The First Four Hours
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours after treatment — avoid lying down, bending over, or doing anything that puts your head below your heart.
- Do not touch, rub, or massage the treated areas — this can cause the Botox® to migrate to unintended muscles.
- Avoid applying makeup, skincare products, or topical treatments to the injection sites for at least 4 hours.
- Skip strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day.
The First 24–48 Hours
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, as it can increase bruising and swelling.
- Skip blood-thinning medications (ibuprofen, aspirin) unless medically necessary — acetaminophen is fine for discomfort.
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds, or any excessive heat exposure for 24–48 hours.
- Some mild swelling, redness, or bruising at injection sites is normal and will resolve on its own.
What to Expect
- Results typically begin to appear within 3–5 days, with full effect visible around 10–14 days.
- Dental Botox® effects generally last 3–4 months — schedule follow-up treatments to maintain results.
- Avoid extreme facial expressions or chewing very hard foods in the days immediately following treatment.
When to Call Our Office
- Asymmetry or unexpected muscle weakness beyond two weeks.
- Signs of infection at an injection site (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge).
- Any allergic reaction symptoms — seek emergency care immediately if breathing is affected.
- Concerns about your results at the two-week follow-up point.
Questions about your Botox® results or ready to schedule a follow-up? Reach out to Bethesda Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry — we're happy to walk you through what to expect at every stage.
