Botox and filler aftercare
By the LUMOS Clinic team · LUMOS Clinic, Basingstoke | 3 minute read
You've had your treatment. Now the boring but important bit — looking after it. Here's the answer in one line: don't touch it, don't overheat it, don't exercise for 24 hours, and let it settle.
Now the detail.
The first 24 hours
These matter most. The Botox is settling into the muscle, and the filler is sitting where we placed it. You want it to stay put.
- Don't exercise — raised heart rate increases blood flow, which can spread Botox from the target muscle and worsen filler swelling. Light walking is fine. Avoid anything that makes you sweat.
- Don't lie flat for 4 hours after Botox — this prevents migration. Prop up with pillows if you need to rest.
- Don't touch or massage the treated area — no rubbing, no pressing, no checking it with your fingers. You'll have plenty of time to get used to the feeling.
- Don't wear makeup on the treated area for 12 hours — you want the injection sites clean and closed.
- No alcohol for 24 hours — it dilates blood vessels and increases bruising.
48 hours and beyond
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and sunbathing for 48 hours. Heat increases swelling and can affect how Botox settles.
- Avoid blood thinners if possible — ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, gingko. These increase bruising. Paracetamol is fine for any discomfort.
- Avoid dental work for two weeks if you've had lip or jawline fillers — the pressure can move the filler.
- Avoid facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion on the treated area for two weeks.
What's normal
- Mild swelling — peaks at 24-48 hours, settles within 3-5 days. Lips swell the most.
- Bruising — common, especially around the eyes and lips. Fades within 7-10 days. Cold compresses help (wrap ice in a cloth, don't put it directly on skin).
- Tenderness — the area may feel sore for a day or two.
- Slight bumps or lumps — filler can feel lumpy for the first week as it settles. Gentle, even pressure is fine but don't massage unless we've told you to.
- A "heavy" feeling with Botox — normal in the first week. It fades as the muscle relaxes.
When to call us
Call us straight away if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain (not just tenderness)
- Redness that spreads or feels hot to the touch after 48 hours
- Any skin discolouration that looks grey or dusky
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing (extremely rare but needs immediate attention)
- A lump that's getting bigger or feels hard
Don't wait. We'd rather you call us with a question than sit at home worrying. Our number is on your aftercare leaf.
How long until you see results
Botox: starts working at 3-7 days, full effect at 10-14 days. If nothing's changed at day 7, it's still working — give it the full two weeks.
Fillers: visible immediately, but the final result shows after 1-2 weeks when swelling resolves. Lip fillers can take the full two weeks to see the final shape.
If you're unsure whether your result is right — come back for a review. We offer free two-week check-ups for all filler treatments. It's easier to adjust early than to wait and wish you'd said something.
Common questions
What should I avoid after Botox and fillers?
Exercise for 24 hours, alcohol for 24 hours, lying flat for 4 hours, touching the area for 24 hours, and heat (saunas, hot baths, sunbathing) for 48 hours.
How long does swelling last after fillers?
Peaks at 24-48 hours, settles within 3-5 days. Lips swell the most. Cold compresses and sleeping propped up help.
When can I exercise after treatment?
Wait 24 hours. Light walking is fine; avoid anything that makes you sweat or raises your heart rate significantly.
How long until I see results?
Botox: 3-7 days to start, 14 days for full effect. Fillers: visible immediately, final result at 1-2 weeks as swelling settles.
Can I drink alcohol after treatment?
Avoid for 24 hours. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, increasing bruising and swelling.
What if I have a bruise?
Normal. Cold compresses (wrapped, not direct ice), avoid ibuprofen, try arnica. Most bruises fade in 7-10 days. If concerned, call us.
Need to book a review?
Free two-week check-ups are available for all filler treatments. If something doesn't look or feel right, book in.
Related
See the dermal fillers treatment page, the lip enhancement page, or the tear-trough filler page for pricing and what to expect. Read the lip fillers guide, the how much lip filler guide, or the dermal fillers cost guide for pricing detail on each.
Written by the LUMOS Clinic team, skincare specialist at LUMOS Clinic, Basingstoke. This is general aftercare advice — always follow the specific instructions given at your appointment.