Lying Down After Botox: Myths and Facts About Neurotoxins

Botox and other neurotoxins like Dysport and Jeuveau are cosmetic treatments that have become staples in aesthetic medicine. These popular injectables offer temporary solutions for fine lines, frown lines, crow’s feet and more. However, misconceptions about getting Botox can lead to both unnecessary concerns and less-than-favorable results.

This comprehensive guide will put common rumors and myths about Botox to the test and provide dermatologist-approved answers about caring for your skin after a treatment.

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin most famous for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It’s a form of the botulinum toxin that, when injected into specific muscles, temporarily paralyzes the muscle and prevents it from moving. Over time, the injections prevent or reverse the formation of dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions like frowning or smiling. 

Beyond its cosmetic applications, Botox is also used to treat medical conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and certain muscle disorders.

Botox results take about 2 weeks to fully develop and last 3–4 months.

Botox Myths and Facts

First approved for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox is currently the most popular aesthetic treatment in the world. As a result, there’s a lot of information swirling around about what to do and not do before and after getting injections. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common rumors about Botox and Botox aftercare and see if they’re more fact or fiction.

1. Lying down after Botox is harmful

A prevalent Botox rumor suggests that lying down after receiving Botox injections can cause the toxin to migrate to other areas of your face, leading to unintended results. Is it true?

The facts

While it’s advisable to avoid lying down for about 4 hours after the injection, the risk of significant migration is minimal. After a Botox procedure, the botulinum toxin starts binding to the nerve endings in the treated areas within a few hours. Once that process is complete, your Botox won’t budge.

To reduce your risk of Botox migration, be sure to visit a skilled injector such as a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Going to an expert ensures the precise placement of Botox, lowering the likelihood of migration regardless of your position post-treatment.

The takeaway? It’s not a bad idea to avoid lying down for about 4 hours after getting Botox. However, if you accidentally slip up, there’s no cause for concern.

2. It’s okay to drink alcohol after Botox

Many believe that it is safe to consume alcohol before or after a Botox treatment.

The facts

Consuming alcohol can cause vasodilation, the widening of blood vessel walls that leads to increased blood flow and elevated blood pressure. This physiological change can exacerbate swelling and redness at the injection site.

Alcohol also has anticoagulant properties, meaning it can thin the blood. This effect increases the likelihood of bruising, especially in the delicate areas where Botox is commonly injected, such as around the eyes and forehead. 

Therefore, it’s advised to avoid alcohol 24 hours before and after getting Botox. Pre-treatment abstinence reduces the risk of excessive bleeding or bruising during the procedure, while abstaining from alcohol for 24 hours afterward allows the treatment area to heal and the Botox to settle into the muscles without interference from alcohol-induced blood flow changes.

3. You shouldn’t exercise after Botox

Some people say that you shouldn’t head straight to a workout or engage in strenuous exercise immediately after Botox.

The facts

This “myth” is 100% true. Intense physical activity can increase blood flow and pressure, potentially affecting how the Botox settles in the facial muscles. Exercising can also lead to sweating and skin irritation around the injection site, which might affect the healing process.

For optimal results, avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours post-treatment. This precaution helps ensure that the Botox remains effective in the targeted areas, maintaining the desired results.

4. You should avoid heat after Botox

After getting Botox injections, it’s a bad idea to hop in a hot shower or relax in a sauna. Or is it?

The facts

You should definitely avoid heat after Botox. Like alcohol, heat causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the treated areas. This heightened blood flow can lead to swelling and may increase the risk of the Botox spreading to unintended muscles, potentially leading to asymmetry or a less effective treatment. 

Types of heat to avoid include direct sunlight, high temperatures in environments like saunas or steam rooms, hot showers, and the use of hair dryers or heated styling tools close to the face. Tanning beds should also be avoided as they can not only expose the skin to intense heat but also potentially damage the skin and affect the longevity of the Botox results. 

For the best possible results, keep the treated area cool and avoid heat exposure for at least 24 to 48 hours post-treatment.

5. Don’t touch your face after Botox

Many articles recommend not touching your face after getting Botox. 

The facts

Hopefully, this one is pretty intuitive–leave your injections alone! Not only do you risk introducing bacteria into the injection sites with your fingers, but too much pressure can cause the Botox to migrate from its intended location to adjacent muscles. This unintended movement can lead to asymmetry or weakened effectiveness in the targeted areas. Additionally, facial massages or any form of direct manipulation can disrupt the settling process of Botox, potentially leading to uneven results or affecting your facial expressions. 

For optimal results, avoid touching or massaging the face for at least 24 to 48 hours after receiving Botox injections. This precaution ensures that the Botox remains precisely where it was injected, allowing it to work effectively and provide the desired aesthetic outcome.

6. Botox is addictive

Once you start getting Botox, you won’t be able to stop–in fact, you’ll start wanting more.

The facts

Botox is not addictive in the traditional sense, as it does not cause physical dependence or addiction. However, some individuals may develop a psychological dependence or a habitual desire to continue using Botox, often driven by the satisfaction with the results it provides. On the other hand, some people discover that they actually need less Botox as time goes on, because the targeted muscles become used to staying in a relaxed position. 

It’s important to have realistic expectations and to discuss these with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide guidance on the appropriate use of Botox. 

Responsible use of Botox, with an understanding of its effects and limitations, is key to preventing an overreliance on the treatment for self-esteem or body image.

Takeaway

Botox, a popular treatment in plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, is surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. By addressing these rumors, we aim to provide clarity and confidence to those seeking to enhance their appearance with Botox. Remember, the best results come from a combination of expert treatment and informed aftercare. 
If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and interested in Botox, dermal fillers or other cosmetic treatments, schedule a consultation at Lockhart Matter Dermatology to learn more and embark on your journey to a more youthful, radiant look.