Can you drink alcohol after Botox?

Many patients are asking if they can consume alcohol after Botox. Well, the answer is NO; alcohol is a vasodilator – it stimulates the expansion of blood vessels and increases blood flow throughout the body, including the skin. It can hinder the healing process, and make the blood thin which may lead to the increment of bruises and swelling. There is no definite time when you can start drinking alcohol but if you want to recover smoothly and get the most possible outcomes, avoid alcohol consumption within 24 to 48 hours after the treatment.

Why you should avoid alcohol after Botox

Botox procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t need a long recovery period. Most of the patients can go back immediately to their usual activities. However, you need to follow your doctor’s Botox aftercare care guide to heal faster and get good results. One thing you should avoid consuming is alcohol. Here’s why:

Swelling and Bruising: Alcohol may likely worsen the condition of swelling and bruising at the injection sites because of its ability to thin the blood.
Increase the risks of Side Effects: Botox may come with several side effects. These may include headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Drinking alcohol may worsen the experience.
Slower Healing: It takes more time to heal if you consume alcohol while recovering from Botox injections. Alcohol can weaken the immune system and impede the body’s natural healing processes.

What factors can affect how long you should wait to drink alcohol after Botox?

The waiting time before you consume alcohol may vary on different factors:

Treated Parts: You may need a longer waiting time before drinking alcohol if Botox treatment was injected into sensitive areas like the eye area or forehead. Following the rule may help reduce the chance of bruising and swelling where Botox was administered.
Patient Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin may need to avoid drinking alcohol after their Botox treatment because it can make the blood thinner, which may lead to an increase in the risk of bruising. The body may also have a hard time to heal.
Metabolism: The healing process may speed up if you have faster metabolism rates. However, it is still crucial to follow the 24- to 48-hour rule before consuming alcohol.

Which other food and drinks should you avoid after botox?

Besides Alcohol, there are certain foods that you shouldn’t consume as they can affect the treated area and healing.

Spicy Foods: Eating foods rich in spices triggers blood circulation that results in facial skin flushing. The treatment area can be worsened by this reaction, therefore leading to redness, irritation, or swelling. Spicy food consumption leads to increased body inflammation which opposes the healing process of the treated area.
Salty Foods: A high salt consumption triggers your body to retain water, which creates oedema in different parts of your body, including the area where treatment is administered. Your Botox result may become unnoticeable, and your healing process will need extended time due to the swollen appearance.
Sugary Foods and Drinks: Eating too much sugar leads to body inflammation which hinders the healing process of the body.
Citrus Fruits and Juices: The area that received the Botox injection becomes aggravated by the acidity in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, or berries. Those foods can elevate inflammation, increasing the risks of swelling and bruising.