Will Botox migrate if I wear a surgical mask immediately after getting Botox in masseter, temporalis, 11’s, and forehead?

Question

I would like to get Botox in the following muscles: masseter, temporalis, procerus, corrugator, and frontalis. Would wearing a surgical mask immediately following Botox injections cause the Botox to migrate? The mask would likely place slight pressure on the masseter and temporalis muscles (where Botox has been injected). I heard you should avoid pressure on face after Botox. I don’t want Botox to migrate to unintended areas.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

It is not likely that wearing a surgical mask will cause migration of Botox immediately after treatment.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A regular face mask should not affect your Botox treatment, however, a tighter fitting n95 mask can put pressure on these areas and there is a risk of botox migration. However, if you have additional concerns, I encourage you to address them with the doctor that will be performing the procedure. Make sure you are working with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist with extensive Botox training to ensure an optimal outcome.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Many masks are not going to apply worrisome pressure to Botox insertion sites but it is best to avoid a strong strap that tends to be on N-95 masks and maybe some others, if the strap is putting so much pressure on the exact area of the Botox insertion, especially if it overlies a bony prominence. Those tight straps sometimes cause a temporary indentation of the skin for an hour or more after wearing the mask and that should be avoided.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You wearing a surgical mask would not affect with your Botox treatment, this would not make Botox to migrate.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Wearing a surgical mask should not cause Botox to migrate or have any effect on the results of a Botox injection.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In most cases masks do not place enough direct pressure to cause migration of Botox into unintended areas.  Hope this helps.

Morgan Rabach, MD · Answer

Botox will not migrate with the use of a facial mask because the mask will not put enough pressure on it.

Teresa Camden, MD · Answer

You will not have any issues with migration from slight pressure (such as that caused by wearing a mask).

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Wearing a surgical mask after your Botox treatment should not impact the results.  The pressure from a typical surgical mask would not be enough to cause any issues, including migration.