Botox can soften expression lines, but the final result depends on what you do after the appointment.
The first day is when the product is settling into the targeted muscles and the skin is calming at the injection sites. Small choices during this period can affect bruising, symmetry, comfort, and how long results stay smooth.
Below are five clear aftercare rules to follow. Each step is practical and time-based, so it is easier to follow without overthinking. Consistency during the first day, and steady habits over the next two weeks, generally support smoother-looking results and a longer-lasting finish.
1. Stay Upright & Hands Off
For the first four hours, stay upright and avoid bending at the waist for long periods. This helps the product remain where it was placed while your facial muscles keep moving naturally. Postpone yoga, heavy housework, and tasks that keep your head below your heart.
It also helps when treated areas are left alone. Rubbing, firm pressure, or massage can irritate injection sites and may increase swelling.
For face washing or moisturiser, a gentle touch usually keeps the skin more comfortable than vigorous cleansing.
If you received botox around the forehead or eyes, be cautious with sunglasses, tight sleep masks, and headphones. Choose loose options and remove them slowly. These small steps reduce the chance of unwanted spreading and support even, predictable results.
Sleep can be kept simple. Back sleeping and a slightly elevated head may reduce morning puffiness. If you’re a side sleeper, avoiding direct pressure against the face can still make a difference.
2. Support Your Comfort & Minimize Heat
A small amount of swelling or tenderness can happen, and it usually settles quickly. If the area feels puffy, a cool compress can provide relief. Ten minutes on, ten minutes off is a common approach. Wrapping ice in a clean cloth keeps the skin protected, and light contact is typically enough.
Heat is one of the main things that can make swelling and bruising more noticeable. Many clinicians recommend avoiding hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and very hot showers for about a day. Lukewarm water tends to be a better choice during the first twenty-four hours.
Skincare also tends to do best when it stays gentle for a day or two. Strong exfoliants, retinoids, and scrubs can sting and prolong redness. A mild cleanser, plain moisturizer, and sunscreen usually cover what is needed.
If a bruise appears, it can be tempting to rub it, but leaving it alone generally helps it fade more evenly. Sun protection matters because UV exposure can darken bruising.
3. Pause Intense Exercise & Alcohol
Day one often goes more smoothly with a lighter schedule. Intense exercise can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which may make swelling and bruising more visible. For about twenty-four hours, many people find it easier to skip high-intensity workouts, heavy lifting, and heated classes.
Gentle movement is usually fine. An easy walk can feel good without putting extra strain on the face. Keeping the pace moderate and avoiding repeated bending can help maintain the calm, settled feeling most people want after treatment.
Alcohol can also contribute to flushing and bruising in some people, so a short pause is often recommended. Water and balanced meals tend to support recovery better during the first day.
4. Keep Makeup & Skin Treatments Gentle
In the hours after treatment, your skin has tiny entry points. Keeping the surface clean helps reduce irritation. If possible, avoid makeup for at least six hours. When you do apply it, use clean brushes or a fresh sponge, and apply with a light touch.
Choose simple products that do not sting. A mild cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen are good options. For a day or two, strong skincare treatments are usually best left aside.
Chemical exfoliants, retinoids, facial devices, and harsh scrubs can make redness linger. A basic routine with gentle cleansing, moisturizer, and sunscreen tends to be enough.
Professional treatments that involve heat, pressure, or manipulation of the face also typically work better when scheduled after the initial settling period. Facial massage and certain facials are often delayed for at least a week.
5. Know What Is Normal & When to Check In
Most people return to regular routines quickly, but it helps to know what is typical. Small bumps at injection sites can appear and usually settle within a couple of hours. Mild headache, tightness, or a heavy feeling can occur. These symptoms often improve with rest and hydration. Use pain relief only if your clinician says it is appropriate for you.
Results take time. You may notice early changes in three to five days, with peak smoothing around two weeks. During that window, try not to judge symmetry too soon. Muscles relax at different rates, and your clinician can assess them at a follow-up visit.
Contact your clinic promptly if you develop increasing pain, significant swelling, rash, vision changes, difficulty swallowing, or drooping that worries you. These issues are uncommon, but your concerns deserve attention.
Keeping future maintenance consistent can also support longer-lasting results. Take a photo on day one and day fourteen to compare changes and share them at the follow-up appointment.
Settle In & Let Results Shine
Aftercare isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It is about giving your skin and muscles a calm window to settle, so results look even and feel comfortable.
On the first day, protect the treated areas from pressure, heat, and intense activity. Over the next two weeks, stay patient while the full effect develops.
If something feels unusual, or if you want guidance on skincare, workouts, or timing for your next visit, contact your injector. They know your plan and can tailor advice to your needs. With a few habits and a gentle pace, many people enjoy smoother results that last.
