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Neurotoxin Aftercare
Recovery from Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® is quick, but results are gradual. Most patients have little to no downtime after neurotoxin treatments. You may begin noticing a change in movement within the first few days, but different muscles and treatment areas can respond at slightly different times. For that reason, don't judge your final result or symmetry too early. We recommend waiting a full 2 weeks before evaluating your result, with follow-up and complimentary adjustment appointments taking place 2 to 3 weeks after treatment.
At Refresh, we're here for you after your treatment! Your care doesn’t end when you leave our office. If you have a question, concern, or notice something you’re unsure about, please reach out to us first. We know your treatment and are here to guide you every step of the way!
everything you need to know
First few days:
You may see little to no change at first. Some patients begin noticing softer movement within the first couple of days, while others take longer.
Days 3 to 7:
Movement should gradually begin to soften. One area or one side may seem to "kick in" before another. This does not necessarily mean your result will be uneven once everything has settled.
Days 10 to 14:
Your treatment should be much easier to evaluate. This is why we ask you to wait at least 14 days before deciding that an area needs more product.
Weeks 2 to 3:
This is our preferred follow-up and touch-up window.
Over the next few months:
Neurotoxin does not suddenly switch off. Its effect gradually fades as muscle activity returns. Clinical studies of neurotoxin show cosmetic effects lasting approximately 3 to 4 months for many patients, although duration varies by person, product, dose and treatment area.
What does "lasting" actually mean?
Neurotoxin wears off gradually, not all at once. The first little bit of movement returning does not mean your treatment is gone. If you still have less movement than you did before treatment, the neurotoxin is still having an effect. Eventually, movement will continue to increase until you are closer to your normal baseline.
Still seeing a line? Neurotoxin treats the muscle movement that creates or deepens expression lines. Lines that were already visible while your face was resting may soften, but they may not disappear completely after one treatment. A visible line does not necessarily mean your neurotoxin is not working.
For the rest of today:
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Avoid rubbing, massaging or putting firm pressure on the treated areas.
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Skip facial massage, gua sha, facial devices or other treatments that involve significant pressure over the injection sites.
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If possible, save strenuous exercise for another day.
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Avoid scheduling a facial, microneedling, laser or other facial treatment afterward unless your provider has specifically cleared it.
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Otherwise, normal daily activity is generally fine.
Accidentally touched your face, bent over or laid down? Don't panic.
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One accidental touch or normal activity does not automatically ruin your treatment. Just avoid intentionally massaging or repeatedly pressing on the treated areas.
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Tight, frozen or different:
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It can take a little time to get used to reduced muscle movement, especially if this is your first treatment. Some patients notice a tight, heavy or "different" sensation as the muscles begin responding.
One side seems different:
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Different muscles may respond at slightly different speeds. Mild asymmetry during the first several days does not necessarily represent your final result. Give everything the full two weeks to settle.
My forehead feels heavy:
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A temporary heavy sensation can occur as forehead movement changes. If you have visible brow or eyelid drooping, significant heaviness, or symptoms that are bothersome, contact us so we can evaluate you.
Bruising, redness or tenderness:
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Small injection-site reactions and occasional bruising can happen. Bruising should gradually fade like any other bruise.
Headache:
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A temporary headache can occur after treatment and is a known possible side effect.
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Think you still have too much movement? Give it time first.
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Complimentary neurotoxin touch-ups are evaluated 2 to 3 weeks after your original treatment. This allows enough time for your treatment to settle before we decide whether additional product is appropriate.
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During your follow-up, your provider will look at your movement, symmetry and original treatment plan. A touch-up may be recommended for residual movement or an imbalance, but additional product is not automatically needed just because you still have some movement.
More than 4 weeks out?
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You are always welcome to contact us if you have a concern. However, as time passes, some returning movement may simply be part of the normal gradual wearing-off process rather than something that needs to be "touched up."
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We intentionally avoid repeatedly adding small amounts of neurotoxin every time movement begins to return. Our goal is to use the appropriate dose at appropriate intervals rather than continuously chasing movement.
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Full neurotoxin treatments are generally spaced at least 3 months apart unless your provider recommends otherwise.
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Please contact us if you experience:
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Visible eyelid or eyebrow drooping
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An unexpected change in your smile or facial movement
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Persistent heaviness that is bothering you
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Increasing redness, swelling or pain at an injection site
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Anything about your result that simply doesn't feel right
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, including difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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