Santi London • South Kensington
Botox® Aftercare & Longevity: Maximising Your Results
Clear, clinician-led guidance on what to do after anti-wrinkle injections — and the habits that help your results look natural and last well.
Quick takeaways
- Onset: expect changes in 3–5 days, peak at ~2 weeks.
- Duration: typically 3–4 months (varies by dose, area, metabolism).
- Same day: avoid rubbing/massaging treated areas; keep head upright for a few hours.
Good to know
Mild pin-prick marks, tiny bumps, light redness or a faint headache can occur and usually settle quickly. Bruising is uncommon but possible. Contact us if anything feels unusual.
Immediate Aftercare (0–6 hours)
- Avoid rubbing, massaging or applying firm pressure to treated areas.
- Keep head upright; avoid bending/lying flat for ~4 hours.
- Skip intense exercise, saunas, hot yoga and steam rooms for the rest of the day.
- Make-up: if needed, apply gently and avoid vigorous blending over injection points.
Remainder of Day 1
- Light activities are fine; avoid strenuous workouts and excessive heat exposure.
- Do not schedule facials, facial massage or micro-needling on the same day.
- Sleeping: try to avoid sleeping face-down the first night.
First Week (Days 2–7)
- Results will build; minor asymmetries often settle as product takes full effect.
- Still avoid facial massage, strong exfoliation or device-based facials over treated zones.
- Resume normal exercise after 24 hours unless advised otherwise.
Peak & Review (~2 Weeks)
- Peak effect is around the 14-day mark.
- If a tweak is appropriate, we’ll assess symmetry, dose and movement then.
- Plan maintenance: most clients prefer reviews at 3–4 months.
How to Maximise Longevity
- Consistent maintenance: book reviews every 3–4 months (before full return of movement).
- Sun discipline: daily broad-spectrum SPF; UV accelerates line formation.
- Skincare synergy: gentle retinoids, peptides and good moisturisation can enhance overall skin quality.
- Lifestyle: quality sleep, manage stress, avoid smoking; high-intensity endurance daily may shorten duration in some.
- Dose & mapping: your practitioner may adjust units/placement to suit your muscle strength and goals.
Common Myths (and What We Advise)
- “You mustn’t move your face at all.” — Normal expression is fine; just avoid rubbing the area for the first hours.
- “You can’t exercise for a week.” — Light exercise after 24h is usually fine; ask us if competing/training.
- “Results should be instant.” — Onset is gradual over several days; peak at ~2 weeks.
When to Contact Us
- Persistent or worsening pain, significant swelling or spreading redness.
- Unusual asymmetry or heaviness that doesn’t begin settling after a few days.
- Symptoms you’re unsure about — we’re here to help.
Combining Treatments
- Skin boosters / hydration can improve glow and texture alongside anti-wrinkle results.
- Chemical peels / facials — schedule away from injection days; avoid facial massage over treated zones for ~7 days.
- Dermal fillers — may be planned separately or staged; we’ll advise sequence and timing.
Why Santi London?
- Clinician-led care focused on natural movement and believable results.
- Evidence-based protocols and sensible maintenance plans.
- Discreet South Kensington clinic; continuity with the same team.
Aftercare FAQs
Can I wear make-up after treatment?
Yes — ideally wait a few hours and apply gently without rubbing over injection points.
When can I exercise?
Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of treatment day. Light to moderate exercise is typically fine after 24 hours.
When do results start and how long do they last?
Onset is 3–5 days, peak at ~2 weeks, with typical duration of 3–4 months (varies by dose, area and metabolism).
Can I have a facial or massage?
Avoid facial massage, hot facials and device treatments over treated areas for ~7 days unless advised otherwise.
What if one side looks different?
Mild asymmetries can appear as product settles. We’ll reassess around the 2-week mark and advise if a tweak is appropriate.