Face Yoga

Should I Do Facial Exercises after Botox? Dos and Don’ts

Written by Maria NeverovichUpdated on 07 Aug 2024
Face Yoga

Should I Do Facial Exercises after Botox? Dos and Don’ts

Written by Maria Neverovich.Updated at 07 Aug 2024
You did it. You took that big step forward and decided to get anti-wrinkle injections—go you! We hope you’re loving the results. But what's next? If, like many people, you're wondering what to do after Botox (or another anti-wrinkle formula) and what not to do after Botox, you're not alone. This is one of the most commonly asked questions on the website of every clinic, and for a good reason — Botox aftercare is almost just as important as the injection itself. That’s why we decided to break it down, look at the need-to-knows of aftercare, and discuss what you can and can’t do.

Back to basics

Before we dive into the details, let’s go back to basics and get one thing straight. What is Botox? Well, this commonly-known term is actually a brand name for a toxin called Clostridium botulinum. There are many brands alongside Botox on the market, such as Dysport, Xeomin, Jeueau, and Daxxify, so it’s not unusual for your provider to use one of these instead. However, for the purposes of this article, we’ll be referring to the most well-known term — Botox. Botox is commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but it has a number of other uses as well, such as helping with migraines, excessive sweating, and other muscle conditions. It works by temporarily paralyzing the muscle it’s injected into by blocking the nerve signals that tell the muscle to contract. For example, when you are curious about something, you may furrow your brow, but when you have Botox, your nerve signals won’t tell your muscles to do this, leading to a smoother appearance. It's known to be a very effective procedure, but like anything, knowing how to treat your face right before and after can make all the difference to ensure the results are satisfying and long-lasting. Note! People generally start to notice results 3-5 days after the Botox injection, but it can take up to 2 weeks to see the complete results. Always follow the instructions of your provider and take care to ensure your provider is qualified to perform the procedure.

Botox aftercare

Proper aftercare is the less discussed aspect of anti-wrinkle injections, and you should always follow the specific recommendations provided to you to keep that rejuvenated look for longer and accelerate your recovery process. But, in addition to that, here are some tips and tricks you might not have heard. Do:
  • Try to avoid lying down for at least an hour. This will reduce the likelihood of migraines and enhance absorption in the intended areas.
  • Keep moving your face as you would normally. It might feel strange at first, but it is crucial that you keep moving.
  • Stay hydrated. Water is good for your skin and keeps it hydrated.
Don’ts:
  • Avoid getting a face or head massage within 24 hours of your Botox treatment. This type of pressure can cause the Botox to migrate to other areas of the muscle.
  • Stay away from intense exercise for at least 24 hours. Exercising can increase the blood flow to the Botox area and impact the treatment.
  • Skip the sauna for at least 24 hours as it can make you bruise more than usual.
  • Abstain from alcohol for a day. This can also make bruises more prominent and impact your healing time.

Should I do facial exercises after Botox?

We all know the benefits of face yoga. If you don't, read about them here. Even without Botox, it can help your skin look more toned and refreshed. But can you do facial exercises if you have Botox? Yes, of course you can! But there are some rules you should follow. After Botox, facial exercises should not be performed within the first 24 hours following treatment, and it may be better to wait even longer. This allows your Botox to settle in and stay in the intended area. Then, always:
  • Start gradually. Following the waiting period, it’s best to start gradually with gentle exercises rather than diving into a full routine.
  • Aim for balance and moderation. Keep note of how your face and body are feeling. Make sure to allow extra time if you have any additional bruising.
  • Consult your provider. Like with any procedure, it’s best to check with your provider before starting any routine. A consultation with your provider can clear your concerns and give you a good starting point.

Good after-Botox facial exercises

Not every facial exercise will be suitable for you right after Botox. Start by working on these three:
  • Eyebrow lifts. Lift your eyebrows up as much as possible and hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Now, repeat this motion 10 times.
  • Smile, stretch, and make as wide of a grin as possible. Hold and then relax. Do this 10 times. Not only will this work out your face, it will also boost your mood.
  • Eye squints. Close your eyes tightly together. Next, open them wide. Repeat this 10 times.
Sounds simple, right? It is, but by doing these exercises every day, you can significantly improve your skin’s condition and appearance. If you're new to face yoga exercises, check our guide.

Why do I need facial exercises if I’ve had Botox?

Botox is a helpful treatment that can yield great results. However, when combined with additional skin care, it can help keep the skin toned and supple. Facial exercises after Botox also help to improve circulation, boosting the skin’s healthy glow.

Face exercises vs. Botox: which is best?

As you may have guessed, both Botox and face exercises have their fan clubs. So, let’s take a quick look, see what the hype is about, and determine what actually works. Face yoga:
  • Tones facial muscles
  • Improves facial dynamics and symmetry
  • Promotes good circulation
Botox:
  • Relaxes the muscles that make wrinkles visible
  • Gives quick results
  • Lasts 3+ months
But which one is more effective? We say both. Each has its own mechanism of action, and when combined, they can create impressive anti-aging effects. So, when it comes down to it, Botox and facial yoga complement each other and give people the power to improve their appearance. If you're not convinced that face yoga exercises are effective, see the results of our users.
As a face yoga expert, I am happy that Luvly has addressed this natural connection between people who want to use techniques to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can offer magnificent tension release in the forehead which defines the appearance of the overall face. When we have this complementary action to employ both, if at all. The outline for supportive face yoga post-treatment is an authentic way to support enhancing circulation in the body for those of us interested in cultivating beauty and poise in our appearance while also embracing modern science applications that do work. - Angela Rosoff, a face yoga teacher, and a Luvly app face yoga expert.