When Can You Lay Down After Botox®?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

You may have heard that lying down after Botox® can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment and increase your risk of unwanted side effects. Is there any truth to this, or is it yet another bit of Botox misinformation?

It’s true. You shouldn’t recline or go horizontal right after receiving a Botox injection. But exactly how long after Botox should you avoid lying down?

We answer that question below and address some related concerns that first-time Botox patients have about the immediate post-treatment period.

When Can You Lay Down After Botox?

Most licensed Botox injectors advise patients not to keep their heads elevated and not lay down for at least four hours after receiving Botox injections. Unless your provider tells you otherwise, consider it safe to lay down after four hours.

That said, you should always listen to your Botox injector’s guidance. They know their patients best and can give instructions tailored to your specific needs and health status.

Why Shouldn’t You Lay Down After Botox?

Laying down immediately after receiving Botox can cause the medication to spread beyond the injected area. This lessens the amount of Botox available to work its neuromodulation magic in the parts of the face, neck, or body you’re trying to treat.

Laying down immediately after Botox can cause undesirable side effects elsewhere in the body as well. Regardless of the specific area of your face or body where it’s injected, Botox is highly potent, so it doesn’t take much for it to work on muscles outside the treated areas. Wayward Botox intended for the frown lines can cause droopy mouth (Bell’s palsy), while Botox migrating from the crow’s feet area (eye corners) can cause droopy eyelids. Wayward Botox can also increase bruising around the injection sites.

Can Laying Down After Botox Cause Serious Health Problems?

Laying down after Botox is unlikely to cause serious systemic complications, such as urinary incontinence or difficulty breathing. The medication is much more likely to migrate locally within and between muscle groups.

However, as we’ve already seen, this can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness and cause unsightly complications that can take weeks or months to resolve.

What Else Should You Do After Botox Treatment?

Remaining upright isn’t the only Botox aftercare tip to remember after your treatment. You should also do the following:

Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after treatment
Refrain from rubbing the area or putting pressure on the skin near it for one to two days (sorry, no facial massages!)
Avoid steam rooms and other abnormal heat sources for one to two days after treatment
Avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure until any bruising or swelling recedes
Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption for a week or so after treatment
Watch the treated area closely for signs of infection until the injections are fully healed

Finally, remember that while serious Botox side effects are rare, it’s never a good idea to take chances with your health. Always work with a provider who has a current medical license and has completed an accredited Botox training course.