I had Botox and the nurse assistant rubbed my forehead a little too hard. What do you think?

Question

Hi, I had Botox, and after the doctor left the room, the nurse assistant came in and was rubbing on my forehead quite hard to get the blood off the injection sites, and now I’m worried I won’t get good results, what do you think?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that rubbing on the injection site will impact the result of your treatment.  Wait about a week for your results to come in and if you continue to have any concerns at that point, I would recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with your provider to go over your results.
Best,
Dr. Anil Shah MD FACS

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In most instances the rubbing will not materially impact your results, but only time will tell as the Botox settles in over 2 weeks.  Hang in there and allow your results to mature.  Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Generally it is advised to avoid placing firm pressure on the treated area for several hours after a Botox treatment to prevent the product from spreading.  Rubbing the area to clean off the injection site wouldn't normally cause an issue.  Final results can be seen two weeks after injection.

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

Assuming the Botox was injected properly, a nurse rubbing your forehead after the injection should not cause the Botox to migrate.  Wait about a week for your results to come in and if you continue to have concerns at that point, I would recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with your provider to go over your results.

Kambiz Golchin, MBBS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS(ORL-HNS) · Answer

Dear Karley416,
Thank you for your question. I feel it is unlikely that rubbing on the injection site will impact the result of your treatment. 
It usually takes 2 weeks to see the full and final results.
Hope this helps! 
Best wishes,
Mr Kambiz Golchin

Jill C. Fichtel, MD · Answer

It is highly unlikely that rubbing the skin will cause any adverse effect.  The belief that touching injection sites after Botox alters the effect of the medication is not entirely evidence-based.

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I have not seen any issue with massaging injection sites. Sometimes pressing or massaging is needed after Botox to help minimize bruising.Do not worry at all and I hope you love your results.

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

while there are many different instructions following Botox injections, I have never seen an issue related to massaging the injections sites.  I purposely press at the site of injection to massage the Botox into the muscle and also help limit any bruising. Do not worry at all and I hope you love your results!

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Dear Karley416,Thanks for your question. You didn’t mention how long it had been since this happened. If it has already been four days and you aren’t seeing any negative effects you are probably fine. It can take up to two weeks to see the full effects of Botox, but it is very unlikely that rubbing your forehead will have any negative effects. I wouldn’t worry too much.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

I don't think it matters. There is too much misinformation about injections and rubbing the forehead is not likely to cause a problem.

I had Botox and the nurse assistant rubbed my forehead a little too hard. What do you think?

Answers (15)

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