Botox Aftercare — UK Guide to a Smooth Settle
If you’re looking to get Botox done and want to ensure the best outcome, this step‑by‑step Botox aftercare guide covers what to avoid, when to exercise, how to sleep after Botox and when you can apply make‑up. For treatment info and booking, visit our Anti‑Wrinkle Treatments page.
Immediate Aftercare (First 4–6 Hours)
- Stay upright — avoid lying flat.
- No rubbing or massaging of the treated areas.
- Avoid tight headwear that presses on the forehead or temples.
- Keep skin clean and cool; gentle cleansing only.
First 24 Hours — What Not To Do After Botox
- Avoid strenuous exercise, hot yoga and long, hot showers.
- Skip saunas and steam rooms.
- No facials, facial massage or microcurrent devices on treated areas.
- Limit alcohol to reduce bruising risk; hydrate with water.
- Delay exfoliators/strong actives (e.g., high‑strength retinoids, strong acids) on the day.
Make‑Up After Botox
You can usually apply make‑up once any pin‑prick marks have settled (often within hours). Use light pressure and avoid buffing directly over injection points on the same day.
How To Sleep After Botox
Try to sleep on your back the first night with your head slightly elevated. Avoid sleeping face‑down to prevent pressure on freshly treated areas.
Day‑by‑Day: What To Expect
Day 1–2
- Tiny bumps or redness typically settle within hours; a small bruise is uncommon and fades.
- Most everyday activities, including work, are fine immediately after treatment.
Day 3–5
- Many people notice the first signs of Botox working — movement begins to soften.
End of Week 1
- Visible softening in frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet for most clients.
Two Weeks
- Peak result for most areas. Attend your 2‑week review for photography and symmetry checks.
Aftercare for Specific Botox Areas
- Forehead & frown — avoid tight hats/headbands on day one.
- Crow’s feet — be gentle removing eye make‑up on the day of treatment.
- Lip flip — avoid vigorous lip scrubs or cupping devices; sip hot drinks carefully the first few hours.
- Masseter Botox — mild chewing tenderness can occur; choose softer foods if needed on day one.
- Hyperhidrosis — skip intense workouts/sauna for 24 hours to support even distribution.
When To Get In Touch
Contact the clinic if you have concerns about unexpected swelling, bruising that worries you, or if anything doesn’t feel right. Your practitioner will advise based on your individual treatment. For general safety information, see Botox Side Effects.
Related Reading
- Botox Results Timeline — when Botox starts working and how long it lasts
- Botox Areas & Units — common zones and typical dosing logic
- Botox Side Effects — common, uncommon and when to seek advice
- Botox Cost (London) — price per area and popular requests
- Anti‑Wrinkle Treatments — overview & booking
FAQs — Botox Aftercare UK
What should I not do after Botox?
For the first 4–6 hours, stay upright and avoid rubbing or pressing the treated areas. For 24 hours, avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and very hot showers. Skip facials, facial massage and tight hats/headbands for 24–48 hours.
Can I exercise after Botox?
Light walking is fine, but hold off vigorous exercise, hot yoga and heavy lifting for 24 hours to support even settling of your Botox.
How should I sleep after Botox?
Sleep on your back the first night if possible, with your head slightly elevated. Avoid sleeping face‑down to prevent pressure on freshly treated areas.
When can I wear make‑up after Botox?
Once any pin‑prick marks have settled (usually within a few hours). Apply gently and avoid scrubbing or using pressure over injection sites on the day.
Can I drink alcohol after Botox?
It’s best to avoid alcohol on the day of treatment as it can increase the risk of bruising. Hydrate well with water instead.
When will Botox start working?
Initial softening is often noticeable from day 3–5 with peak effect around 2 weeks. See the detailed timeline guide for more.
