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.

Movement of facial muscles through your exercise regimen should not affect the performance of Botox.

Botox molecules target nerve fibers that release acetylcholine which causes muscles to contract. The result of course is that the muscles are able to stay relaxed.

Regardless of whether you are using Botox for antiaging purposes or not, there is really no need for the facial exercises. Wrinkles form because the skin loses its elasticity. This makes it more susceptible to developing lines on the skin when muscles in the forehead and eye area contract.

While Botox can improve the appearance of lines on the skin by keeping the associated muscles in a relaxed state, patients can also focus on treatments that help to correct sun damage on their skin. Fraxel laser and other dermal fillers (e.g. Radiesse, Juvederm and Restylane) can be helpful. But you would need to speak to a board certified specialist  about more precise recommendations for your objectives.

Some instructions direct you to perform facial exercises immediately after injection while avoiding digital manipulation or massage of the area.