Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Anti-wrinkle injections

Injections that temporarily relax specific facial muscles.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

Anti-wrinkle injections temporarily reduce the activity of selected facial muscles, softening lines caused by movement.

They are used for expression lines, and sometimes for other clinical indications discussed at consultation.

Treatment takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Effect begins within 3 to 7 days, is fullest at around 2 weeks, and typically lasts 3 to 4 months.

Before your procedure

Attend a consultation first. Treatment is only appropriate after assessment.
Tell the team about all medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelets, and about any neuromuscular condition.
Tell the team if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Treatment is not offered.
Avoid alcohol on the day, as it increases bruising.
Come without make-up on the treatment area where possible.
Do not book immediately before an important event. Allow at least 2 weeks.

What happens on the day

The face is assessed at rest and in movement, and injection points are marked.
The skin is cleaned. A series of small injections is given using a fine needle.
Each injection feels like a brief sharp scratch. The whole treatment is short.
You can leave immediately. Small raised bumps at injection points settle within an hour.

Aftercare

Immediate appearance

Small bumps and redness at injection points are normal and settle within about an hour.

Staying upright

Stay upright for 4 hours afterwards. Do not lie flat or lean forward for long periods.

Touching the area

Do not rub, massage or press the treated area for 24 hours, as this may move the product.

Exercise

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

Heat

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga and sunbeds for 48 hours.

Make-up

Avoid make-up over injection points for the rest of the day to reduce infection risk.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours, as it increases bruising.

Onset

Effect begins in 3 to 7 days and is fullest at about 2 weeks. Do not judge the result before then.

Review

A review at around 2 weeks allows small adjustments if needed.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
When	What to expect
First hour	Small bumps settle. Redness fades.
First 24 hours	Avoid rubbing, exercise, alcohol and make-up over the area.
Days 3 to 7	Effect begins to appear.
Around 2 weeks	Full effect. Review appointment if arranged.
3 to 4 months	Effect gradually wears off. Repeat treatment considered.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Sudden weakness spreading beyond the treated area
Severe or spreading facial swelling with difficulty breathing

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

A drooping eyelid or eyebrow
Double or blurred vision
Spreading redness, heat or pus at an injection point
Marked asymmetry that is not settling

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

When will I see the effect?

From 3 to 7 days, with the full effect at about 2 weeks.

How long does it last?

Typically 3 to 4 months, varying between individuals.

Can I have treatment before an event?

Allow at least 2 weeks, so the effect has settled and any bruising has resolved.

Why must I stay upright afterwards?

To reduce the chance of the product moving from the intended muscles in the first few hours.

More information

Clinical reviewer: Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date: 21 July 2026
Review by: 21 July 2027
Version: 1.0