So you’ve taken the plunge and booked an appointment to get your lines smoothed out – Very exciting! But how will you feel afterwards? And will you look OK to go straight back to work after having Botox?
Immediately after, you will be very aware that ‘something’ has happened. This is especially true if you’ve had your forehead and frown areas treated together, which is common. The treated area will usually feel a little tender for the first day, due to the tiny injections into your skin. Put another way, the skin on your face will be feeling a bit sorry for itself.
How Will You Look Immediately after Botox Injections? 
How easily your skin tends to become red and flushed will determine whether or not you have any red areas. Some people look a little blotchy, only to have said blotches subside by the time I’m finished. For others, it may last an hour or so. My skin, for instance, is very sensitive to any kind of touch but still settles down in around an hour, max.
Similarly, some people will develop tiny areas of swelling (little bumps). This is normal, and again, goes down very quickly. Better still, our ‘fresh’ British ‘weather often helps reduce this most people don’t bruise, but if you’re unlucky, or happen to bruise easily, it tends to show pretty quickly, usually within the first 24hrs or quicker!
If I ever accidentally bruise a client, I can tell immediately, and I might recommend arnica cream.
Skin Nurse Tip – If anyone guarantees that you won’t bruise, be wary. Unfortunately, as the procedure involves a needle, there’s always a chance. *Honesty is the best policy*
Very occasionally, people can experience mild headaches following a Botox procedure. I believe this is more to do with the process rather than the product.
Most people experience none of these symptoms, but I want you to be aware of them.
Then you just have to wait…
Remember, the magic doesn’t start happening immediately: It usually takes 3-5 days to start taking effect and will have fully taken after two weeks.
Over the next 7 days, you might still be aware that something is happening and may feel a little heaviness, although most people just… kind of forget. You’ll also start to see some of your lines smoothing away…
Around two weeks after your procedure, I’ll invite you to come back for a review appointment which is included in the original price. It’s here that I may add a little more Botox if need be. (I’d rather add more here than risk you getting an unnatural result). However, this also doubles as an assessment to see how you’ve responded to the treatment.
We’ll also take a good look in the mirror and contrast your reflection with your before pictures. It always amazes me how quickly people forget how they looked two weeks ago. I love these review appointments because I get to share my client’s joy as they fully appreciate the gorgeous results for the first time.
In my opinion, Botox looks best after 4 weeks, as it’s all settled and taken effect. Plus, you’re totally used to the feeling here – what Botox procedure…?
For all the aftercare advice you’ll need, you can look out for another blog coming soon. Naturally, if you have this procedure with me, I’ll talk you through all the ‘dos and donts’ before you leave. Then, I’ll email them to you. However, touching on the most important points very briefly: no touching the area, no exercise, no makeup, and no alcohol for 24 hours following your treatment.
To book in your consultation to determine whether you’re suitable for Botox injections, and to find out the kind of results that are likely, you can check my diary and book here.