To decrease swelling: Ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off as needed. Take a daily antihistamine (Zyrtec/Allegra/Claritin) for 14 days.

Take 800mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours (note that ibuprofen will increase the risk of bruising).

Avoid vaccines for 2 weeks before and after injections.

Apply topical arnica to treatment sites and take oral arnica for a week following injections. Avoid salty foods and vigorous exercise.

To decrease the risk of infection: Avoid touching the injected areas. Use a fresh pillowcase! Wait to apply makeup until the next day (be sure to use clean makeup brushes).

Avoid dental cleanings and procedures for 2 weeks after injections.

What’s Normal? Asymmetrical swelling, lumps, bumps, tenderness, and bruising are very normal for 4-6 weeks.

What’s Not Normal? Blisters, traveling bruises, discoloration (skin appears white or grey), and intense pain are not normal. Call the office immediately to be seen. Blood flow may be compromised.

Do not lay down flat, invert, wear a tight hat, or apply pressure to the treated areas for 4 hours after Botox®.

Avoid rigorous exercise, extensive sun/heat exposure, massages, hot tubs, and saunas for 24 hours after treatment.

Drinking alcohol or taking ibuprofen may increase your chances of bruising.

Although Botox® is used to treat headaches, it may trigger a headache initially. If you do get a headache, we recommend Tylenol, and/or cool compresses. Typically, headaches resolve in less than a day.

Note that any post injection bumps will go away within a few hours. If you do develop a bruise, it will resolve like other bruises you have had in the past.

There is occasionally some mild pain, swelling, itching, or redness at the site of injection that is similar to most other injections. Redness may last for 1-2 days, rarely longer. You may apply cold compresses to reduce swelling or discomfort.