What not to do after Botox
Medically reviewed by
The Skin Med Spa medical team, led by Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC and Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Last reviewed: September 2026
For about 4 hours after Botox, stay upright and keep your hands off the treated areas. For about 24 hours, skip strenuous workouts, saunas, hot yoga, and facials, and go easy on alcohol. These precautions aim to keep the toxin where it was placed and limit bruising. Results start in a few days and are judged at two weeks.
Timeline
| When | Avoid | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 hours | Lying flat, rubbing or pressing the area, tight hats or headbands | Lowers the chance of the product shifting |
| First 24 hours | Strenuous exercise, saunas and hot yoga, alcohol, facials | Limits bruising and swelling |
| First 1 to 2 weeks | Facials with facial massage, microneedling, or laser over the treated area | Gives the product time to settle |
| At 2 weeks | Nothing. This is your follow-up window | Full effect is visible, and touch-ups are decided |
Some of these rules are based more on caution than on hard data. They cost you very little, so most providers recommend them anyway.
What you can do
- Go back to work and normal daily activity right away
- Wear makeup after a few hours, applied gently
- Take a walk
- Make relaxed facial expressions. You don't need to hold your face still
What's normal
- Small bumps at injection sites for 15 to 30 minutes
- Pinpoint bruises, especially around the eyes
- A mild headache on the first day
- A slightly heavy feeling in the forehead during the first week or two as muscles relax
When to call
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| An eyelid that droops | Call. It's uncommon and temporary, and there are ways to help |
| Uneven results at two weeks | Call. That's what the follow-up visit is for |
| Trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing | Seek emergency care. This is rare |
When to judge your results
Movement softens within 3 to 7 days, and the full effect shows at about 2 weeks. Judging earlier often leads to asking for a touch-up you don't need. Book your follow-up for the two-week mark. How long the result then holds is covered in How long does Botox last.
How Skin Med Spa handles it
Every Botox, Jeuveau, or Xeomin visit at Skin Med Spa ends with written aftercare and a follow-up window, so small adjustments are made at the right time instead of guessed at in the mirror on day three. Your recommended unit count is set before anything is injected.
FAQ
Can I work out the day after Botox?
Usually yes. Most providers suggest waiting about 24 hours before strenuous exercise.
Can I drink alcohol after Botox?
Many providers suggest skipping it that day, mainly to reduce bruising.
Can I sleep on my side that night?
Most guidance only asks you to stay upright for the first few hours. After that, sleep normally.
Sources
- Allergan. BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information, including boxed warning on distant spread of toxin effect.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Patient information on botulinum toxin injections.
At Skin Med Spa, Botox is provided by our board-certified medical team at 960 Warren Ave. in Downers Grove, Illinois. Same-day appointments are available at 630-541-8413, and a consultation is the best way to find out what fits your skin and goals.
This is general information, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is right for you is determined by a licensed provider after an evaluation.