Brotox Recovery: What to Do After Treatment

Botox Aftercare Basics

Recovery from Botox is minimal — that's one of its appeals. However, following aftercare instructions optimizes your results.

Immediately After Treatment

First 4 Hours

Do:

• Stay upright (no lying down)
• Let any bumps resolve naturally
• Go about your normal day

Don't:

• Rub or massage treated areas
• Apply pressure to your face
• Lie down flat
• Wear tight headwear

Why These Rules Matter

Staying upright and avoiding pressure prevents the Botox from migrating to unintended muscles, which could cause unwanted effects like droopy eyelids.

First 24 Hours

Activities to Avoid

Exercise:

• Skip intense workouts
• No hot yoga
• Avoid activities that increase blood pressure
• Light walking is fine

Heat exposure:

• No saunas or steam rooms
• Avoid hot baths or showers (warm is okay)
• Skip hot tubs

Alcohol:

• Can increase bruising
• May cause swelling
• Best to wait 24 hours

Activities That Are Fine

• Working (desk job)
• Light walking
• Normal eating and drinking
• Showering (warm, not hot)
• Light skincare (avoid treated areas)
• Driving

Days 2-14

What to Expect

Days 2-3:

• Little visible change
• Possible mild bruising
• Treatment areas may feel "heavy"

Days 4-7:

• Results starting to appear
• Lines beginning to soften
• Muscle relaxation beginning

Days 7-14:

• Results developing fully
• Lines significantly reduced
• Full effect visible by day 14

Skincare During Recovery

Safe to use:

• Gentle cleanser
• Moisturizer (avoid pressing hard)
• Sunscreen

Avoid for 24-48 hours:

• Retinoids
• Acids (AHA, BHA, etc.)
• Exfoliating scrubs
• Aggressive facial massage

Makeup

• Safe to wear after 4-6 hours
• Apply gently, don't rub
• Avoid heavy pressure when removing

Managing Side Effects

Bruising

If you bruise:

• Apply cold compress (gently, no pressure)
• Arnica gel may help
• Concealer if needed
• Will resolve in 3-7 days

Prevention for next time:

• Avoid blood thinners before treatment
• No alcohol 24-48 hours before
• Tell provider about bruising tendency

Headache

If you get a headache:

• Usually mild
• Over-the-counter pain relievers okay
• Should resolve within 24-48 hours
• Contact provider if severe or persistent

Swelling

Minor swelling:

• Normal at injection sites
• Resolves within hours
• Cold compress can help

Significant swelling:

• Uncommon
• Contact provider if persists
• Could indicate allergic reaction (rare)

When to Contact Your Provider

Normal (Don't Worry)

• Small bruises
• Mild headache
• Slight tenderness
• Minor swelling
• "Heavy" feeling in treated areas

Worth a Call

• Uneven results (after 2 weeks)
• Drooping eyelid
• Significant bruising
• Persistent headache
• Anything that concerns you

Urgent (Call Immediately)

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Severe allergic reaction
• Vision changes
• Signs of infection

Optimizing Results

Do's

• Attend your 2-week follow-up
• Stay hydrated
• Protect skin from sun
• Maintain consistent skincare
• Be patient (full results take 2 weeks)

Don'ts

• Touch or massage the areas
• Get facials or massages for 2 weeks
• Try to "work" the Botox in
• Expect immediate results
• Compare day by day

Exercise Guidelines

Timeline

Why Wait?

Exercise increases blood flow, which could:

• Spread Botox to unintended areas
• Increase bruising
• Potentially reduce effectiveness

Return to Normal Life

Same Day

Most men return to work immediately:

• No obvious signs of treatment
• Normal activities fine
• Just avoid gym and alcohol

Next Day

Essentially back to normal:

• Resume skincare routine
• Light exercise okay
• Social activities fine

After 2 Weeks

Full normalcy:

• All activities resumed
• Results fully visible
• Schedule touch-up if needed

Long-Term Care

Between Treatments

Maintain results with:

• Good skincare routine
• Sun protection
• Healthy lifestyle
• Regular treatment schedule

Preparing for Next Treatment

• Note what worked well
• Mention any concerns
• Consider adjustments
• Stay consistent with appointments

The Bottom Line

Botox recovery is minimal — most men go straight back to work. Just follow the basic guidelines (no lying down for 4 hours, no intense exercise for 24 hours) and let the results develop over two weeks.

The best aftercare is simply leaving the area alone and being patient.

Have questions about your recovery? Contact a provider for guidance.