Treated Area Care

• Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
• Stay out of the sun until redness and bruising subsides (usually 48 hours).
• There are no activity restrictions for this treatment.
• Patients should avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Advil, St. John’s Wart or high doses of Vitamin E supplements because these substances can cause increasing bruising or bleeding at the injection site.

What to Expect

• Temporary stinging, throbbing, burning sensation, redness, swelling, bruising, and excess fullness.
• Redness and bruising usually lasts about 48 hours.
• Patients notice a clinical effect between 5 days and 2 weeks following the injection.
• Some diffusion of the toxin occurs. This can cause circular areas of paresis, a partial loss of movement, with a radius of 1.5 cm and temporary weakness of nearby muscles.
• In rare cases, there can be a drooping of the eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression.
• The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected.
• The effects of Botox are completely reversible; any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.

Length of Benefits

• The benefits of Botox injections usually last 3-6 months and then resolve.

Follow-Up Care

• No activity restrictions.
• Return visit every 3 months to maintain results.

When to Call

• If you have increased swelling or bruising.
• If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
• If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
• If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
• If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
• If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
• If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
• If you have loss of feeling or motion.
• If you have any sign of abscesses, open sores.