Botox: Before & After Care

Your essential guide to Botox before and after care. Learn how to prepare for your treatment and what to do afterward to ensure a smooth recovery.

Botox: Before & After Care

Team Vanity

Content Creator

9/4/2025

The art of cosmetic enhancement lies in creating results that are both effective and natural. As the gold standard for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, neuromodulators such as Botox or Dysport offer a powerful tool for softening expression lines and restoring a rested, polished appearance. However, the quality and longevity of your treatment are significantly influenced by a crucial factor: your own pre- and post-treatment protocol.

To ensure an exceptional outcome, this guide provides the essential information for preparing for your treatment and caring for yourself afterward. We will answer common questions, from "what should I avoid before Botox?" to "can I exercise after my treatment?", providing you with the knowledge to maximize your results.

How to Prepare for Your Botox Treatment

Proper preparation can make a big difference, especially when it comes to minimizing the risk of bruising. Here’s a simple checklist to follow.

One Week Before Your Appointment:

Many people ask, “What should I avoid before Botox?” To reduce the risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection sites, we advise you to avoid the following for one week prior to your treatment:

  • Alcohol
  • Aspirin
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, Diclofenac, or Indomethacin

If you are taking any of these medications for a medical condition, please consult your doctor. Unsure if your medication contains these ingredients? Just ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Additionally, please inform us if you have had or plan to undergo any dental work within six weeks of your appointment (two weeks before or four weeks after), as this may be an essential consideration.

What Happens During a Botox Appointment?

First, you'll have a conversation with your doctor to discuss your goals and the specific areas you want to treat. Once you're comfortable and ready to proceed, the treatment itself is very quick.

A common question we hear is, "Does Botox hurt?" We use a very fine needle to inject tiny amounts of the Botox solution into the targeted muscles. Most people describe the sensation as a very slight pinch and experience only mild, temporary discomfort.

Immediately after the injections, your doctor will go over the aftercare instructions with you. We can provide you with ice to soothe the areas if you wish.

When Will I See My Botox Results?

Patience is key! While some people notice changes within a few days, the full, beautiful results of your Botox treatment can take up to 14 days to become fully visible.

How long does Botox last? You can expect your results to last for an average of 3 to 4 months. This can vary depending on your skin type, the area being treated, the amount of product used, and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking.

Aftercare: What to Do After Botox?

Your post-treatment care is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. Following these simple steps will help the product settle correctly and prevent any complications.

For the first 4 hours:

  • DO NOT lie down or bend over excessively. Stay upright to ensure the Botox stays in the targeted muscles.
  • DO NOT do strenuous exercise. This addresses the frequently asked question, "Can I exercise after Botox?" The answer is no, not for the first few hours. Avoid activities that significantly increase blood flow to your face, such as running, hot yoga, or heavy lifting.

For the first 12-24 hours:

  • Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 12 hours.
  • Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for a full 24 hours. This is very important, as applying pressure can cause the product to migrate to unintended areas.
  • Avoid makeup at the injection sites for at least 2 hours to prevent contamination.

For the next 2 weeks:

  • Avoid direct sun exposure, UV light, saunas, and freezing temperatures.

What about the small bumps after injection? It's completely normal to see tiny bumps or marks at the injection sites. These typically disappear within a few hours. You can apply ice lightly to the area for relief, but remember not to press or rub.

Your Botox Journey Starts Here

Choosing the right clinic is the most important step in your Botox journey. You want a team you can trust to deliver safe, beautiful, and natural-looking results.

At our clinic, you are in expert hands. Our doctors have over 10 years of experience and have successfully performed thousands of treatments. We believe in a personalized approach, taking the time to understand your unique goals and answer all your questions

If you’re ready to learn more about what Botox can do for you, we're here to help. The best way to get started is to book a consultation with one of our experts. We look forward to meeting you!

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