Quick Answer
- First 4 hours: Stay upright. No lying down, bending over or pressing on the area.
- First 24 hours: No rubbing, massage, intense exercise, saunas, steam or alcohol
- Makeup: Wait at least 4 hours, ideally until the next morning
- Facials, peels and laser: Wait 1 to 2 weeks on the treated area
- Full effect: Around 2 weeks
- Review appointment: At around 2 weeks
Why Does Aftercare Matter After Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscles behind expression lines. The product binds to the targeted muscle over the first hours after treatment. Pressure, heat and extra blood flow in this window raise the risk of bruising and of the product spreading to nearby muscles.
Good aftercare protects your result and lowers the chance of side effects such as a heavy brow or drooping eyelid.
What Should You Avoid in the First 4 Hours?
- Lying flat or napping
- Bending over for long periods, such as floor exercise or cleaning
- Pressing, rubbing or touching the injection points
- Tight hats, headbands or goggles over the treated area
- Makeup on the injection points
What Should You Avoid in the First 24 Hours?
- Intense exercise: Raises blood flow and pressure in the face
- Heat: Saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and long sun exposure
- Alcohol: Widens blood vessels and raises bruising
- Massage: Facial massage, face-down body massage and facial tools such as rollers
- Pain relief linked to bruising: Aspirin and ibuprofen, unless your doctor prescribed them. Never stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
What Should You Avoid in the First 2 Weeks?
- Facials with pressure or massage on the treated area
- Chemical peels, laser or microneedling on the treated area, unless your doctor plans the timing
- A second dose from another provider before your review
Planning a HydraFacial or peel? Read chemical peel vs HydraFacial and ask your doctor to space the treatments.
What Does the Aftercare Timeline Look Like?
| Time After Treatment | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 hours | Stay upright. Carry on with light daily tasks. | Lying down, bending over, touching the area, makeup |
| 4 to 24 hours | Cleanse gently. Sleep on your back where possible. | Exercise, heat, alcohol, massage |
| Day 2 to 3 | Return to normal exercise and skincare | Firm pressure on the area |
| Day 3 to 5 | Notice the first softening of lines | Judging the final result too early |
| Week 2 | Attend your review appointment | Top-ups from another provider |
How Should You Sleep After Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Sleep on your back on the first night where possible. A second pillow keeps your head raised. Sleeping on your side or face puts steady pressure on the treated muscles. From the second night, sleep as normal.
What Side Effects Are Normal?
- Small raised bumps at injection points, settling within an hour
- Mild redness or tenderness
- Small bruises, fading within a week
- A mild headache for 1 to 2 days. Paracetamol usually helps. Check with your doctor first.
When Should You Contact Your Clinic?
- A drooping eyelid or heavy brow
- An uneven smile or trouble closing your eye
- Double or blurred vision
- Spreading redness, heat or swelling
- Trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing. Seek emergency care straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coffee fine after anti-wrinkle injections?
Yes. Coffee does not affect the result. Alcohol is the drink to avoid for 24 hours.
When is exercise safe after anti-wrinkle injections?
Light walking is fine on the day. Wait 24 hours before intense exercise, hot yoga or swimming.
What happens if you touch the area by mistake?
A light touch does no harm. Avoid firm rubbing, pressing and massage for 24 hours.
Is flying safe after anti-wrinkle injections?
Most people fly without any issue. Stay upright for the first 4 hours and avoid tight eye masks on the treated area.
Why do results look uneven after a few days?
Muscles relax at slightly different speeds. Wait for the 2-week review. Your doctor adjusts any uneven areas then.
Related Guides
- How Long Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Last?
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers
- Jaw Slimming Injections for Clenching and Grinding
- Pre-Wedding Aesthetic Timeline
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This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace a personalised consultation with a licensed medical aesthetics provider. Individual results vary.