Is Sleep Position Important After BOTOX®?

BOTOX is undoubtedly one of the most popular aesthetic treatments performed today, helping millions of men and women preserve or restore a smoother, more youthful look by relaxing unwanted facial lines and wrinkles. While BOTOX is considered a relatively routine and uncomplicated treatment for the most part, it is still important to remember that side effects are possible and that appropriate aftercare can minimize your risk of BOTOX side effects. One essential BOTOX aftercare instruction is to avoid touching, rubbing, or putting pressure on your face at the areas of injection. Here, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa of The DeRosa Center in Boston, MA answers questions about sleeping after BOTOX, including how, why, and for how long you may need to adjust your position at night.

How does BOTOX work for wrinkles?

In the aesthetic sense, BOTOX is considered an injectable wrinkle relaxer that works to smooth away stubborn lines and wrinkles across the face and, occasionally, elsewhere on the neck or body. BOTOX contains a purified strain of botulinum toxin type A as its active ingredient, which binds with neuroreceptors in the muscles responsible for facial expressions and their associated surface lines — known as dynamic wrinkles. Once it takes full effect, BOTOX forces the treated muscles to become temporarily paralyzed, which relaxes the unwanted lines and wrinkles associated with that particular muscle.

Is there anything I can't do after BOTOX injections?

Almost immediately after your BOTOX injections, you may experience some mild tenderness and pinpoint bruising at the injection sites. It can take up to a week for the full effects of BOTOX to become apparent, and it's important to follow proper BOTOX aftercare instructions during this time to ensure optimal results and avoid unwanted side effects. These guidelines may include avoiding touching or rubbing your face, which can cause BOTOX to migrate outside the treatment area. For this same reason, you may need to adjust your sleeping position for a temporary period.

How should I sleep after getting BOTOX?

Ideally, patients should try to sleep on their back with their head slightly elevated for about 1 – 3 days after their BOTOX appointment to avoid inadvertently spreading BOTOX to an unwanted location, which can compromise your results and temporarily paralyze muscles that were not intended to be treated. However, complications with BOTOX are rare, especially when patients follow appropriate post-treatment instructions.

How long will BOTOX last?

Once BOTOX has taken full effect, which typically occurs after about one week — or up to 10 days in certain cases — most patients enjoy their smoother, more youthful appearance for 3 – 4 months before repeat treatment is needed. Men and women who are particularly physically active, as well as those whose body simply "breaks down" the BOTOX at a naturally faster rate, may require BOTOX more often to maintain consistent results. During your initial consultation, our aesthetic specialists will conduct a thorough assessment and let you know how long you may expect your BOTOX results to last. If you notice your lines and wrinkles reappearing sooner than you expected, don't hesitate to call us to schedule your repeat injections at any point.

Regain your youthful image and boost your self-esteem with BOTOX injections in Boston, MA

There's no denying the popularity of BOTOX — and for good reason. Join the millions of men and women who have chosen BOTOX to send lines and wrinkles packing by calling The DeRosa Center, under the direction double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, to schedule your Boston, MA cosmetic injectable consultation with one of our aesthetic specialists today.