Botox Aftercare: Do’s & Don’ts for the First 24 Hours

Botox requires no real downtime, but a few simple aftercare steps in the first 24 hours help your results settle beautifully and reduce the small chance of bruising. Here’s exactly what to do.

The First Few Hours: Do This

• Stay upright for about four hours — avoid lying down flat
• Gently exercise the treated muscles (frown, raise brows) for the first hour, which some injectors recommend to help settle the product
• Keep your face relaxed and go about light daily activities

What to Avoid for 24 Hours

• Don’t rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas — this can move the product
• Skip strenuous exercise and anything that increases blood flow to the face
• Avoid alcohol, which increases bruising risk
• No facials, saunas, or hot yoga for a day or two
• Don’t lie face-down or wear tight headwear that presses on injection sites

Normal After-Effects

Tiny bumps, mild redness, or a small bruise are normal and fade quickly. Results begin in 3–5 days and reach full effect around two weeks — so don’t judge your outcome too early.

The Bottom Line

Botox aftercare is simple: stay upright, avoid pressure and heat, and skip alcohol and heavy workouts for a day. Follow these steps and you’ll be back to normal immediately. Learn more about Botox at AMMA or book your next treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lie down after Botox?

It’s best to stay upright for about four hours after treatment, then you can lie down normally.

When can I exercise after Botox?

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Light activity is fine, but skip intense workouts, hot yoga, and saunas for a day.

Why can’t I drink alcohol after Botox?

Alcohol thins the blood and increases the chance of bruising at the injection sites, so it’s best avoided for 24 hours.

Reviewed by the AMMA Aesthetics Medical Team.