Botox injections are a popular cosmetic procedure used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the treated area, which smooths out wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming.
One common area people get Botox is in between the eyebrows, as this can reduce frown lines and wrinkles in the glabellar region. However, some people wonder if they should avoid raising their eyebrows or making facial expressions after getting Botox in this area.
Here is a quick overview of whether you should raise your eyebrows right after getting Botox:
Quick Answer: It is generally recommended to avoid raising your eyebrows or making extreme facial expressions for the first 24 hours after Botox injections. This allows the Botox to fully settle into the muscle before using the treated muscles. After the first day, gentle movement is fine but you should avoid forceful eyebrow raising for 1-2 weeks.
Read on for more details on why rest is recommended after Botox, when you can resume normal eyebrow movement, and tips for caring for your brows after Botox.
Why You Should Avoid Raising Your Eyebrows Right After Botox
There are a few reasons why experts recommend resting the treated muscles for the first day after Botox injections:
Allows Botox to Diffuse
When Botox is injected into a muscle, it takes 24-72 hours for the molecules to fully diffuse into the muscle cells and nerves. If you contract the muscle forcefully during this time, it can displace the Botox before it is fixed in place. This may lead to the Botox migrating into adjacent muscles or lessen its wrinkle-reducing effects.
Prevents Bruising and Swelling
The injection process can cause swelling, redness and minor bruising around the injection sites. Moving the muscles vigorously right after Botox can worsen swelling and fluid accumulation under the skin. Keeping the muscles relaxed allows everything to heal with minimal side effects.
Improves Results
Immobilizing the muscles for the first day gives the Botox time to fully bind to the nerve endings before using those muscles. This enhances the muscle-relaxing effects of Botox and allows you to see better smoothing results once you start moving your face.
Reduces Risk of Ptosis
Ptosis is a potential side effect of Botox where the upper eyelid droops. This can happen if the Botox diffuses into muscles controlling the eyelid. Avoiding heavy eyebrow lifting right after injections reduces this risk.
Overall, taking it easy on your facial expressions for the first 24 hours allows the Botox to work its magic. Letting the Botox settle also minimizes the chances of issues like bruising, inadequate results, or drooping eyelids.
How Long Should You Wait Before Raising Your Eyebrows?
Here are the general guidelines for when you can resume normal facial movements after Botox:
- First 24 hours: Avoid raising eyebrows or making extreme facial expressions.
- 1-3 days: Gentle eyebrow movement is ok but avoid forceful lifting.
- After one week: Resume normal eyebrow raising and facial movements.
The first 1-3 days are when the Botox molecules diffuse into the muscle fibers and bind to the nerve endings. After this time, gentle eyebrow raising and limited facial animation are fine.
However, you’ll want to avoid hard scrunching of the forehead or lifting the eyebrows as high as you can during the first week. This allows the Botox to fully lock into place in the muscle before putting force on those areas.
Most experts recommend waiting a full 7 days before resuming strenuous exercise or activities that involve heavy use of the treated muscles. After one week, the Botox should be settled and you can raise your eyebrows normally.
Of course, always follow your provider’s specific post-care instructions as the timeline may vary. But in general, lying low for the first few days allows the Botox to work best.
Is It Bad to Raise Your Eyebrows After Botox?
Will anything bad happen if you can’t resist raising your eyebrows soon after your Botox injections?
The good news is that lifting your eyebrows moderately won’t completely ruin your Botox results or cause serious issues. However, here are some potential downsides:
- Results may take longer to appear or not last as long
- Increased swelling, redness, bruising around injection sites
- Higher chance of Botox diffusing into nearby muscles
- Drooping eyelid (ptosis) is more likely
- You may lose some activity of the muscle if Botox migrates
Again, moderate eyebrow movement in the days following Botox probably won’t cause major problems. But being over-expressive too soon can make the Botox less effective or last a shorter time.
Following the aftercare guidelines helps ensure the Botox settles properly in the targeted muscles and minimizes side effects. While a few small eyebrow raises won’t ruin everything, it’s best to give your brows a short rest after injections.
Tips for Caring for Your Eyebrows After Botox
Here are some tips for giving your eyebrows a little TLC after Botox:
Avoid Touching or Rubbing the Treated Area
Keep your hands off the injected areas for the first few days. This minimizes irritation, inflammation, and potential displacement of the Botox.
Use a Cold Compress
A cold pack can help soothe swelling, bruising or discomfort after injections. Apply for 10-15 minutes a few times a day as needed.
Sleep Face Up
Try to sleep on your back for the first 1-2 nights. This avoids putting pressure on the treated areas.
Stay Out of the Sun
Exposure to UV rays can worsen swelling and redness. Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if you’ll be in the sun.
Avoid Facials, Massages or Saunas
Hold off on anything that manipulates or puts pressure on the face for at least a week after Botox.
Use Arnica
Arnica creams, gels or oral supplements may help minimize bruising after injections.
Be Gentle When Washing Your Face
Cleanse very softly and pat dry for a few days. Avoid scrubbing, exfoliating or applying makeup to the treated areas until healed.
Wait 1-2 Weeks for Other Facial Procedures
Hold off on laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion or other cosmetic procedures on the face until Botox has fully settled.
Keep Up Your Skin Care Routine
Continue using your regular cleansers, moisturizers and products as directed by your provider. This promotes healing.
When to Call Your Doctor
Most side effects like redness, tenderness and swelling after Botox resolve within a week. But call your doctor if you experience:
- Severe swelling or bruising that gets worse instead of better
- Signs of infection like worsening redness, hot to the touch, pus or foul odor
- Drooping eyelid that doesn’t go away
- Vision changes
- Persistent headaches, neck/back pain or muscle weakness
- Green or yellow discharge from the injection sites
- Prolonged cold-like symptoms
Rarely, an infection or allergic reaction can occur after Botox. Seek medical care if you have excessive pain, vision issues or other concerning symptoms that don’t resolve.
Can I Exercise After Botox?
Low-impact exercise that doesn’t activate the treated muscles can resume 24-48 hours after Botox. This includes:
- Walking
- Low-intensity yoga
- Leisurely biking
- Light swimming
However, you’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks after Botox. This includes activities like:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Weight lifting
- Running
- Aerobics classes
- Competitive or contact sports
Vigorous exercise can increase blood flow, circulation and sweating, which may displace the Botox before it fully settles. After 2 weeks, you can get back to your normal sweat sessions as your Botox results stabilize.
Conclusion
It’s generally recommended to avoid raising your eyebrows or making extreme facial expressions for the first 24 hours after Botox injections. This allows time for the Botox to fully diffuse into the muscle for optimal results.
Gentle eyebrow movement is fine 1-3 days later, but forceful scrunching and lifting should be avoided for 1-2 weeks. This prevents issues like drooping eyelids and lets the Botox properly bind to the nerves in the targeted muscles.
Being mindful with your facial expressions in the days following Botox can help maximize smoothing effects and minimize side effects. Handle your brows with care and they’ll reward you with a rejuvenated forehead free of wrinkles.
