Is it Safe to Take Pain Relievers After BOTOX® Injections?

BOTOX is commonly used to reduce some signs of aging when injected into lines and wrinkles on the face. It has other uses as well, depending on the injection site, and has helped people regain their confidence and strength.

Patients in the San Jose, CA area can request a consultation with board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Maia Chakerian at Sereno Santé to discuss the use of BOTOX for a variety of medical and aesthetic issues.

Below, we'll discuss what comes after the procedure and some BOTOX aftercare tips.

What can BOTOX do for me?

At Sereno Santé, trained staff can perform BOTOX on the same day as your initial consultation. They can also answer any questions and provide BOTOX aftercare suggestions.

When used for aesthetic treatments, BOTOX helps reduce the appearance of:

Glabellar lines (Severe to moderate forehead lines that run across the face horizontally)
Brow lines or "concentration" lines
Crow's feet
Frown or smile lines
The reduction of wrinkles and fine lines around the lips, chin, and neck

BOTOX can also be used to treat medical conditions, including:

Migraines
Hyperhidrosis (severe sweating)
Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder conditions
Lazy eye
Neck spasms

What happens after BOTOX injections?

It’s normal for patients to experience some bruising, redness, or swelling 2 – 3 days after BOTOX injections. Most people see the full effects of the injections after about a week, and in many cases, results last roughly 3 – 4 months.

Rubbing the face and sleeping on the face or side are some of the worst things to do after BOTOX because they can make the product move around and cause unwanted aesthetic outcomes. Keeping your head upright for at least four hours after treatment is crucial.

Can I take pain relievers after BOTOX?

The bruising and swelling you may see after BOTOX can come with a bit of pain. And patients who are new to the procedure may experience a headache. Dr. Chakerian’s unique experience in pain management and aesthetics makes her the ideal physician to consult with about any BOTOX aftercare.

The best pain relief medicine to take after BOTOX is Tylenol. Arnica gel can reduce surface pain.

It’s critical to avoid any blood thinners in the 24 hours following your injection. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve, ibuprofen, and high-dose aspirin.

What not to do after BOTOX

It’s typically safe to resume most normal activities after BOTOX injections, and there are few, if any, side effects or downtime involved.

Things not to do after BOTOX include avoiding the following for at least 24 hours:

Rubbing your face
Sleeping on your front or side
Direct sun exposure
Drinking red wine (which may cause more bruising)
The application of heat (use ice packs instead to soothe pain or swelling)
Strenuous activity, such as exercise, which elevates the heart rate
Excessive sweating
Facial massage and scrubbing your face for one week (though it is essential to keep your face clean)

The most crucial parts of aftercare are allowing your injection site to heal, staying hydrated, and avoiding blood thinners.

Where to get BOTOX injections near San Jose, CA

BOTOX can boost your confidence level and leave you feeling better than ever. If you’re in the San Jose, CA area and thinking about BOTOX treatment, contact Sereno Santé to book a consultation with Dr. Maia Chakerian to discuss your aesthetic goals and schedule to avoid risks after the procedure.