a while for the treatment to take effect.
Why do I need a review appointment?
A good practitioner will generally suggest that you go back to see them a couple of weeks after your treatment, to see how you are feeling and to make sure it’s working as it should. They can also answer any questions or concerns you might have. Many offer an adjustment dose if there is still more movement than you would like.
How long does it last?
Antiwrinkle treatments typically last between 3 and 6 months, but this really comes down to how quickly your body metabolises the toxin, which, as you can imagine, varies from person to person. After this period, the effects will wear off; then, the decision is whether you want to continue with the treatment and book another session. If you love your results and feel like it’s made a real impact to your skin and your confidence - go for it!
