The beauty industry has definitely upped its game in recent decades, especially when it comes to our skin aging woes. We’ve been blessed with new and innovative anti-aging treatments that target wrinkles and tighten the skin – from gentle chemical peels to more invasive face lifts to what seems to be a long-standing craze (and the topic of today’s article), botox.
For those of us born before the world of millennials and Gen Z kids, botox is not a new concept. It was first introduced in 1978 and only reached widespread interest in the early 2000s. However, despite all the hype it got back then, it was still mostly seen as a treatment reserved for the upper class, the celebrities, and – as some would say – those who would risk it all for beauty.
Botox treatments have come a long way since then, perhaps experiencing the most success in the past decade than it ever has before. Thanks to our ever-evolving beauty standards and more skilled dermatologists, botox has finally entered an era where it can be appreciated by many.
Its reputation is now centered around safe and effective anti-aging, thus attracting a wider audience, especially those in their 30s who are willing to try cosmetic methods to prevent premature signs of aging. But perhaps its biggest appeal is the assurance of long-term yet temporary results – no need for daily maintenance (at least for the next 3 to 6 months!), but also no risk of permanent change (in the rare chance you don’t like the results). Win-win, don’t you think?
Needless to say, botox treatments have slowly but surely entered the world of mainstream acceptance with many treating it as a routine essential alongside regular facials and other beauty treatments.
Botox vs. Anti-Aging Facials: What’s the Difference?
Now, unlike facials, botox is considered a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the structure of the skin to deliver specific benefits. Only a registered nurse or doctor is capable of performing botox treatments as it involves injecting a drug – also known as botulinum toxin – onto targeted muscles in the skin. While it can actually offer so many impressive solutions for the body (just think underarm sweating and eye problems!), we’ll keep this short and focus on its anti-aging benefits!
When injected into a specific muscle (typically forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines, and laugh lines), botox is meant to numb the nerves, in turn allowing the muscle to relax and stop contracting, and consequently, wrinkles.
Results typically last for 3 to 6 months, after which you may notice some of the wrinkles or fine lines resurfacing. Whatever the case, a botox treatment is quick and relatively hassle-free! It’ll only take a few minutes for the actual procedure, while the full-blown results may take 3 to 14 days for you to notice. Just remember: Patience is key; it’s definitely worth the wait!
Phew, that was quite a mouthful, but we hope you get the picture!
Facial treatments, on the other hand, are definitely benefit-driven as well but a lot less ‘invasive’ in nature. They involve a skincare routine of steps, ingredients, and massage techniques that, together, deliver specific benefits depending on the type of facial you get.
- Basic facials usually include cleansing, steaming, exfoliating, and extractions and end with a facial mask and massage.
- More advanced facials use specialised techniques and technology to target more complex skin concerns. Some of the most popular ones include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatment, IPL skin rejuvenation, and LED light therapy.
Although facials are technically done on the outer layer of the skin (thus, them being less invasive), they do trigger certain functions in the skin that give way to visible improvements. For example: Exfoliating dead skin cells, unclogging pores, prompting collagen production, producing melanin to lighten dark spots, and so on. Excuse the scientific talk, but point is, the benefits of a facial can work on deeper skin layers, thus offering effective results as well!
All that said, a botox treatment and a facial treatment are NOT meant to replace one another, and neither is it a question of “which one is better?” Rather, they complement each other to offer more holistic benefits and overall better results on the skin! So how do you begin?
We’ve gotten this question from so many of our customers at Lovoir, and we’re pretty sure a lot of you are wondering the same thing. Luckily for you, we’re here to spill the tea! In today’s article, we discuss everything you need to know about combining botox treatments with your regular facials. Buckle up, this will be a fun one!
Benefits of Combining Facials and Botox
Facials prepare the skin for other beauty treatments.
Facialsother skin treatment
Facials after botox can further improve your skin.
Getting a facial after botox can further improve your skin by addressing other issues. While botox will help reduce wrinkles, frown lines, and forehead furrows, adding on a facial can cleanse your pores, smoothen your skin’s texture, brighten your overall complexion. Both treatments focus on different parts of your skin, and together, they’ll help you achieve beautiful skin all around!
Facials and botox are a powerful tandem against skin aging.
For anti-aging, in particular, botox injections and facials can work hand-in-hand to target several signs of aging. Botox will take care of current wrinkles, as well as prevent new ones from developing. While anti-aging facials will help lighten age spots, smoothen out scars, and improve the appearance of sagging, dull skin. #CoupleGoals!
Simply put, there is absolutely no problem combining a botox injection with a facial. The more important issue lies on how long you should wait in between treatments, and the proper ways to combine the two. Allow us to answer all those burning questions below!
Can You Get a Facial and Botox on the Same Day?
Yes, as long as the facial is done first! As a rule of thumb, getting a facial anytime before a botox treatment is completely fine. As mentioned above, it will help prep your skin and leave it feeling clean and fresh! That said, there are a few minor exceptions to take note of, especially for people with generally sensitive skin. Here’s are a big tip to keep in mind!
Getting A Facial Before Botox: An Important Tip To Remember
Before getting your botox done, you may want to avoid facials with ingredients or techniques that could possibly irritate your skin, at least for a few days before your appointment. This usually applies to chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, or any treatment that requires downtime.
