5 Ways to Enhance BOTOX® Results

Wrinkles, those pesky creases that show up on your skin later in life, are a totally normal aspect of aging—but many people still feel self-conscious about having them. For some, the problem lies in their belief that a wrinkled outer appearance doesn’t reflect their inner vitality. Unfortunately, skin loses its strength, elasticity, essential oils, and moisture over time, causing it to become thinner and more fragile. It is also subjected to decades of gravitational pull, strain from muscle activity, and harmful environmental influences, all of which contribute to the formation of various types of lines. BOTOX^®, as the Minneapolis-area team of Zel Skin & Laser Specialists explains, is highly effective at smoothing dynamic wrinkles, which result from facial muscles active below the skin. This injectable is part of a group of anti-wrinkle treatments derived from botulinum toxin, collectively known as neuromodulators.

Here are five techniques you can use to enhance results from these injections.

1.    Be Careful About What You Eat

Temporary bruising is common after injections. Even with the most skilled provider, some bruising is possible, especially if you’re having filler or neuromodulator injections on thin areas, such as around the lips and eyes. Bruises occur when small blood vessels close to the skin’s surface break and some of the blood gets into surrounding tissues beneath the skin. They usually appear as reddish or purple marks that change color after a few days and fade on their own.

To minimize the chances of bruising, an injector may advise avoiding or limiting consumption of certain foods, drinks, and natural supplements for at least a week before an injection session. These can include alcoholic beverages, certain multivitamins, ginger, cinnamon, fish oils, and green tea, as these all can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Avoid high-sodium foods that can worsen swelling, as well as caffeine that can lead to dehydration.

2.    Don’t Take Some Medications

Talk to your injector and your primary care physician about your state of health and any medications you are currently taking. You may want to avoid using certain blood thinners—such as anticoagulants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—for around a week before injections to minimize bruising. These may include aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil^®, Motrin^®, Nuprin^®, and Aleve^®. You may be able to briefly switch medications, but please remember that it is important to discuss any such changes with a qualified healthcare provider before making them on your own.

3.    Choose a Skilled Injector

Bargain deals and discounts might seem attractive, but when you’re having a substance injected into your face, it’s not the time to cut corners and take unnecessary risks. Having a trusted, reputable, and experienced injector who is trained properly will make the treatment session much safer and reduce the likelihood of botched results. If the price for a treatment seems suspiciously cheap, it’s possible that counterfeit or potentially dangerous products are being used. Going to an untrained injector can cause you to have lopsided results and more severe, adverse effects, such as breathing difficulties or vision problems. Never be afraid to discuss an injector’s credentials and experience.

4.    Don’t Put Pressure on Your Face

The recovery time for BOTOX^® is minimal, and patients can resume most of their normal daily activities right away. It can take a few days for the active ingredient to settle into the tissue and for peak results to show. During the first 24 hours immediately after your injection session, it’s advised that patients be gentle when cleansing, moisturizing, or touching their face. Refrain from placing too much pressure on the treated area by lying directly on it, having your head squished, or massaging the skin. A facial massage can cause the BOTOX^® to spread to other muscle groups where you don’t want it. If you’re lying back, try to keep your head elevated. It’s better to hold off on having facials, laser treatments, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels for several days.

5.    Less is More

Ask any potential injector for subtle results and aim for a balanced look that still allows some animation in your face to avoid the frozen appearance that people associate with bad BOTOX^®. It’s better to take a conservative approach and add more later if you need it.

Want to learn more about the benefits of BOTOX^® and another minimally invasive treatments? For additional details, reach out to Zel Skin & Laser Specialists to request a consultation in the Minneapolis area, or call their offices at 952-929-8888 (Edina), 612-338-0711 (Minneapolis), or 952-473-1286 (Plymouth).