Why Botox Aftercare Matters
After Botox, avoid lying down, bending your head forward for long periods and touching the treated area for the first 4 hours. For the first 24 hours, skip intense exercise, saunas and alcohol. These rules help keep the product in the muscles it was injected into, so the result looks natural.
Botox is botulinum toxin, a protein used in very small doses to relax specific muscles. After injection, it needs a few hours to bind to the target muscle. During this time, pressure on the area, vigorous massage or anything that sharply increases blood flow can make it more likely to spread to nearby muscles.
Many unwanted effects of Botox, such as a temporary drooping brow or eyelid, are linked to the product reaching a muscle it wasn’t meant for. That is why aftercare matters as much as choosing the right points and dose. For more on how Botox is done, see our Botox page.
What Not to Do in the First 4 Hours
The first hours after treatment are the most sensitive:
- Don’t lie down: Avoid lying in bed or on the sofa for the first 4 hours. You can sit, walk and carry on with your day.
- Don’t bend your head forward for long: Briefly bending to pick something up is fine, but avoid working bent over, cleaning floors or any upside-down positions.
- Don’t touch the area: Don’t rub, scratch or press the injection points.
- Skip tight hats and headbands: Accessories that press on the forehead can make it easier for the product to spread.
Some doctors suggest gently moving the treated muscles in the first hours, for example raising and lowering your eyebrows. Follow the advice of the doctor who treated you.
What Not to Do in the First 24 Hours
For the rest of the first day, avoid:
- Intense exercise: Wait until the next day for running, weight training, yoga or Pilates, especially moves with your head down. A short, gentle walk is usually fine.
- Saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds: High heat increases blood flow and can make redness more noticeable.
- Alcohol: Alcohol widens blood vessels and can increase the risk of bruising.
- Facials and face massage: Wait for the time your doctor recommends before massage, device-based facials or treatments that press on the face.
- Sleeping face down: On the first night, try not to sleep face down or press your face into the pillow.
You only need to wait a few hours before wearing makeup. Be careful not to press on the treated area when applying or removing it.
Coffee, Showers and Washing Your Face
Can I drink coffee after Botox? Yes. Coffee and tea don’t reduce the effect of Botox. Just avoid very large amounts of caffeine on the first day.
Can I shower after Botox? Yes, you can shower the same day. Avoid very hot, long showers and don’t aim the water directly at your face.
Can I wash my face after Botox? After a few hours, you can wash your face with lukewarm water without rubbing or pressing. Pat it dry gently with a towel.
Can I take my usual medication? Don’t stop medication you take regularly. If you take blood thinners or antibiotics, tell your doctor before treatment.
Can I put on skincare? Gentle cleanser and moisturizer are fine after a few hours, applied without rubbing. Leave exfoliating acids, retinoids and face tools until your doctor says it’s fine.
What to Keep in Mind in the First Two Weeks
Botox usually starts to work within 3 to 5 days and is fully settled in 10 to 14 days. During this time:
- Don’t judge the result too early: One side can look different from the other in the first days. The result is assessed once the product has fully settled.
- Keep your follow-up appointment: A check-up is usually planned around the second week to assess the result and make small adjustments if needed.
- Plan other treatments with your doctor: If you’re considering filler, laser or device treatments on the same area, agree the timing with your doctor.
Mild redness, small bruises and a slight headache on the first day can occur and usually pass quickly. If you notice anything unexpected, such as a drooping brow or eyelid or difficulty swallowing or speaking, contact your doctor without delay. To understand how Botox differs from surgical treatments, read Is Botox Plastic Surgery?
The same rules apply to medical uses such as teeth grinding and excessive sweating. See our masseter Botox and Botox for sweating pages for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I lie down after Botox?
Avoid lying down for the first 4 hours. After that you can lie down as usual; on the first night, try not to sleep face down or press your face into the pillow.
When can I exercise after Botox?
Wait until the next day for intense exercise. A short, gentle walk on the day of treatment is usually fine. Leave yoga and Pilates moves with your head down until the next day too.
Can I wear makeup after Botox?
Yes, after a few hours. Don’t press on or rub the treated area when applying or removing makeup.
Can I drink alcohol after Botox?
Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours. Alcohol widens blood vessels and can increase redness and the risk of bruising.
What happens if I don't follow the aftercare rules?
Not following them doesn’t always cause a problem, but it can make it more likely that the product spreads to muscles it wasn’t meant for. This can lead to unwanted effects such as a temporary drooping brow or eyelid. If you’re worried, contact the doctor who treated you.
