Doctors often use Botox, an injectable medication, to reduce evidence of wrinkles on a patient’s face. Botox is also used for non cosmetic applications, including the treatment of muscle stiffness, migraine headaches, eye-muscle disorders including lazy eye, and pain related to cervical dystonia. After receiving the injections, patients must care for the skin around the area treated to enable healing and avoid infections.
What to Purchase for Skin Care Prior to Botox Injections
In order to properly care for one’s skin after Botox treatments, patients will need soap, an ice pack, a wash cloth, sunscreen, and a heat pack. This article provides five simple steps to care for skin after receiving Botox injections.
Five Skin Care Steps After Receiving Botox Treatment
- Practice both smiling and frowning exercises to work the muscles related to making these facial instructions. Patients should exercise these muscles hourly.
- Carefully cleanse the treated area with a gentle soap and water around six hours after receiving the Botox injections.
- Should the affected areas be painful, swollen, or bruised, apply ice packs during the initial 24 hours after the injections. Apply the ice pack to the affected areas for 30 minute intervals. Should the person not have access to an ice pack, a cold and damp wash cloth can be used in place of the ice pack.
- Within 36 hours of receiving the Botox treatment, transition from ice packs to heat packs. Patients can apply the heat packs for 20 minute intervals, once an hour. If the patient cannot access a heat pack, he or she should apply a warm, moist wash cloth in place of the heat pack.
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat with a wide brim to shield the treatment area from the sun to prevent possible damage due to sun exposure. Until the redness and swelling subsides, patients should continue applying sunscreen to the treated area.