The first few hours
For the first 4 hours after botox, stay upright and avoid lying down so the product stays where it was placed. Don't rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated area — that can move the product and affect your results.
Light facial movements (gently frowning or raising your brows) are fine and don't need to be forced. Skip facials, makeup, and tight hats or goggles for the rest of the day.
What to avoid for 24 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and heat exposure (sauna, steam room, hot yoga, sunbeds) for 24 hours. These increase blood flow and the risk of bruising or spreading.
Also avoid blood-thinning supplements unless prescribed, and don't schedule other facial treatments (peels, microneedling) for at least a day or two.
What's normal vs a warning sign
Normal: mild redness, small raised bumps at injection sites, slight tenderness, or a minor headache — these typically settle within a few hours. Light bruising can appear and fades over a few days.
Warning signs that warrant a call: eyelid or brow drooping, severe or spreading swelling, signs of infection (heat, pus, fever), or — rarely and urgently — difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing.
When you'll see results
Botox takes time. You'll usually notice changes in 3–5 days, with full results at 7–14 days. Judging the outcome on day one leads to unnecessary worry and calls.
If you still see asymmetry or movement after two weeks, that's the moment for a review appointment — not before.
For clinics: deliver this in writing
Patients forget verbal instructions on the way home. A branded, written botox aftercare sheet they can re-read reduces 'is this normal?' calls and avoidable complications.
Make it specific with timeframes, list the warning signs clearly, and include how to reach you. Generating these per procedure keeps them consistent and on-brand.