A treatment takes around 15 minutes to complete and you will usually see the first effects of the treatment around three to five days later. The results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect. There can be some slight swelling (similar to midge bites) immediately after treatment but this should settle within the hour. There is also a minimal risk of bruising.

Day 1

On the day of your procedure you may experience some swelling and bruising at the injection site.

Facial exercises such as frowning or squinting may help the treatment take hold.

Immediately after the procedure you should avoid the following activities:

• Rubbing or massaging your face
• Laying down (avoid for at least 4 hours post-procedure)
• Vigorous exercise
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers
• Smoking and drinking alcohol
• Hot showers, baths or hot tubs

Day 2

48 hours after the procedure you may still experience some mild swelling and bruising at the site of the injections. You are unlikely to see any results just yet.

You can resume your regular exercise routine.

You can now fly without the results of your treatment being affected.

Day 3

Any bruising and swelling should have reduced.

You probably won’t notice results just yet, however, you may feel some slight tightness at the injection site.

Day 4 – 6

You may start to notice initial results as the muscles start to relax, smoothing out any wrinkles.

Day 7

Your face should start to look more refreshed.

You can now have facials or any other treatments that involve putting pressure on the face.

Day 14

The results of your treatment should now be in full effect, resulting in a smoother more refreshed face.

You should attend your free follow up appointment to be reviewed.

How to manage your pain

Should I apply ice after having a treatment?

If the injection area is painful or if you experience swelling or bruising you can apply ice up to 24 hours after having injections to ease symptoms. Do not rub the area with ice or to apply ice continuously to the area.

What painkillers can I take before or after having a treatment?

You can take paracetamol before and after the procedure but avoid anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as these thin the blood, which can exacerbate any bruising.

The needles used to administer Botox are very fine, so most people will experience minimal pain (if any) during the procedure.

Always let us know what medication you are on before having a Botox treatment.

What can and can’t you do?

You scan sleep in any position after having Botox. However, it’s advisable to avoid laying down for at least four hours after having the treatment.

Should I avoid heat after Botox?

Yes, heat can increase the chance of bruising at the injection sites. You should avoid hot showers, baths and hot tubs for 24 hours after having Botox.

Can I go on a sunbed after having Botox?

Sunbeds should be avoided for at least four hours after having Botox. This is because laying down for extended periods immediately after having the procedure could cause the Botox to affect other muscles in the face, away from the injection site. Although UV exposure won’t affect the results of your Botox treatment, it’s the number one cause of wrinkles, so if you want your skin to look younger for as long as possible, avoid using sunbeds and use a strong sunscreen if you’re out in the sun.

How soon can I go out in the sun after having Botox?

You can go out in the sun immediately after having Botox. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles though, so when you do go out in the sun be sure to wear a strong

How soon can I exercise after Botox?

It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours after having Botox. Strenuous exercise can result in bruising and, in rarer cases, the Botox could move to other areas of your face, causing the muscles in these areas to become temporarily paralysed. You should also avoid doing yoga for 24 hours after the procedure as inverted positions can cause Botox move to other muscles in the face.

How soon after having Botox can I consume alcohol?

It’s advisable to avoid drinking alcohol for a day or two before and after the procedure. Some clients experience mild bruising at the needle sites after having Botox injections — if alcohol is present in the system this can exacerbate the bruising as alcohol increases fluid retention and thins the blood.

Drinking alcohol is highly unlikely to have any long-term detrimental effects on the results of your treatment.

How soon after having Botox can I fly?

We advise our patients to avoid flying for 24-48 hours after treatment. There are concerns that the changes in air pressure in an aeroplane cabin can affect the results of Botox. Changes in air pressure can mean that the Botox can move to other muscles in the face.

Can I drive after having the procedure?

Yes, Botox injections will not affect your ability to drive.

How soon after having Botox can I wash my face?

You can gently wash your face straight after having Botox. However, you should avoid facials, massages and other treatments that cause direct pressure to the face for seven days after having treatment.

Can I touch my face after having Botox?

Yes, you can continue your regular skin routine after having Botox, including touching your face to cleanse and moisturise the skin. However, avoid massaging or rubbing the face for at least six hours, but ideally 24 hours, after having the procedure.

How soon can I have treatments such as facials or a microdermabrasion after having Botox?

It’s best to wait at least seven days before having facials or a microdermabrasion after having Botox. You should also avoid chemical peels, laser treatment and sun beds for at least seven days.

How soon can I apply make-up after having Botox?

We recommend not applying make-up for at least four hours after having treatment.

What are some of the possible side-effects I should be aware of?

Rare but possible side-effects include the following:

bruising/swelling/redness at injection site

infection

nausea, headache or flu-like symptoms

occasional numbness

drooping of the eyebrow or upper eyelid or swelling and redness in eyelids

allergic reactions (see below)

rash and itchiness

visual disturbances

photosensitivity

facial swelling

dry mouth

dizziness

anxiety

‘pins and needles’ sensation

dry skin

antibody formation (substantial deterioration in response)

How will I know if I’ve had an allergic reaction to Botox?

An allergic reaction to Botox is very rare, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, this could be an indication of an allergic reaction and you should seek medical help immediately:

• itching and swelling of the face
• rashes
• dizziness or breathing issues

Will I experience bruising after Botox?

Bruising is one of the most common side-effects of having Botox. Bruising sometimes happens where the needles are inserted into the skin.

Can you reverse Botox?

No, the effects of Botox cannot be reversed, so if you’re unhappy with the results, you will need to wait around 10-12 weeks for the effects to wear off.

How long will the results of Botox last?

The results of Botox will last for 10-12 weeks in most patients.

What happens when the results of Botox wear off?

After around three to four months you will gradually start to notice the areas that have been treated by Botox will return to their pre-Botox look.

When Botox wears off are wrinkles worse?

No, having Botox does not worsen wrinkles. If you feel your wrinkles look more pronounced after the Botox treatment has worn off, it will most likely be because you have become used to your face looking smoother.