So you’ve had your first Botox appointment — now what? To ensure you get the most from your treatment, proper aftercare is essential. Whether you're in Glasgow or anywhere else, following these tips will help maximise your results and avoid unwanted side effects.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what to do after Botox, what to avoid, and when to call your practitioner.

Why Aftercare Matters

Botox is a quick, low-downtime procedure, but the way you care for your face in the hours and days following treatment can significantly impact your results.

Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines. It takes time to settle and integrate, and certain activities can interfere with this process or even cause unwanted diffusion into other areas.

Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours

This is the most important window. What you do (or don’t do) during this time directly affects how your Botox sets in.

✅ What to Do

- Stay upright for at least 4 hours – This prevents Botox from migrating.

- Gently exercise your face – Raise your eyebrows, smile, frown. This can help Botox bind to muscle receptors more effectively.

- Use a cold compress – Only if there's swelling or mild discomfort. Wrap it in a clean cloth.

- Hydrate – Drink plenty of water to support circulation and healing.

❌ What to Avoid

- Touching or rubbing the treated area – This can spread Botox to unintended muscles.

- Lying down or sleeping face-down – Wait at least 4 hours before reclining.

- Alcohol – Avoid for 24 hours as it can increase bruising.

- Strenuous exercise – Sweat and movement may interfere with settling.

- Makeup – If possible, skip makeup for the rest of the day, especially anything applied with pressure.

Day 2–3: Settling In

By now, any swelling should have resolved. You may start to notice early effects, especially if you're a fast responder. https://luxeskin.co.uk/botox-aftercare-what-to-do-and-avoid-for-best-results/