Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections, made me feel uncomfortable for a long time and wouldn't let me up.

Question

I just had botox today. I have researched the advice and protocol pertaining to aftercare. I have read not to press down on the area. The doctor delivered the botox today and then the nurse attendant pressed down on the area with a gauze for what seemed like minutes. I didn't want to tell her how to do her job. I wiggled a little to show her my discomfort or try to get out of my seat. Then, she said she was trying to make sure that I didn't bruise. I should have spoken up.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Pressing down on the area to avoid a bruise is ok. Massaging the area or adding excessive pressure after injection should be avoided for 24 hours.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably had some bleeding at the injection site which the nurse was trying to control with pressure. This is not unusual. You just don't want to massage the injection site for risk of spreading the Botox outside the intended treatment area.

S. Randolph Waldman, MD · Answer

Very difficult to disperse the material with pressure into the orbit so nothing much to fear by pressing down on the glabella to prevent obvious bruising.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

You should not massage a Botox area.  Pressing down on a site to suppress risk of bruising is fine.   Of course logical and not excessive pressure is needed.   I generally do not press unless I see a little bleeding from a given needle stick.  My Best,  Dr C

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Most likely she was trying to avoid a bruise.   Most likely you had a bit of bleeding/oozing and she was trying to control it.  I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections, made me feel uncomfortable for a long time and wouldn't let me up.

Answers (6)

Answer: Bruising a little less with pressure

Answer: Bruising a little less with pressure

Answer: Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections

Answer: Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections

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Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections, made me feel uncomfortable for a long time and wouldn't let me up.

Answers (6)

Answer: Bruising a little less with pressure

Answer: Bruising a little less with pressure

Answer: Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections

Answer: Nurse pressed down on glabella area AFTER Botox injections

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.