Will Massage 2 Hours After Treatment Affect Botox?

It's not advisable to massage the treatment areas after Botox injections, but best to leave it alone and allow time for the muscles to absorb the product so it can do what it was intended to do.

This is the suggestion, but it has never been studies so don't stress and just wait and see. You might have a most wonderful result despite not adhering to the suggested restrictions post Botox injecions. What's done is done and you can't change it now, but you may not have anything to worry about.
 

In response to your question, it is not advisable to massage after botox injections.  Patients are recommended to wait 24 hours before putting any pressure on the area.  Massaging the injection site can cause the botox to travel in unwanted areas such as the eyes.  If it does travel to the eyes, you may get a droopy eyelid for a few weeks - it will resolve as the Botox effects weaken.  For best results you should always follow your plastic surgeon's instructions as carefully as possible.  If you don't notice any improvement within a week, then I would make a follow up appointment  to discuss further treatment.
 

Generally, because such small needles are used and Botox is injected into the muscle, there is not much disruption to the skin surface. That being said, it is safest to avoid rubbing the treating areas (no creams, facial massages, etc.) for 3-4 hours after Botox treatment . Manipulation or rubbing of the muscles a short time of injection can potential spread the Botox into areas that you do not want. Most importantly, the eyelids, causing the unfortunate eyelid droop. Also, any strenuous activity (heavy exercise for example) should be avoided for maybe 6-8 hours, just to decrease the chance of bruising which can be unsightly temporarily (especially when treating around the thin eyelid skin). By 12 hours after treatment, you can pretty much resume all creams, facials, and activity you want.

Hi Lacey,

Now you've done it, you have gone and broken your head...just kidding.  No more massaging.  Hopefully you will be able to open your eyes tomorrow to be able to read this.  Your Botox should be wearing off around the time you get through reading all of the responses that busy physicians have taken their valuable time  to  reply to your honest but ridiculous question here on RealSelf.  I hope that you are fine, and in the future, avoid rubbing your Botox injections to the point of "crackling".  While you are at it, avoid anti-gravity boots, trapeze, wearing a tight fitting motorcycle helmet, and Circ Du Soliel performances as well.  See the referenced "Darwin Awards"  below.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Hi Lacey.  Based on our experience, it is possible to affect the dispersion (how far it spreads) of Botox by having a facial or massage immediately after injections.  This is why we recommend not doing anything to the area for at least several hours.  As the other practitioners have mentioned, this is not based on scientific study, but experience.

As this is the first time you have had Botox, you are understandably concerned.  However, please relax.  The Botox is absorbed over minutes to hours and then does not move or have a distant clinic effect.  The massage you are doing will not matter.  All of the recommendations people give about not laying flat, etc are not based on any scientific reality.  In fact, after your injections, you can just go about your daily business without worries.

 

Good Luck.

There is no truth to the lying down thing.  We also in the past thought that it was important to work the treated muscles-no it isn't.  Please understand that mostly the agent is rapidly absorbed by the tissues into which it is injected.  However if is possible to milk some of the solution into places it does not belong by rubbing the treated area.  In the future, please keep your hands off the treated area.  If you can't seem to do that, consider wearing mittens after a treatment to remind yourself not to touch.  It is unlikely however, that you "ruined the treatment."

Yes, there is a chance of making the toxin spread a little bit with massage. It is best not to handle the treated area at all, except for gentle application of sunscreen/ makeup.

You most likely have not ruined your treatment, however it is not recommended to massage the treated areas for up to four hours following Botox injections.