Botox is the preferred cosmetic treatment for wrinkle reduction in the upper face. It involves injecting a small amount of the botulinum toxin into specific muscles to relax their activity that causes wrinkles on the overlying skin. The procedure is safe and provides impressive results, but inadequate aftercare can hinder them.
How Long After Botox Can You Lay Down?
Medical providers advise patients to wait 4 hours before lying down. This ensures Botox diffuses into the target muscle fibers to perform its intended function and doesn’t migrate to adjacent muscles.
If you are tired, you can lean back in a comfortable position, but keep your head up and level. Avoid any other activity that involves lying down, such as yoga, pilates, etc.
What Happens If You Lay Down Too Soon After Botox?
Lying down within four hours of the procedure increases the risk of the botulinum toxin migrating to other facial areas and causing undesired side effects, such as:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Drooping eyelids
- Uneven results
Note: Learn about Botox pros and cons - what to consider before getting Botox.
How Should You Lay Down After Botox?
If you need to take a nap after Botox, lie on your back rather than the stomach or on the side. This minimizes the chance of the neurotoxin shifting to other locations. Use an extra pillow and keep your head elevated while you rest.
After four hours, the Botox should have settled, and you can lie down as usual. Just remember not to push your face against the pillow and avoid rubbing and applying pressure around the treated area.
Conclusion
Lying down right after Botox doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it may interfere with the practitioners’ intended placement and cause temporary muscle paralysis in muscles that weren’t intended to be injected. Follow your medical provider’s advice on how to behave after Botox to ensure desired rejuvenating results.
