Anti-wrinkle injection aftercare: the first 24 hours and after
Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
After botulinum toxin injections, the first few hours matter most: do not rub or press the injected areas, avoid lying flat and strenuous exercise for about four hours, and leave facials and massages for a day or two. Small bumps and pinpoint bruises settle quickly. The effect appears over several days and is usually assessed at about two weeks.
Illustrative image. Change appears over days, not hours.
Key facts
First 4 hours
No rubbing, pressing or lying flat; no strenuous exercise
First day or two
No facials, massages, saunas or tight headwear on the area
Make-up
Usually fine after a few hours, applied gently
When it works
Starts over several days; assessed at about 2 weeks
Flying
Same or next day
Urgent
Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or new weakness or double vision, hours to weeks later: emergency care
Small raised bumps at the injection points are normal and flatten within an hour or so. Avoid rubbing, massaging or pressing on the areas, avoid lying flat, and avoid strenuous exercise for about four hours. Gentle facial expressions are fine. If a pinpoint bruise appears, a cool compress helps.
The days after
Leave facials, facial massage, saunas and tight hats or helmets that press on the area for a day or two. Normal skincare and make-up can be used gently. The effect begins over several days and settles by about two weeks, which is when any review is usually planned, in person or by photograph for visitors who have returned home.
Signs that need care
Mild headache or a feeling of heaviness can occur and usually passes. A drooping eyelid or uneven brow, if it happens, is assessed rather than waited out without advice. Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, generalised weakness, double or blurred vision or drooping eyelids are rare, can appear hours to weeks after injection, and need emergency care.
Questions after treatment come back through WhatsApp at +65 8023 7170 during clinic hours (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 11am to 3pm, Singapore time). Anything that is getting worse rather than better, a blister or open area, or fever needs to be seen the same day, wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid lying flat for about four hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise for about four hours; light activity is fine.
It starts over several days and is usually assessed at about two weeks.
Yes, usually the same or next day; there is no good evidence that cabin pressure moves the toxin.
