Xeomin is a neurotoxin injectable touted for its advanced, double-filtered formula that gently forces muscles to relax, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated look with fewer wrinkles, lines, and creases. Like all neurotoxins, it carries risks that can be effectively reduced with a proper post-care regimen.
This article provides detailed Xeomin aftercare guidelines that can help you prolong the desired look and avoid complications.
Xeomin Aftercare Tips: 12 Do’s and Don’ts
Xeomin injectables can help rejuvenate your skin and hold off the signs of aging, such as sagginess, sunken features, and wrinkly skin. However, not adhering to post-care guidelines increases the risks of droopiness, tenderness, bruising, or swelling.
The following list of aftercare tips will help ensure optimal results and minimize the side effects.
1. Stay Upright
Remain upright and avoid bending or lying down for the first four hours following the treatment. Keeping your head elevated and perpendicular to your neck ensures proper distribution and helps to prevent migration, bruising, and swelling.
Note: Read about what happens if you bend after Botox and how long after Botox you can lie down.
2. Exercise Your Face Slowly
Gentle facial movements (e.g., frowning, squinting, smiling, raising eyebrows) can help disperse the ingredients and work the product into the muscle to facilitate even distribution. Light muscle activities can alleviate the initial stiffness and promote blood circulation without compromising the effects. Refrain from excessive or repetitive facial gestures to reduce risk of migration.
3. Avoid Touching the Injected Area
You can gently touch the injected area while washing the face or applying moisturizers, but don’t apply too much pressure. Resist the temptation to rub, squeeze, or massage the injected area for 24 hours after the treatment. Physical pressure may cause the product to spread to unintended locations, distort facial features, or produce bumps.
4. Do Not Apply Makeup
Avoid using makeup for 24 hours to reduce the risk of complications, such as prolonged irritation, skin inflammation, or infection. Applying makeup may shift the product to adjacent areas. Additionally, makeup may contain harsh, skin-irritating ingredients that disrupt the healing process. Dermatologists recommend mineral makeup post-treatment because it is hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and suitable for all skin types.
5. Cleanse Your Face Gently
Post-injection skin is more sensitive and requires careful cleansing. Wash your face with cold to lukewarm water using gentle motions and mild, non-exfoliating skincare products for sensitive skin. Do not scrub or rub the injection sites, and lightly pat your face with a clean towel afterward.
Avoid using cleaning brushes and products with the following ingredients, which may cause irritation:
- Exfoliating agents (e.g., glycolic acid, salicylic acid, AHAs, BHAs)
- Retinoids (e.g., retinol, retinal, tretinoin)
- Acne-fighting ingredients (e.g., benzoyl peroxide)
- Alcohol-based ingredients
- Chemical sunscreen products
- Astringent ingredients (e.g., witch hazel)
Note: Find out more about washing your face after Botox.
6. Apply Ice Packs or Cold Compresses
Applying ice packs, cold compresses, or cool gel masks for up to 15 minutes can enhance healing, reduce redness and swelling, and alleviate discomfort after a Xeomin session. Placing a cold compress on the injected area will help maintain the cooling effect and minimize the risk of bruising by constricting blood vessels. Wrap ice in a sanitized cloth to avoid direct ice-to-skin contact and prevent skin damage.
7. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of fluids (e.g., water, lemonade, herbal tea) and eating fruit and vegetables with high water content (e.g., watermelon, cucumber) will promote faster healing and prevent dryness and flakiness around the injected areas.
Drink small amounts of water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated during recovery. Water will help flush out toxins, maintain skin elasticity, and minimize chances of prolonged swelling.
8. Refrain from Exercise for 24 Hours
Vigorous exercise, such as heavy lifting, high-intensity cardio, or strength training, can disrupt the settling of Xeomin by increasing blood circulation and inducing excessive sweating. Xeomin takes several hours to bind to the nerve and strenuous physical activity may affect the desired outcome. The risks include bruising, swelling, and migration.
