Can you drink alcohol after Botox?

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Anecdotal evidence suggests if people were to drink alcohol straight after Botox, it may affect the skin’s recovery. The effect may vary for people and their sensitivity to certain products and treatments.

There is no quality research regarding alcohol and Botox. However, many cosmetic providers suggest waiting at least 24–48 hours after the procedure to consume alcohol in moderation. The timing may also depend on how a person’s skin reacts to Botox and whether they have it regularly.

Similar to other procedures, people may wish to proceed with caution when consuming alcohol after receiving injections or other noninvasive treatments. It is not certain whether the implications of alcohol after Botox apply to all people. Therefore, it may be best to avoid alcohol for a few days or speak with a medical professional for any advice.

A person should avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before treatment, according to Stanford Health Care. This is because alcohol thins the blood, which may increase the risk of bruising. Anecdotal evidence suggests the same guidance may apply to post-cosmetic procedures.

In addition, Botox may cause swelling and dizziness when consumed with alcohol since it increases blood flow to blood vessels and dehydrates the skin. Botox may also cause a person to feel dizzy or drowsy, which alcohol may worsen.

If a person experiences any side effects after Botox, with or without alcohol, they should consult a doctor or cosmetic provider.

Learn more about the side effects of Botox.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which widens blood vessels and causes the skin to appear flushed. Similarly, this is also an effect of receiving Botox at a certain site on the skin.

As alcohol causes dehydration, it loses vital fluid and nutrients. This may lead to:

• wrinkles
• dull and gray skin
• bloated or puffy skin
• worsening or triggering skin conditions such as:
  • eczema
  • psoriasis
  • rosacea

Read more about the effects of alcohol on the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends people can help care for their skin by:

• Wearing sunscreen daily: People may consider a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all uncovered areas of the skin. In addition, people may be able to wear moisturizers and cosmetic products that contain SPF but should not use them as an alternative. Sunscreen protects the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, which may cause:
  • sunburn
  • skin cancer
  • premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and age spots
• Avoiding tanning beds and salons: Tanning beds also contain harmful UV radiation that causes skin cancer. A safer alternative is self-tanning products and moisturizers. Learn about tanning safely.
• Maintaining a skin care routine: A person can consider establishing morning or nighttime skin care routines, or both, that work well for them, including gentle cleansers, sunscreens, and moisturizers.
• Using products suited to skin type: Understanding a person’s skin type can help them care for it more effectively. Possible skin types include:
  • sensitive
  • normal
  • dry
  • oily
  • combination

• Keeping hands away from face: Touching the face with unwashed hands may lead to germs and irritation or aggravate other skin conditions.
• Checking skin regularly: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. People should check for new spots or moles and speak with a doctor if they notice any changes. They should consult a doctor or dermatologist to perform tests for cancer and take the appropriate steps to remove or prevent any complications.

It is advisable for people to proceed on the side of caution when drinking alcohol after Botox. This is due to possible effects on the skin and the body, as it may affect people differently.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which may lead to flushed areas, swelling, puffiness, and dull and gray patches. The combination of Botox and alcohol may exacerbate the side effects of each substance and product.

A person can check with their Botox provider on how long they should avoid alcohol after having the procedure. Many providers advise waiting at least 24–48 hours.

There are also other ways a person can help improve the appearance and health of their skin. The AAD recommends various methods, including applying sunscreen daily, following a skin care routine, checking skin and aging spots, and having tests with a medical professional to rule out any signs of skin cancer.