Good anti-wrinkle injection aftercare is simple: stay upright and keep your hands off the treated area for the first few hours, skip heat, alcohol and hard exercise for the first day, and hold off on facials or massage over the treated area for around two weeks. Then wait. Results build gradually and are usually fully visible at 10 to 14 days.
Why aftercare matters
Anti-wrinkle injections place small amounts of product into specific facial muscles to soften the lines caused by repeated movement. In the hours after treatment, the aim is to let the product stay where it was placed. Pressure, rubbing, heat and increased blood flow are the main things general aftercare advice tries to limit.
Your practitioner will give you personal aftercare advice at your appointment, and that always comes first. The guidance below reflects what is commonly recommended, so you know what to expect. You can read more about the treatment itself on our anti-wrinkle treatment Liverpool page.
The first four hours
Do
- Stay upright. Sitting and standing are fine; avoid lying down flat or bending over for long periods.
- Carry on with light, everyday activity such as work at a desk, walking or driving.
- Make normal facial expressions if you like; there is no need to hold your face still.
Don’t
- Rub, massage or press the injection points.
- Wear tight hats, headbands, caps or goggles that press on the forehead.
- Apply heavy make-up over the injection points. If you can, leave make-up off for the rest of the day.
The first 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise. Save the gym, running and hot yoga for the next day.
- Avoid heat. Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, very hot baths and sunbeds are best avoided.
- Avoid alcohol. It can increase the chance of bruising.
- Sleep on your back on the first night if that is comfortable for you.
- Be gentle with skincare. Cleanse lightly and avoid scrubs or strong active products over the treated area.
Days two to fourteen
Most people are back to completely normal routines from the second day. The main thing to remember is to avoid treatments that put pressure on or heat the treated area until your result has settled:
- Facials, facial massage and face-down massage tables
- Peels, microneedling or laser over the treated area, unless your practitioner has planned them
- Any other aesthetic treatment on the same area without checking first
Wear SPF daily. Sun damage is one of the main drivers of skin ageing, so protecting your skin supports your results too.
Resist the urge to judge too early
Results develop gradually. Taking a photo before treatment and another at day 14, in the same light, gives you a fair comparison.
| Timeline | Expected changes |
|---|---|
| Day 1 to 3 | Little visible change |
| Day 4 to 7 | Muscle activity begins to reduce |
| Day 10 to 14 | Final results become visible |
| 3 to 4 months | Results gradually reduce |
If you are curious about the longer picture, our guide to how long anti-wrinkle results last explains what can affect longevity.
Planning around events and travel
Because results take up to two weeks to settle, it is wise to book treatment at least a fortnight before a wedding, holiday or photo-heavy occasion. That gives time for any small bruises to fade and for your result to be fully visible. If you are travelling soon after treatment, pack SPF and a hat, and avoid long sessions in saunas or very hot climates during the first day.
Glasses, skincare and make-up
Glasses are fine to wear as normal. Swimming goggles and tight sports headbands are best left for a day. Gentle cleansing is fine on the day, but leave exfoliating acids, retinoid-type products and scrubs off the treated area for a day or two unless advised otherwise.
What is normal, and what is not
Common and usually short-lived
- Small raised bumps at injection points that settle within an hour or so
- Mild redness or tenderness
- Small bruises, which can take a few days to fade
- A mild headache on the day; a pharmacist can advise on simple pain relief if needed
- A feeling of heaviness in the forehead for a few days as muscles relax
Contact the clinic if you notice
- A drooping eyelid or eyebrow, or noticeable unevenness after day 14
- Swelling, redness or pain that is increasing rather than settling
- A rash, itching or swelling that could suggest an allergic reaction
These effects are uncommon and are usually temporary, but your practitioner will want to know so they can advise you.
Seek urgent medical help if you have
Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, double or blurred vision, or new muscle weakness elsewhere in the body. These are rare but need urgent attention, so call 999 or go to A&E.
Before your next appointment
Anti-wrinkle treatment is not suitable for everyone. It is usually postponed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an infection or inflammation in the treatment area. Certain neuromuscular conditions and some medicines can also affect suitability, so always share your full medical history. A careful dose and placement also help keep expression looking like you; our guide on whether anti-wrinkle results can look natural explains why. Most people choose maintenance treatment every three to four months.
Frequently asked questions
When can I exercise after anti-wrinkle injections?
Light activity like walking is fine on the day. It is generally advised to wait 24 hours before strenuous exercise.
Can I wear make-up after treatment?
It is best to leave the injection points alone for the rest of the day. Apply make-up gently, with clean brushes, from the following day.
Can I lie down after anti-wrinkle injections?
It is commonly advised to stay upright for around four hours. Sleeping normally that night is fine; on your back is ideal if comfortable.
Can I drink alcohol after treatment?
Avoiding alcohol for the first 24 hours is usually recommended, as it can increase bruising.
Book a consultation in South Liverpool
Every anti-wrinkle appointment starts with an assessment of your facial movement and medical history. Visit us at Business First Centre, Goodlass Road (L24), book a consultation online or call 0151 804 4207.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for a personal consultation. Suitability for any treatment is assessed individually.
