Patient-oriented information · Knowledge base

Aftercare instructions after a botulinum toxin treatment

This page contains factual aftercare instructions for the time following a wrinkle treatment with botulinum toxin type A — colloquially a “Botox treatment” — at the private practice of Dr. med. Thomas Ackermann (Herzogenaurach, Erlangen-Nuremberg region).

It supplements the individual medical briefing pursuant to §630e BGB and does not replace it.

First hours

Right after the treatment

In the first hours

  • Do not massage the treated areaDo not actively massage, rub or press the treated skin areas for several hours.
  • Upright posturePrefer an upright position for several hours; avoid intense forward-bending or lying flat.
  • Make-up and occlusive creamsDo not apply occlusive creams or make-up in the treatment area during the first hours.
Treatment day

What to keep in mind on the same day

  • No intense physical exertionAvoid sport, heavy lifting and intense exertion on the treatment day.
  • No heat exposureAvoid sauna, steam bath, tanning bed and prolonged sun exposure.
  • Limit alcoholRefrain from larger amounts of alcohol on the treatment day.
  • No heat application to the faceAvoid hot compresses, facial steam baths or comparable treatments in the treatment area.
Background

In the first hours the substance depot stays locally in the treated muscle areas. Mechanical manipulation or heat can promote distribution into adjacent areas — hence the time-limited restraint.

First days

What to expect in the following days

First effects often become apparent after three to five days. The final result is usually assessable after about two weeks.

  • Use facial expression normallyMimic movements are generally permitted; a deliberate activation of the treated muscle groups is not necessary.
  • Regular skin careResume from the following day, provided no intensive mechanical applications (peelings, microneedling, massage devices) take place in the treatment area.
  • No cosmetic treatments with heatTreatments with heat input or mechanical manipulation of the treatment area should be avoided during the first one to two weeks.
Follow-up review

After about two weeks

Follow-up appointment

A follow-up review after about two weeks is generally offered. It serves the assessment of the treatment result and — if medically indicated — an individual adjustment.

When a prompt consultation is sensible

Contact the practice in case of

  • Persistent reactionsLocal reactions that go beyond the usual extent and the first days.
  • Uncertainty about the courseQuestions or uncertainties about the treatment course before the regular follow-up.
  • Interim assessmentWish for an individual assessment of the interim result.
Practice philosophy · Harmony of Aesthetics

Natural proportions, balanced facial expression

An indication-appropriate and individually dosed botulinum toxin treatment aims at a natural appearance through selective muscle relaxation in defined mimic areas — not at a maximum effect.

The medical approach is oriented toward preserving natural proportions and a balanced facial expression.

Further reading

Related content

Note: This information does not replace the personal medical briefing pursuant to §630e BGB. Specific indication, effect, dosage and possible risks of a treatment can only be discussed in the individual consultation with the treating physician.