I'm getting Botox in forehead, 11's, crow's feet, & masseter muscle. I know Botox is sensitive to migration for 4-6 hours after injection. I'm a very expressive talker & I make a lot of facial expressions in conversation. With the 4 areas I'm getting Botox, it safe to raise eyebrows, wrinkle forehead, make frown lines, squint, chew food, smile, & make other facial expressions immediately after Botox? Also, can I wear sunglasses or a hat? I'm concerned about Botox migrating to unintended areas.
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Thank you for sharing your questions. BOTOX is a very safe treatment for wrinkles; however, the most important factor is choosing an experienced injector. Facial expression probably has no effect on the results; however, I would not wear a hat for a few hours. I hope this helps. Good luck,
Dr. James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO
Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology
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There should not be a problem chewing , squinting, smiling . You can wear glasses or a hat. Avoid bending forward or backwards for 4 hours.
Dr. Anteneh Roba, MD
Physician
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You can still do your normal everyday expressions after Botox. It is recommended to not lay flat for 6 hours after treatment and to avoid exercise for at least 24-48 hours. However, I recommend following up with your injector about their protocols following Botox. Keep in mind, it takes 1-2 weeks for final results with Botox. Best, Dr. Emer
Dr. Jason Emer, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
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Thank you for your questions. Although instructions do vary from one injector to another, my advice is to avoid asprin and ibuprophen products in order to reduce the possibility of bruising. I do not restrict my patients from wearing sunglasses or hats or making facial expressions. Best of luck.
Dr. Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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This is a good question - I actively encourage patients to move the treated areas for 10 minutes oro so after treatment. There is some evidence that doing so helps the uptake of the Botox into the nerve endings and helps speed the onset of its effect. There is also a suspicion (but no evidence yet) that doing this may make the Botox last longer too. It is probably sensible to avoid wearing a tight hat for 4 hours or so after treatment, but wearing glasses shouldn't cause any problem at all.
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Thanks for your question and as always we recommend that you have a consultation with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. To learn all the appropriate do’s and dont’s following a Botox injection. It is standard not to do major movements following the injections or exercise or take aspirin or other non-steroidal medications. We recommend for 4 hours not to lie down or do strenuous activity – that is normal. It is best to speak with your provider to find out what they recommend – but remember, you just invested $$ in your face, you need to make sure that you maximize the potential and not do silly things which can work against the toxin.
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Dear Pac99,There is no problem with the facial exercise, however, the use of a hat worries some injectors that it might force the product downward towards you eyes and increase the incidence of an eyelid droop. I haven't seen it, but I do ask my clients to refrain from using a hat for a couple of hours post injection. Glasses are fine Best of luck.Dr T
Dr. Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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There is no problem with facial expression after Botox and there is some evidence that using the active muscles after injection decreases the time of onset of the effect
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No scientific study has ever shown that any of the activities you listed will have any impact whatsoever on your Botox outcome. I do advise against blood thinners for up to 10 days prior to Botox injections if ok with your family physician/cardiologist. I also suggest no intensive exercise for about 4 hours after treatment. The real key to a good outcome is choosing an excellent board-certified, MD with facial anatomy training to perform your Botox, and avoid "deals," nurses, and non-doctor aids. Best wishes! Damon B. Chandler, MD Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
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After getting Botox, Xeomin or Dysport ,do not rub or massage the treated area. Do not lay flat or put your head in massage tables, stay upright for six hours. Avoid heavy exercises and Yoga that day. Moving your muscles with the expressions in the treated area, including wearing sunglasses do not affect your Botox treatment. Please check with your practice for any other post procedure guidelines.