Éblouissant · Journal

Botox Aftercare: What to Do and Avoid in the First 24 Hours

The First Four Hours: Stay Upright

The first few hours after your Botox or Dysport injections are a sensitive time. The medication is beginning to bind to the nerve endings in the targeted muscles. You want it to stay exactly where it was placed.

Your provider will instruct you to stay upright for about four hours. This means no napping, no yoga, and no bending over to clean the floor. Lying down flat or inverting your head too soon could theoretically allow the medication to migrate to neighboring muscles. If that happens, it could relax muscles you did not intend to treat, which might result in a droopy eyelid or an uneven brow.

The First 24 Hours: Hands Off

The most common Botox aftercare rule is to avoid touching your face. Do not rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas for 24 hours. The goal is to let the medication settle into the specific muscles that cause your forehead lines, frown lines, or crow's feet.

This rule extends to your skincare routine and other cosmetic appointments. Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Do not use an exfoliating scrub or a cleansing brush. Wait at least 24 hours before scheduling a facial, dermaplaning, or facial massage. Even wearing a tight hat or headband across your forehead could apply unwanted pressure.

Exercise and Heat: Why You Should Take a Rest Day

You should skip strenuous workouts on the day of your treatment. Vigorous exercise increases your heart rate and your blood flow. This increased circulation might move the medication away from the injection site before it fully binds to the nerve.

Exercise also raises your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of bruising at the injection sites. Wait at least 24 hours before returning to heavy lifting, running, or high-intensity interval training. A light walk is generally fine.

You should also avoid sources of intense heat for the first 24 hours. Skip the sauna, the steam room, and the hot tub. Like exercise, excessive heat dilates your blood vessels and increases circulation.

Alcohol and Pain Relievers: Managing Bruising

Bruising is a common side effect of any injection. To minimize your risk of a bruise, skip alcohol for 24 hours before and 24 hours after your appointment. Alcohol acts as a mild blood thinner, making you more susceptible to bruising.

You should also be mindful of over-the-counter pain relievers. Unless your physician advises otherwise, avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications also thin the blood and can make bruising worse. If you have a headache, acetaminophen is typically a safer choice.

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

Botox and Dysport do not work instantly. You might see some initial changes in 3 to 7 days. The full effect usually takes about two weeks to develop. The results then typically last 3 to 4 months.

It is normal to have small bumps at the injection sites immediately after your appointment. These usually disappear within an hour. You might also notice a mild headache or slight redness.

We usually recommend scheduling a follow-up visit about two weeks after your first treatment. This allows Dr. Pandey to evaluate your results and make sure the dose and placement are correct for your facial anatomy.

When to Call the Office

Severe complications from Botox or Dysport are rare when the medication is administered by a qualified professional for cosmetic purposes. However, you should know the signs of a problem.

Call the office if you develop a drooping eyelid or an asymmetrical smile after your treatment. These are signs the medication may have affected an unintended muscle. If you experience difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. This can indicate a rare spread of the toxin effects.

Aesthetic Consultations at Éblouissant

At Éblouissant, Dr. Pandey discusses your aesthetic goals and reviews your medical history before recommending any treatment. If Botox or Dysport is appropriate, she will explain the procedure and the expected aftercare.

Aesthetic treatments at our Greenwich Village practice are self-pay. The price depends on the areas treated and the amount of product required. This is confirmed during your consultation before any treatment begins.

Common questions

Related reading

This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual results vary. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Medical disclaimer