Botulinum toxin: what patients should know
Botulinum toxin type A has been used in medicine for many years – for example, to treat expression lines, chronic migraine, excessive sweating or certain neurological conditions. The active substance temporarily blocks the signal transmission between nerve and muscle, allowing the treated muscle areas to relax.
To help keep the procedure as complication-free as possible, both preparation and aftercare play an important role. The following information is intended as general guidance and does not replace a personal consultation with your treating doctor.
Preparing for botulinum toxin: what to bear in mind before the appointment
Good preparation begins a few days before the actual treatment. The aim is to keep the risk of bruising and swelling as low as possible and to support tolerability.
Medications and food supplements
Certain substances can affect blood clotting and thereby increase the risk of minor bleeding at the injection sites. These include, among others:
- Acetylsalicylic acid and other painkillers from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Certain food supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng or garlic preparations in higher doses
- Blood-thinning medication
Important: prescribed medication must not be discontinued on your own initiative. Discuss all preparations you take regularly with your doctor in advance.
Alcohol, caffeine and lifestyle
In the 24 to 48 hours before the appointment, it is advisable to avoid alcohol. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and promote the formation of bruises. Moderate use of caffeine may also be sensible. Sufficient sleep and adequate hydration support general well-being.
Skin care on the day of treatment
Please arrive with clean skin if possible. Strongly irritating skin care products, exfoliants or aggressive ingredients such as highly concentrated fruit acids or retinoids should be paused in the days leading up to treatment. Make-up will be removed before the injection in any case.
What to mention during the consultation
- Existing conditions, particularly neuromuscular diseases
- Allergies and intolerances
- An existing or planned pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Previous treatments with botulinum toxin and how well they were tolerated
- Planned operations, dental treatments or longer trips
The day of treatment itself
The injections are performed with very fine needles and usually take only a few minutes. Slight redness, small wheals or a mild feeling of pressure at the injection sites are possible immediately afterwards and usually subside within a short time. Occasionally, a small bruise may develop.
You can usually resume your everyday activities directly after the treatment. However, there are a few recommendations to follow in the first hours and days.
Botulinum toxin aftercare: how to behave after wrinkle treatment and therapeutic applications
Aftercare aims to allow the active substance to work at the intended site and to avoid unnecessary irritation of the tissue.
The first few hours after treatment
In the first four to six hours after the injection:
- Avoid rubbing, massaging or pressing firmly on the treated areas
- Do not lie flat; instead, prefer an upright posture
- Avoid applying make-up to the treated area if possible
- Avoid tight hats, headbands or glasses that exert strong pressure
These recommendations are intended to help prevent the active substance from spreading to adjacent muscle areas.
In the first 24 to 48 hours
On the day of treatment and the day after, it is also advisable to hold back from physically demanding activities:
- Avoid intensive sport, sauna, steam bath and hot baths
- No prolonged sunbathing and no use of tanning beds
- No visits to cold chambers or other extreme temperature stimuli
- Avoid alcohol if possible, as it can promote swelling
Light activity such as walking is usually not a problem. If in doubt, please ask in your individual case.
Using facial muscles deliberately
Some doctors recommend gently activating the treated muscle areas in the first few hours – for example, by softly frowning or blinking. Whether this is sensible in your case is best clarified directly after the treatment.
Skin care after treatment
In the first few days, the skin should be treated gently:
- Prefer mild cleansing and care
- Avoid exfoliants, microneedling, laser treatments and similar applications for the time being
- Use sun protection with a high sun protection factor as soon as the injection sites have closed
Recommendations on specific waiting times for further cosmetic treatments are discussed on an individual basis.
When the effect becomes visible
The effect usually does not occur immediately. As a rule, the first effects are visible or noticeable after a few days, with the final result appearing after about two weeks. A follow-up after this period is sensible in order to assess the outcome and, if necessary, make fine adjustments. The duration of the effect varies individually and is often three to four months.
Possible side effects and when to seek medical advice
Like any medical treatment, botulinum toxin can have side effects. Common ones include temporary redness, mild swelling, small bruises or a feeling of pressure. Less commonly, headaches, a sensation of heaviness or temporary asymmetry may occur.
Please contact your doctor if:
- Symptoms are unusually severe or persist over several days
- Visual disturbances, swallowing difficulties or pronounced muscle weakness occur
- Signs of inflammation appear at an injection site
Conclusion
Careful preparation and considerate aftercare contribute significantly to a smooth course of botulinum toxin treatment. Following the recommendations outlined above can help create favourable conditions for a calm recovery. Individual recommendations always result from the personal consultation and the specific situation.
This article does not replace medical advice.