Facial Exercises After Botox

Although it has never been proven, I accept the hypothesis that facial exercises, or moving the muscles responsible for the skin wrinkles that have been treated by Botox or Dysport might improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Theoretically, the muscle activity may "use up" the normal neurotransmitter chemical that the nerve uses to stimulate the muscle to contract and the Botox or Dysport has a better chance to get into the junction and block the further transmission of nerve signals to that muscle. We do have our patients refrain from lying flat, or bending over at the waist or performing general exericse for four hours after the Botox or Dysport to minimize a theoretical risk of migration of the product (this has not been proven either).

Thank you for your question. I typically focus my aftercare on restricting activities that make you hot, sweaty or flushed: Examples include strenuous activities, alcohol, saunas, hot baths, etc… This will increase your chance of bruising. If no bruising, by the next day, the you should be good to go. If there is, then I recommend another day to make sure the bruise is not getting worse. I am not as worried about the not laying down after four hours.

Shortly after your treatment, you should exercise the treated muscles for a couple of hours to help improve the absorption of the injected BOTOX®. Frown repeatedly if the muscles controlling frowning were targeted. If forehead lines were targeted, raise your eyebrows. For crow’s feet, squint and smile. You may find that performing these facial movements takes a little more effort than usual.