Botox Aftercare + Recovery Guide
Follow these instructions for the best results after your Botox treatment.
First 24 Hours
Do:
- Stay upright for 4 hours after treatment
- Gently exercise the treated muscles (frown, raise eyebrows)
- Apply ice if you notice any swelling
- Take Tylenol if needed for discomfort
Don't:
- Touch, rub, or massage the treated area
- Lie down or bend over for 4 hours
- Exercise vigorously for 24 hours
- Drink alcohol for 24 hours
- Take blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen)
Days 2-14
- Days 2-3: You may notice the treatment starting to take effect
- Days 5-7: Most patients see noticeable improvement
- Day 14: Full results are visible. If you notice any asymmetry, contact us for a follow-up
How Long Does Botox Last?
Most patients see results last 3-4 months. First-time treatments may be slightly shorter (10-12 weeks) as muscle memory hasn't yet softened; with consistent treatments every 3-4 months, longevity often extends to 4-5 months.
- Metabolism + activity level: high-intensity exercise breaks down Botox slightly faster
- Dose: proper unit dosing for muscle size = full duration; under-dosing reads as "Botox didn't work"
- Treatment cadence: consistent every-3-month treatments train the muscle and extend longevity
- Body chemistry: some patients metabolize neuromodulators faster than average — this is normal, not a treatment failure
When to Contact Us — Specific Clinical Criteria
Call us right away if you experience any of the following. These are specific thresholds — vague concerns can wait until business hours, but anything on this list is urgent:
- Pain ≥ 7/10 NOT relieved by Tylenol after 48 hours
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing — call EMS, then us
- Drooping eyelid (ptosis) lasting > 7 days
- Fever ≥ 101°F + expanding redness > 2 cm from injection site
- Significant facial asymmetry persisting beyond day 14
Other Aftercare Resources
Masseter Botox Aftercare + Recovery
Standard Botox care plus jaw-specific notes for the 4-6 week slimming build.
View GuideDermal Filler Aftercare + Recovery
Post-filler care: swelling management, activity restrictions, and when to call us.
View GuideLip Filler Aftercare + Recovery
Lips swell more than other areas — plan a quiet 24-48 hours for the best settled result.
View GuideConsidering Botox?
Read the full treatment overview — what it is, who it's for, what to expect, and pricing.
Botox at Skinsation LA