Avoid exercise for the first 24 hours and engage in light physical activities like walking or gentle stretching. Medical providers recommend abstaining from exercising for up to a week. Ask your doctor for specific guidelines regarding workouts.
Note: Find out when it is safe to exercise after Botox for more tips on post-injection physical activities.
9. Avoid Alcohol and Nicotine
Alcohol is a potent vasodilator with blood-thinning properties, which may lead to prolonged swelling and bruising. It also increases the risk of infection by weakening the overall immune system.
Nicotine’s vasoconstrictive properties can compromise the desired effect by reducing blood flow to the treated areas and impairing the healing process. Its dehydrating effect makes the skin more prone to irritation, redness, and tenderness.
Abstain from both alcohol and nicotine for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment to ensure a smoother recovery and achieve the best possible results.
Note: Find out what happens if you drink alcohol after Botox.
10. Avoid Sun and Heat Exposure
Refrain from all activities that could increase your body temperature and blood pressure and lead to bruising, swelling, or asymmetrical features.
Avoid the following hot environments and activities for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment:
- Direct sun exposure
- Tanning beds
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Hot tub
- Hot yoga class
- Cooking over a grill or hot stove
11. Do Not Schedule Other Facial Treatments
Facial treatments can irritate the skin, cause migration, and interfere with the healing process. Allow the treated area to fully heal before scheduling a follow-up session or other facial treatments, including the following:
- Facial massage
- Facial waxing
- HydraFacial
- Dermal filler
- Chemical peel
- Microdermabrasion
- Microneedling
- Microcurrent
- Laser treatment
Dermatologists recommend waiting at least 24 hours before getting a facial massage and up to a week before undergoing other treatments.
12. Avoid Blood-Thinning Medication and Supplements
If your doctor allows it, avoid prescription and over-the-counter blood-thinners. Drugs and supplements that inhibit clotting can cause prolonged or more noticeable bruises around the injection sites. They may also induce longer swelling, increased inflammation, and heightened sensitivity.
The drugs in this group include:
- NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Warfarin
- Heparin (e.g., Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- Apixaban (Eliquis)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Supplements with blood-thinning properties include the following:
- Vitamin E
- Fish oil
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Aloe
- Ginkgo
- Chamomile
- Fenugreek
- Meadowsweet
- Feverfew
- Cranberry
Do not stop any medication without prior consultation with your primary care physician.
What to Do After Xeomin?
Adhere to the following aftercare tips to minimize the risk of adverse effects and promote a smooth recovery process.
- Monitor the treated areas for side effects, such as swelling, redness, or bruising.
- Take Arnica pills or sublingual tablets four to five days before and after the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
- Schedule follow-up visits to assess the results and discuss re-treatments, typically every three to four months.
- Since Xeomin injections do not require recovery time, you can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment.
What Should You Not Do After Xeomin?
To maximize the results and avoid unnecessary complications, avoid the following activities:
- Washing, scrubbing, or exfoliating the injection site with harsh cosmetic products.
- Massaging the treatment area vigorously or without prior consultation.
- Taking blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Taking anti-inflammatory herbal supplements such as Ginko or green tea for two weeks after the treatment.
- Sleeping on your face or back four hours after the treatment.
- Wearing hats and clothes that cover the forehead and rub the injected area.
Note: Read how Xeomin treatments compare to other neurotoxins in our articles on Botox vs. Xeomin and Xeomin vs. Dysport.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
Most side effects are mild and temporary, including redness, tenderness, and swelling. Bruising is also common and typically subsides within a week.
Call your doctor immediately if you notice any serious symptoms, such as the following:
- Infection
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty speaking
- Swallowing difficulties
- Poor bladder control
- Vision problems (e.g., blurred vision)
Conclusion
Xeomin is known as the purest form of Botulinum toxin type A. Proper aftercare will extend its durability and ensure optimal results, making it a top-quality rejuvenation choice. Follow the tips discussed in this article and adhere to the guidelines recommended by your injector to maximize Xeomin’s anti-aging potential.
Contact our friendly skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar with additional questions.
