Botox Aftercare Advice for Aesthetics Patients

Botox aftercare advice is a crucial step in the treatment journey. This reduces the risk of complications, optimises results and can also dispel myths.

For botulinum toxin in particular, there seem to be various misconceptions surrounding aftercare. As such, it’s vital that you, as a medical aesthetics practitioner, share correct and comprehensive information.

We spoke to aesthetics specialist and clinical trainer, Dr Reneela Rai about her experiences and aftercare tips for upper face botox.

What your patients need to avoid before their botox appointments

Before any treatment is carried out, Dr Reneela stresses the importance of awareness of pre-appointment guidance.

“Patients ideally need to avoid any caffeine, intense exercise and excessive alcohol the day before and the day of the treatment,” she states. “In my practice, I’ve had to turn two patients away due to this – so you really want to avoid this from happening!”

Flying after an aesthetics treatment

It’s also useful to find out in advance of their appointment if your patient is planning to travel abroad. Flying 24 hours after Botox is not usually an issue.

Upper face botox aftercare advice for patients

The following information applies to all toxin treatments and should be delivered before and after every appointment.

Patients are usually advised to avoid the following, for a minimum of 24 hours post-treatment:

• Makeup
• Excessive alcohol
• Strenuous exercise
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Facials
• Massages
• Rubbing the area
• Saunas and steam rooms.

What you should warn patients to potentially expect after botox

Aesthetics practitioners should always advise patients about what they can expect in the hours and days following their toxin treatment. Not only does this manage their expectations, but it informs them of what they may experience. If anything out of the ordinary occurs, you can advise them to contact you appropriately.

Each of the following varies from patient to patient and this should be communicated to them. Generally, they can expect:

• Initial lumps at the injection site should settle within an hour if there are no other obvious problems
• Red swelling or bumps should reduce in a couple of hours
• Any minor bruising or redness should disappear within a few days
• It can take anywhere from 5-30 days to see the full effects of the treatment
• Results can last from 3-6 months, with the return of movement being a gradual process.

Some people like a “shiny, frozen” forehead with little movement, whilst others prefer to retain a greater range of motion to maintain a more normal facial expression. Just ensure that patients are aware that muscle recovery after a Botox treatment is a gradual process. As the treatment effect diminishes, movement will return. As a result, prolonged ‘freezing’ is unlikely. It is also useful to let these patients know that removing the lifting action of the frontalis may not be a totally pleasing effect, as the brow could descend.

Dr Reneela’s botox aftercare tips

“For areas like the crow’s feet, encourage patients to clean their phones and lie on their backs when sleeping after treatment as much as possible”, Dr Reneela advises.

She continues that patients should also “wipe their sunglasses and glasses, and change their pillowcases for clean ones to help reduce chances of infection.”

Dr Reneela notes that trainees often miss the “importance of not touching the face, or applying any products or makeup to the skin.” These all increase the chance of infection. Maintaining a clean technique is vital for minimising this risk.

Botulinum toxin aftercare myths

There’s plenty of misinformation surrounding botox treatment and its effects. As a medical aesthetics practitioner, you should be aware of any common toxin myths. It’s important you only provide your patients with solid, medical, evidence-based advice, as much as possible.

Not moving your face after botox

Dr Reneela notes, “A common myth I've come across is that you shouldn’t express movement after botox.” This is not the case. Contrary to this misconception, you should actively prompt patients to attempt various animated facial expressions post-treatment. This could actually help the toxin to work better. Theoretically, moving your muscles may improve toxin uptake by the target muscle, which should enable the desired results.

Not lying down after botox

Another common myth states that you shouldn’t lie down after botox. Once the toxin has been injected into the muscle tissue, it is unlikely that lying down supine will affect it. However, do advise them against lying prone as placing the face against a surface could inadvertently spread the toxin into surrounding areas.

Sharpen the patient care aspect of your aesthetic practice

As an aesthetics practitioner, it’s important to learn how to provide the best level of care to your patients. Many new injectors start by offering toxin-only clinics so it’s especially important to deliver the best and safest treatments. This will help to build your confidence and your client base.

At Harley Academy, we specialise in offering patient-centric aesthetics training experiences with mentoring in our real working clinics. From our Foundation and Core training upwards, you’ll be guided through the entire patient interaction from consultation to aftercare.

Are you looking to obtain a formal Master’s level, Ofqual-regulated aesthetics qualification? Our Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Fillers offers a more in-depth exploration of both treatments and patient care. It’ll provide you with the confidence to deliver a safe and effective service from consultation and injecting through to aftercare advice.

For more information on our range of medical aesthetics training courses, reach out to our Courses team. Book a call to receive personalised advice on finding the best aesthetic medicine education for you.

All information correct at the time of publication