Botox Aftercare 

What to expect: 

On the day of your procedure you may experience some swelling and bruising at the injection site. 

What to do: Facial exercises such as frowning or squinting may help the Botox take hold. 

What to avoid: 

Immediately after the procedure you should avoid the following activities:

  • Rubbing or massaging your face 

  • Lying down (avoid for at least 4 hours post-procedure) 

  • Vigorous exercise 

  • Anti-inflammatory painkillers 

  • Smoking and drinking alcohol 

  • Hot showers, baths or hot tubs 

After a few days you may feel some slight tightness at  the injection site and may start to notice initial results as the muscles start to relax, smoothing out any  wrinkles. 

After a week…

Your face should start to look more refreshed. You can now have facials or any other treatments that involve putting pressure on the face. 

After two weeks…

The results of your Botox treatment should now be in full effect, resulting in a smoother more refreshed face.                                               

 What should I do after having Botox?                                

You will be able to resume most of your regular activities immediately after having Botox  in your forehead. The only things you will be advised to avoid immediately after are:

  • drinking alcohol,

  • having a hot shower or bath

  • rubbing your face

  • lying down or leaning forward for extended periods.

You will be advised to avoid these activities for up to 24 hours after treatment. You can exercise the muscles where you have the Botox injected (for example by raising  your eyebrows or pursing your lips) which will help to work the Botox into your facial  muscles. 

What happens if you bend over after having Botox? 

There is a small chance that the Botox may shift from the injection location to other areas  of the face. However, the risk is minimal, so unless you are bending forward repeatedly or for substantial periods of time (for example if performing yoga moves) straight after  having Botox, you should be fine. 

How soon after having Botox can I consume alcohol? 

It’s advisable to avoid drinking alcohol for a day or two before and after the procedure.  Some clients experience mild bruising at the needle sites after having Botox injections  — if alcohol is present in the system this can exacerbate the bruising as alcohol increases  fluid retention and thins the blood.  

Drinking alcohol is highly unlikely to have any long-term detrimental effects on the results  of your treatment. 

How soon can I exercise after Botox? 

It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after having Botox. Strenuous exercise  can result in bruising and, in rarer cases, the Botox could move to other areas of your face,  causing the muscles in these areas to become temporarily paralysed. You should also  avoid doing yoga for 24 hours after the procedure as inverted positions can cause Botox to move to other muscles in the face.


How soon after having Botox can I fly? 

We advise our patients to avoid flying for 24-48 hours after treatment. There are concerns  that the changes in air pressure in an aeroplane cabin can affect the results of Botox.  Changes in air pressure can mean that the Botox can move to other muscles in the face.  

Can I drive after having the procedure? 

Yes, Botox injections will not affect your ability to drive.  

Can I do anything after having Botox to ensure the treatment works as well as possible?

Yes, you can exercise the muscles treated with Botox for four hours after having the  treatment by frowning, squinting or raising your eyebrows. This will help to work the  Botox into your facial muscles. 

Pain management 

Should I apply ice after having Botox? 

Some practitioners apply ice before and after Botox injections to help minimise bruising  and swelling. If the injection area is painful or if you experience swelling or bruising you  can apply ice up to 24 hours after having injections to ease symptoms. Do not rub the  area with ice or to apply ice continuously to the area. 

What painkillers can I take before or after having Botox? 

You can take paracetamol before and after the procedure but avoid anti-inflammatory  medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as these thin the blood, which can exacerbate  any bruising.  

The needles used to administer Botox are very fine, so most people will experience  minimal pain (if any) during the procedure.  

Always let us know what medication you are on before having a Botox treatment. 

If you have any questions or concerns please call 01935 433 147 or contact toni@airwellness.co.uk.