Botox Before & Aftercare: The Ultimate Guide
Doctor-Led Anti-Wrinkle Injections in Hale, Cheshire
If you’re considering Botox (botulinum toxin) / anti-wrinkle injections, the best results come from two things: good assessment and good aftercare.
This guide explains exactly what to do before and after treatment, what’s normal, what’s not, and how to reduce the risk of bruising, migration, and unwanted side effects.
UK note: Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine, which means you should have a proper consultation with a qualified prescriber before treatment.
What to do before Botox (7 days to 24 hours before)
1) Book a proper consultation (not just a “quick jab”)
A safe, natural-looking result starts with:
A medical history review (medications, allergies, past reactions, medical conditions)
Assessment of facial movement and natural asymmetries
A discussion of what “natural” means to you (softening lines vs reducing movement)
Bring/mention:
Any previous anti-wrinkle injections or filler (when, where, how you responded)
Any history of droopiness/heavy lids
Any recent illness, infection, or cold sores (especially if treating around the face)
2) Minimise bruising risk
Bruising is common with any injection, but you can reduce the chance:
24 hours before (ideal):
Avoid alcohol if you can
Avoid heavy exercise right before your appointment
Medication & supplements (important):
If you take blood thinners or prescribed medication, do not stop anything without medical advice.
Tell your prescriber if you take/regularly use anything that may increase bruising risk (e.g., aspirin/anti-inflammatories, omega-3/fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic supplements).
Timing tip: Don’t book right before a big event. Even with perfect technique, you can still get a bruise. Aim for 1–2 weeks ahead.
3) Arrive “fresh faced”
Come without heavy makeup if possible. If you are wearing makeup, don’t worry, we’ll cleanse thoroughly before treatment.
On the day: what happens at your appointment
A typical doctor-led appointment includes:
Confirmation of your goals and a tailored treatment plan (areas, dosing philosophy, expected outcome)
Consent and time for questions
Optional clinical photography (useful for reviewing results)
Injections performed with fine needles (usually quick)
Clear aftercare instructions and when to contact the clinic
Botox aftercare: what to do (and what to avoid)
Aftercare advice can vary slightly between clinicians, but the principles are consistent: reduce pressure, heat, and friction early on to minimise unintended spread and irritation.
First 2–4 hours
Do:
You can gently cleanse later if needed, just don’t scrub
Avoid:
Rubbing or massaging treated areas (key one)
Tight headwear pressing on the forehead (if treated)
First 24 hours
Avoid:
Strenuous exercise (many clinics recommend 24 hours to be safe)
Facials, facial massage, or any hands-on treatments
Excessive heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga, steam rooms, very hot baths)
Makeup: If you apply makeup, do it gently, no pressing or buffing into injection sites.
First 2 weeks
Don’t judge your result too early. Botox develops gradually.
Avoid booking intense facial treatments until your injector says it’s fine (especially if you’re prone to irritation).
What to expect after Botox: timeline of results
Immediately after
You may notice:
Small bumps at injection sites (usually settle within 30–60 minutes)
Mild redness or tenderness
Occasional headache (usually short-lived)
Days 3–5
You’ll start noticing movement softening.
Days 10–14
This is typically when results look their best.
This is also when we advise assessing whether you need any refinement.
What’s normal vs what’s not
Common (usually mild and temporary)
A small bruise at an injection point
Temporary headache
Mild swelling or tenderness
Contact your clinic promptly if you notice
Significant asymmetry you’re worried about
A heavy/uncomfortable brow feeling
Eyelid droop (ptosis) symptoms developing
Seek urgent medical help if you develop any of these (rare but serious)
Botulinum toxin products carry warnings about rare effects related to spread of toxin, including problems with swallowing or breathing.
Get urgent help if you experience:
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking
Who should avoid Botox (or needs extra caution)?
This is always individual, but extra caution is needed if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (typically avoided)
Have certain neuromuscular disorders
Have an active infection/inflammation at the planned injection site
Have had previous adverse reactions to botulinum toxin
This is exactly why a proper consultation matters.
Pro tips for the best “natural” Botox result
Start with a plan, not a number of units
Faces don’t come in templates. The best results come from treating your movement pattern, not copying someone else’s dose.
Subtle can be beautiful
Many patients want softer lines while keeping expression — that’s usually the sweet spot for premium, natural results.
Review at 2 weeks
Tiny refinements can be appropriate, but “chasing perfection” is rarely helpful. A calm, staged approach tends to look best.
Ready for Botox in Hale, Cheshire?
If you’d like a doctor-led assessment and a tailored plan (forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, brow lift effect), book a consultation and we’ll talk through:
What you can realistically expect
How to keep results natural
How to reduce bruising and downtime
Book in for a Consultation at your local, doctor-led, sister-run skin & aesthetics sanctuary for natural, bespoke results
Dr Caroline Warden is an experienced NHS GP and aesthetic doctor. She has been a medical doctor for over 18 years. She runs the female-led family business with her sister Louise Devereux (creative director & patient co-ordinator)
Their main Skin and Aesthetic Clinic is located in Hale, Cheshire but they also run a pop-up clinic in Disley, Stockport one evening a week.
You will only ever see and have treatments with Dr Caroline Warden.
Whether you're new to aesthetic treatments or ready to refine your routine, her bespoke skin assessments are the best place to start. Dr Caroline Warden will design a tailored plan based on your skin goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Book your consultation at the clinic in Hale, Cheshire and experience aesthetic medicine.
You’ll be guided through your medical history, goals, and expectations so you can make an informed choice.
Where our clinics are local to:
Our flagship main Hale clinic is conveniently located for patients travelling from:
Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Bowdon, Bramhall, Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Mobberley, Sale, Timperley, Urmston, Wilmslow, Handforth, Poynton, Cheadle, Didsbury and Warrington.
Our satellite Disley clinic (Thursday evenings at Scott, Skin & Co) is ideal if you’re based in:
New Mills, High Lane, Marple, Mellor, Whaley Bridge, Strines, Chapel, Hayfield or Stockport.
