Glamdu
Guides
Botox aftercare: the first 4 hours, 24 hours and 2 weeks
What to do and what to skip after your appointment, what is normal, what is not, and when to expect the full result.
The first 4 hours
- Stay upright. No lying down, napping or bending over for long stretches (for example a yoga class or a long time at the hairdresser's sink).
- Hands off. No rubbing, massaging or pressing the treated areas, no facial, no makeup applied with pressure. Light, dabbed makeup is usually fine after the injection points have closed.
- Nothing tight on the forehead: no hats, headbands, helmets or tight glasses pushing on the area.
- Move the muscles if your injector suggests it: some ask you to frown, smile and raise your brows a few times in the first hour. Others do not; follow yours.
The first 24 hours
- No intense exercise. Raised blood flow and heat can spread the product and increase bruising. A walk is fine; a spin class is not.
- No alcohol, which makes bruising more likely.
- No heat: saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, very hot showers, sunbeds.
- No other facial treatments on the same day: no facials, massages, microneedling, laser or peels.
- Sleep on your back the first night if you can, head slightly raised.
- Painkillers: if you need something for a headache, paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the usual choice; ibuprofen and aspirin can increase bruising.
The first 2 weeks
| When | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Small bumps at the injection points disappear within an hour or two. Tiny pinpoint marks or a small bruise are possible. |
| Day 2 to 5 | Lines start to soften. One side may start before the other; that is normal at this stage. |
| Day 5 to 7 | Most of the effect is visible. Mild tightness or a dull headache in the first week is common. |
| Day 10 to 14 | Full result. This is the point to judge symmetry and strength, not before. |
In the first two weeks you can treat your skin as usual, including retinol and acids after the first day or two. Avoid facial massage and strong pressure on the treated zones for about 2 weeks, and ask before booking any laser, radiofrequency or microneedling in the same areas.
What is normal, and when to call
Normal
- Small bruises, redness or tenderness at the injection points for a few days.
- A mild headache or a tight, heavy feeling in the forehead in the first week.
- Slight unevenness while the product kicks in, before day 10 to 14.
- A flu-like feeling for a day in a small number of people.
Call your injector
- A drooping eyelid or eyebrow (ptosis), usually noticed in the first 1 to 2 weeks. It is temporary but worth reporting; there are drops that can help an eyelid.
- Clear asymmetry that is still there at the 2-week check.
- Double vision, trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing, or a rash, swelling or any sign of an allergic reaction. These are rare; seek medical help promptly.
- Anything that worries you. A good clinic would rather hear from you.
Why the 2-week check matters
Botox is not finished on the day. Judging it at day 3 or 4 tells you very little; at 2 weeks you see the real result. Most injectors offer a review at around 14 days for exactly that reason: they can add a few units where movement remains, balance one side against the other, and note what to change next time. If you skip the check, those details are lost.
Write down what you had on the day (product, units per area, who injected it) and what you saw at the 2-week check. That record is the most useful thing you can bring to the next appointment, and it is how you learn your own duration, which for most people is 3 to 4 months. See how long Botox lasts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lie down after Botox?
Stay upright for about 4 hours. After that, lying down and sleeping are fine; sleeping on your back the first night is a bonus, not a must.
Can I exercise after Botox?
Skip intense exercise for 24 hours. Gentle walking is fine the same day.
Can I wear makeup after Botox?
Light, gently applied makeup is usually fine after a few hours. Avoid rubbing or pressing on the treated areas on the day.
When does Botox start to work?
The first softening appears at day 2 to 5; the full effect is at about 2 weeks.
Log the units per area on a face map the day of your treatment, add a photo at the 2-week check, and get a reminder about 3 months later, before it fades.
General information, not medical advice. How long a treatment lasts varies from person to person; always follow your injector, dermatologist or practitioner. Last updated October 14, 2026.