My Doctor Massaged the Botox Injections I to my Skin?

Question

I had botox 2 days ago and the doctor immediately massaged it in....pretty aggressively!! Now I'm reading that you shouldn't rub it for hours let alone rub it in after injecting it!! It's 2 days later and I am seeing no results when in the past I have had seen results within 1-2 days (from a different doctor who did not rub it in)

S. Ozan Sozer, MD · Answer

Botox injectors should not massage due to the possibility of it dispersing or scattering.  Always go to an experienced certified injector.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are early in your post procedure course. Usually the patient sees the start of the neuromodulators, (Botox Dysport, Xeomin), working at day 4.  The fillers usually see some result early, but some modulation continues.  In our office we have patients come back at 2 weeks for their check on their neuromodulator or filler.  At that point, most of the swelling is usually down, and we have an idea of the result.  This may be delayed if the patient has a bruise.  Often, asymmetry can be improved.  If you desire more volume, most practices would charge you, as they have to pay for the product, etc.  Please make sure your well trained, experienced injector knows your current status.Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLas Vegas Plastic Surgery

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi PG.  We do not message Botox after injection because there is no need to.  We tell patients not to message as the product has a chance of "migrating" to an area we do not want it to go.  If it is injected properly into the muscle it will bind there fairly quickly but we discourage messaging.  

	With that said, it should not have a great effect on results.  Wait another few days and if you do not see similar results as the last time, contact your injector for a checkup.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

While massaging is not necessary after Botox treatment, pressure can sometimes be applied to help with bleeding or just smooth out the treated area. Applying pressure or massage should not affect the Botox result and it sometimes can take up to a week to see the full effect.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

While it's unnecessary to massage the Botox after injection, it's not likely this decreased its activity. Without knowing the dosage and dilution from each doctor, it's difficult to definitively say why it's taking longer to kick in this time around. Give it a full 7 days to take effect to judge the final results.

My Doctor Massaged the Botox Injections I to my Skin?

Answers (9)