The Ultimate Botox Aftercare Guide (2026 Updated)

You've just invested hundreds of dollars into your face. The last thing you want to do is ruin the results because you didn't know you weren't supposed to go to hot yoga after your appointment.

Botox aftercare isn't complicated, but it is critical. The first 4 to 24 hours after your injections determine how well the toxin "takes" and whether it stays where it belongs — or migrates and causes a drooping eyelid.

Here is the definitive guide to Botox aftercare in 2026.

The First 4 Hours: The "Golden Window"

The most important rules apply immediately after you leave the clinic.

**Do not lie down.** Keep your head upright for at least four hours. Lying flat or bending over can cause the toxin to shift before it has fully bound to the muscle. This is the #1 cause of "heavy" brows or ptosis (drooping eyelids).

**Exercise your face.** Gently contract the muscles that were treated. If you got forehead injections, raise your eyebrows. If you got crow's feet treated, smile and squint. This helps the product distribute evenly within the target muscles.

**Do not touch or rub.** Avoid touching the injection sites. Do not apply makeup, and definitely don't get a facial or a massage. Even light pressure can cause the toxin to migrate to unintended muscles.

The First 24 Hours: What to Avoid

Once you've passed the 4-hour mark, you're not completely in the clear yet.

**Avoid intense heat.** Skip the sauna, steam room, and hot tubs. Excessive heat increases blood flow to the face, which can flush the toxin away from the injection site before it has finished its job.

**No strenuous exercise.** 2026 clinical guidelines suggest waiting a full 24 hours before returning to high-intensity workouts. Increased heart rate and blood pressure can lead to increased bruising and swelling at the injection sites.

**Avoid alcohol.** Alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can exacerbate bruising. If you're prone to bruising, it's best to wait 24 hours before having that glass of wine.

**Don't wear tight headwear.** If you had forehead Botox, avoid wearing hats, headbands, or helmets that press against the treated area.

Managing Side Effects

Most patients experience very few side effects, but here's how to handle the common ones:

**Swelling and Redness:** Small "bee sting" bumps at the injection site are normal and usually disappear within 30 to 60 minutes.

**Headaches:** Some patients experience a mild headache after treatment. This is usually due to the physical injection process rather than the drug itself. You can take Tylenol (acetaminophen), but avoid ibuprofen or aspirin as they can increase bruising.

**Bruising:** If you do bruise, you can apply a cold compress (gently!) or use arnica gel to speed up healing.

When to Call Your Doctor

While serious complications are rare with qualified injectors, keep an eye out for:

- Difficulty swallowing or breathing

- Extreme muscle weakness in untreated areas

- Vision changes or severe eyelid drooping

- Rashes, hives, or signs of an allergic reaction

Timeline of Results

Botox doesn't work instantly. Here's what to expect:

- **Day 1-3:** You likely won't see any change.

- **Day 4-7:** You'll notice the muscles starting to relax. Your skin will look slightly smoother.

- **Day 10-14:** Final results. This is when you should evaluate if you need a touch-up.

- **Month 3-4:** The results will gradually wear off as muscle movement returns.

At Injector Index, we recommend booking your follow-up appointment for the 2-week mark if it's your first time. This gives your injector a chance to see how your muscles responded and make any necessary adjustments for your next session.