You invested in Botox or fillers—congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward smoother skin, softer lines, and a refreshed look. But here’s the deal: what you do in the hours and days after your appointment matters just as much as what happened in the chair. Ignore the rules, and you could end up with results that are less “red carpet” and more “why is my eyebrow doing that?”
So here’s the no-BS care guide you’ll thank me for later.
The Do’s (Be That Smart Client)
1. Stay Upright
For at least 4 hours post-tox, keep your head up—literally. That means no naps, no bending over to reorganize your closet, and definitely no upside-down TikTok dances. Gravity isn’t your friend right now.
2. Gentle Facial Movement
A little movement helps neurotoxin settle properly. Smiling, frowning, raising your brows—it’s fine. You don’t have to sit frozen like a mannequin.
3. Use a Cool Compress
Got swelling or a little bruise? Use a cool compress or a chilled gel pack. But let’s be real—don’t grab that freezer-burned bag of peas you’ve had since 2017. Clean, gentle, and sanitary is the way to go.
4. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Your skin (and filler) love hydration. Water helps maintain elasticity and can improve the longevity of your results. Think of it as plumping from the inside out.
The Don’ts (Don’t Test Me)
1. Skip the Gym for 24 Hours
Your workout can wait. Exercise raises blood pressure and increases circulation, which can make swelling and bruising worse—or worse, move the product where it doesn’t belong. Your trainer will forgive you, and your results will thank you.
2. Don’t Rub or Poke Your Face
This is filler, not Play-Doh. Rubbing, pressing, or massaging the treated area without direction from your injector can cause unevenness or migration. Hands off.
3. Avoid Heat Exposure
Saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds, or even baking yourself in a hot car with the seat heater on full blast—all bad ideas. Heat increases swelling and can compromise results. Give your skin time to chill (literally and figuratively).
4. Put Down the Wine Glass
Alcohol thins your blood, which means more bruising and slower healing. Skip happy hour for at least 24 hours. Your cocktail can wait.
Extra Pro Tips
- No Makeup for 12 Hours: Let your skin breathe and avoid introducing bacteria.
- Plan Around Events: Don’t schedule tox or filler right before a big party, wedding, or photoshoot. Give yourself at least 1–2 weeks for bruising or swelling to fully settle.
- Watch for Red Flags: A little swelling and tenderness is normal. Severe pain, discoloration, or unusual symptoms? Call your injector immediately.
24-Hour Survival Schedule
Hour 0–4:
- Stay upright (no naps, no bending).
- Skip the gym, sauna, or anything sweaty.
- Light facial movement is fine, but no rubbing.
Hour 4–12:
- Continue avoiding exercise.
- No makeup yet—let the skin rest.
- Apply a clean, cool compress if needed.
Hour 12–24:
- Still no heavy workouts or heat exposure.
- Keep alcohol and salty foods off the menu to minimize swelling.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
After 24 Hours:
- Most normal activities can resume.
- Light workouts may be safe, but check with your injector if you’re unsure.
- Full results will continue to settle over the next 1–2 weeks—be patient.
Lae’s Tip
The aftercare rules aren’t nagging—they’re the difference between “Wow, you look amazing” and “What happened to your face?” Don’t test me. Protect your investment, follow the plan, and trust the process. When you do, you’ll love your results every single time.