That said, it is best to stick to basic (but still very effective!) facials like our Deep Cleansing Facial, Vitamin Infusion Facial or Janesce Holistic Facial.
Is It Safe to Get a Facial After Botox?
As we’ve already established, getting a facial treatment after botox provides several benefits for the skin. It helps brighten the complexion, smoothen and soften texture, and provide overall healthy, glowing skin.
So yes, getting a facial after botox is safe! That is, with the proper precautions and timing – which leads us to the next (and probably most important!) question:
How Long After Botox Can I Get a Facial?
According to licensed professionals and dermatologists, you will need to wait 5-7 days to get a facial treatment after botox. The area surrounding the injected muscle will feel sensitive for the first 1 to 2 days, sometimes manifesting temporary botox side effects like tenderness, bruising, and swelling.
If you’re familiar with botox, then you also probably know that face rubbing is the biggest no-no post-treatment. This is purely due to the fact that botox takes time to settle in the muscle. As such, any treatment that involves a facial massage or facial strokes can cause the botox to move around, especially if done too soon after. Hence, the need to wait for at least 5 to 7 days before pampering your skin, whether by yourself or someone else.
For more advanced facial treatments that involve semi-invasive technology or techniques, you may need to wait even longer. One week after botox may be best if you wish to stay on the safe side.
When in doubt, here’s a little cheat sheet you can refer to!
- Basic Facial (anything that involves steaming, extracting, and massaging) after Botox: 1 week
- Chemical Peel after botox: 1 week
- Microdermabrasion after Botox: 1 week
- Microneedling after Botox: 1 week
- Photofacial or IPL Skin Rejuvenation after Botox: 5 to 7 days
- Laser Hair Removal after Botox: 2 to 3 days
Tips for Combining Facials and Botox: Dos and Don’ts
Before Botox
- Do come into the clinic fresh-faced and without any make-up on the day of your treatment.
- Do disclose your medical history to your aesthetician dermatologist. This may affect the decisions they’ll make during your botox procedure.
- Don’t take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine two weeks before treatment.
- Don’t consume alcohol at least one night before treatment.
- Don’t get a botox treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are allergic to cow’s milk or have a neurological disease, make sure to get your doctor’s approval first.
After Botox
- Do apply cold compress right after your botox treatment to address excessive swelling.
- Do sit upright for the first 4 hours after treatment. Once you do get to lay down, make sure to only sleep on your back and keep your face away from touching the pillow or mattress.
- Do incorporate a simple and gentle facial routine for the next 24 hours. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and use light patting movements when wiping with a towel. You can follow up with a light hydrating serum or moisturiser.
- If you’re planning your next facial treatment, do tell your aesthetician if you’ve recently gotten a botox injection and how long it has been since your procedure. This will help them recommend the best facial for you, as well make sure you’re in the clear to proceed with your facial.
- Don’t rub your face for the next 24 hours after treatment.
- Don’t apply make-up for the next 24 hours after treatment.
- Don’t expose your skin to heat for 24 hours. This includes hot showers, hot tubs, facial steamers, strenuous exercise or activities that encourage movement and sweating, and other similar triggers.
- Don’t worry if you experience temporary side effects like mild bruising, swelling, headaches, weakness, crookedness or drooping. They should subside in the next few days to weeks, which the doctor will usually let you know about.
Now that you’re well-equipped with all the must-know’s surrounding botox injections and facial treatments, you can now look forward to a regular beauty routine that promises younger-looking skin from the inside out.
Whether you’re getting a facial before or after botox, just make sure to follow our tips. Combine these two treatments properly and your skin will thank you later (and for many more years to come)!
Looking for the best places to get facials and botox in Christchurch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Where To Go for the Best Facials in Christchurch
Here at Lovoir Skin Body & Beauty, our premium range of facial treatments have served countless satisfied customers in Christchurch. Our simple promise – in-depth skin consultations, customised treatments plans, skilled skin therapists, and overall relaxing ambiance that will keep you coming back for more.
Apart from facials, here’s another treatment safe to combine with botox: Teeth Whitening. Just imagine it – your smooth, flawless skin with pearly white teeth is the ultimate glow-up!
Here at Lovoir, we promise instant results and whiter, brighter teeth after just one session. Book your teeth whitening treatment alongside your facial, and you’ll see what we mean!
Visit our website to learn more about our beauty treatments and book a consultation if you’re not sure what you need and how to start. Whether you’re dealing with skin aging, acne, dark spots, or uneven skin texture, we’ll be sure to recommend a suitable treatment with the best results for you!
Where To Go for Botox in Christchurch
Now, if you’re interested in enhancing our facials with a botox treatment, we recommend a visit to our friends at Satini Cosmetic Clinic. Their team is composed of skilled dermatologists who are experts at all things botox – from wrinkle removal to lip fillers to eyebrow lifts. At the helm is Dr. Nadja Haub, a general practitioner and accredited Lifestyle provider with vast experience in appearance medicine.
Rest assured, you can look forward to incredible results after a single session. Their dermatologists will also guide you through botox aftercare instructions and other tips for botox recovery. Visit their website to learn more about their botox injections.
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