I Rubbed My Botoxed Area by Mistake 28 Hours (1 Day) After the Injection?

Question

I was having a shower 28 hours after my botox injection (between the eyebrows). I was washing up and got some soap in my eye. Without thinking, I rubbed my eyes and the areas around them quite hard for about 2 or 3 seconds. I'm really worried that I have spread the paralysis agent to my eyes/eyelids. Since it's after 24 hours, is it a very low risk, or a probably risk? Please help!!!!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There is no evidence that such rubbing can affect the Botox result one day afterwards. I would avoid such activity in the first four hours after the treatment.

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

To simply answer your question - it will be fine. Although some advocate holding off on rubbing for 4-8 hours after surgery, given the timeline that you have mentioned, you are easily clear of this issue.

Be healthy and be well,

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Be healthy and be well,

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

If Botox is injected correctly then rubbing the area should not be a serious concern. When Botox is injected into the skin it targets a specific muscle. That muscle is then paralyzed which ultimately helps improve wrinkles. When properly injected, rubbing the area that received the Botox treatment should not be a concern.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

As others have previously noted, rubbing the Botox injection site 28 hours after the procedure should not cause any adverse effects. We use this general precaution to make sure that Botox stays in the injected area. However, this is probably only relevant for 8-12 hours.

Michael Burgdorf, MD, MPH · Answer

While it's common not to see results from botox for 3-5 days, in reality the uptake into the muscle happens pretty quickly. If there is going to be diffusion (or spread) problems, most likely it is becuase of the technique upon injection. After 24 hours, there should be no risk of the Botox traveling anywhere it wasn't injected.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The small amount of fluid that carries the Botox absorbs quickly so there really is not a lot of fluid sloshing around even a few minutes after the service. At 24 hour your good-really.

Mark Kearns, MBChB, BSc, FRACGP · Answer

Try not to worry - its something we always warn people about but doesnt often seem to cause too many problems, and light rubbing/cleansing the face should make too much difference to the effect of botox or migrate it to the wrong place.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

We generally advise people to not rub the treated Botox area for 4 hours after treatment. I would have no concern if you rubbed the area more than 24hrs after your treatment...relax, and enjoy soon the great results!

Curt Samlaska, MD · Answer

Should be no restrictions 28 hours after. As noted by others, we recommend not rubbing injection sites for 24 hours to avoid the possibility of rubbing the toxin into untreated areas. There is no actual evidence that this is required, but it is mostly theoretical. Good luck!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. There should not be any concern. To ease your mind, request to be seen by your injector.

I Rubbed My Botoxed Area by Mistake 28 Hours (1 Day) After the Injection?

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Answers (17)

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