Botox is the preferred cosmetic treatment for wrinkle reduction in the upper face. It involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into specific muscles to relax their activity, which causes wrinkles on the overlying skin. The procedure is safe and provides impressive results with proper aftercare.
This article explains how lying down after Botox affects the results and how to rest properly during the first 48 hours.
Can I Lie Down After Botox?
When providing guidelines for proper Botox aftercare, medical providers alert their patients of the risks involved in lying down too soon after Botox.
The Myth Explained
Most patients familiar with Botox have heard that lying down after the treatment can compromise the procedure’s effectiveness. It takes some time for the neurotoxin to bind to nerve endings in the injected muscles, so if the patient doesn’t keep their head upright during that period, the neurotoxin can diffuse, spread to unintended muscles, and cause complications.
The Fact
Though medical providers caution patients about lying and bending after Botox, the migration risk due to body position is minimal. Botox migration is more likely to occur due to inadequate dosage and injection techniques or patients rubbing the treatment area.
What Happens if I Lie Down 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.
Can Laying Down After Botox Cause Ptosis?
Ptosis is a medical term for eyelid drooping. Patients who lie down too soon after Botox are at risk of Botox spreading to the area around the eyes and weakening the muscles responsible for lifting the upper eyelids. This side effect can last until the neurotoxin wears off (several weeks or months).
How Long After Botox Can I Lie Down?
Medical providers advise patients to wait four hours before lying down. This ensures that Botox goes 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 and bending, such as yoga, Pilates, etc.
How Long After Botox Can I Sleep on My Side?
It takes 24 to 48 hours for Botox to fully settle. Doctors don’t recommend sleeping on the side during that period. After 48 hours, it is safe to sleep in any position. Just remember not to push your face against the pillow and avoid rubbing and applying pressure around the treated area.
What Is the Best Position to Sleep in After Botox?
Here is a timeframe of safe positions to sleep in after a Botox treatment.
- The first four hours: It is safe to nap in a sitting or slightly reclining position with the head elevated.
- The first night: Sleep on your back to avoid rubbing the treated area and keep your head elevated with an extra pillow to prevent bruising and swelling.
- After 24-48 hours: You can lie down as usual, on the side, stomach, or back.
Conclusion
Lying down right after Botox doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it may interfere with the practitioner’s 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 the desired rejuvenating results.
