Did Patting the Brow Ruin Botox Result?

Botox injection should be performed in the correct tissue plane and by an experienced surgeon. The technique is absolutely important in the duration and overall satisfaction of the Botox treatment.
After Botox injection, I always instruct my patients to place pressure on the area to avoid bruising and swelling after injection. Post procedural activity and exercises are important, and although dismissed by some doctors, are an important part of the post-procedural regimen.
Above all, the technique of injection, not the post procedural activity, determine success.

Hi Pimlico,
Most of the after care instructions for our Botox patients are cautionary recommendations rather than things to absolutely avoid. Your question also fits into this category and the pat your husband gave you will not affect your results. Not to worry. Good luck.

I agree with the other plastic surgeons. The injection technique is far more important than the old instructions about not bending over, sitting upright and not massaging. I have performed thousands of Botox injections on patients who are lying completely flat without a problem. I recommend ice packs as needed to reduce swelling for 24 hours after the injections.

Dear Pimlico,
When BOTOX was first used cosmetically, the Carruthers, who first reported this use, suggested that to get the full effect it was helpful to have patients work the treated muscle by scrunching the glabellar area.
Most practitioners are of the opinion that this is not necessary.
Regarding precautions, I do advise my patients not to work out for about 24 hours. I have seen a couple of patients develops black eyes by working out immediately after a BOTOX treatment including one who did a spin class. I think this precaution continued to be prudent. This is the same thinking behind the recommendation not to bend over or get a facial message. These recommendations are aimed at reducing the risk of bruising. They have no bearing on the treatment effect.
Generally, ice is not too helpful because there is typical not a a lot of swelling after a BOTOX treatment. I also advise my patients not to apply make up for a couple of hours after a treatment. There is no reason not to wash the skin immediately after a treatment.
So don't freak out, enjoy your treatment. Also the next time you get an office service, let the office know you tend to faint with these treatments. They will let you recover before moving you from the treatment chair.

All the recommendations about no massage, not bending over, etc, are archaic instructions. As long as the Botox was injected properly, you will be fine. Your husband touching your brow after the injection will have no adverse effect. Enjoy your new Botox!