Botox Aftercare

This guide combines Botox aftercare preparation tips and post‑care advice to minimise bruising and swelling, keep the toxin exactly where it’s needed, and extend the life of your results.

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Botox Results and before and after pictures

A picture of an Asian female that shows the results of forehead and crow's feet improvement after Botox in Edmonton
The before and after picture of a female that shows significantly fewer frown lines and crow's feet
A picture of a male that shows the results of frown lines and crow's feet treatment in Edmonton
Before and after Botox cosmetic injections showing reduced forehead wrinkles and enhanced facial smoothness, Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre.
Visible results of Botox cosmetic injections demonstrating smoother forehead lines and refreshed facial appearance, Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre.
The results of Botox injection in Edmonton show less fine lines

Seeing real outcomes helps you set realistic expectations. View our patient photos to see how Botox can soften frown lines (“11s”), forehead lines, and crow’s feet while keeping expressions natural. Results vary by anatomy, dose, and lifestyle, so we confirm your personalized plan during your consultation.

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Botox Treatment Summary

Cost & Pricing

Most cosmetic Botox visits range around $200–$400, depending on your goals, facial strength, and units needed. You’ll receive a written quote before treatment starts. Member savings apply.

What To Expect

Arrive, review your goals, and get a customized plan. Injections take about 15–30 minutes with fine needles. Most clients return to work right away with minimal redness. No surgery needed.

Mechanism of Action

Botox is a neuromodulator that briefly blocks nerve signals to targeted muscles. With less contraction, dynamic lines soften and the skin looks smoother, not heavy. It does not add volume.

Benefits & Results

Enjoy a refreshed look as frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet soften. Most people notice changes in 3–7 days, peak at 10–14 days, and last 3–4 months. Great for prevention, too.

Post-Treatment Care

Stay upright for 4 hours and avoid rubbing or pressing treated areas. For 24 hours, skip workouts, saunas, facials, and alcohol. We’ll send you home with aftercare. Follow-up is available.

Side Effects & Downtime

Downtime is minimal. Expect mild redness, swelling or bruising for hours to a few days. Rare issues like eyelid droop are reviewed at consult, with clear guidance on when to call. Call us.

Why Preparation & Botox Aftercare Matter

Although Botox is a simple in‑office procedure, it involves injecting a medication into your muscles. Certain medications, supplements and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of bruising or affect how the product settles. After the injections, the way you sit, sleep and move can influence where the toxin travels and how long it lasts. Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth treatment and optimal results.

Preparing for Your Botox Appointment

Two Weeks Before

  • Schedule wisely: Book your appointment at least two weeks before major events. This allows time for any bruising to fade and for the full effect of Botox to develop.
  • Pause blood thinners and certain supplements: Unless prescribed by your doctor, avoid medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin and Aleve, as well as supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, flaxseed and ginseng. These can thin your blood and increase bruising.
  • Avoid other procedures: Postpone dental work, vaccinations, tattoos, piercings or surgical procedures for at least two weeks before your Botox treatment to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.
  • Discuss medical history: Tell your injector about any medical conditions, allergies, medications or previous adverse reactions to injectables. If you have a history of cold sores, ask about antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak.

Two to Three Days Before

  • Stop irritating skin products: Discontinue tretinoin (Retin‑A), retinol, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide and other exfoliating or “anti‑aging” products on the treatment area to avoid skin irritation.
  • Skip hair removal: Avoid waxing, threading, plucking or using depilatory creams on the areas to be injected to prevent inflammation.
  • Consider arnica or bromelain: If you’re prone to bruising, ask your provider about starting arnica tablets or bromelain supplements a few days before your appointment.

The Day Before & Day of Treatment

  • Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine and smoking: Avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks and tobacco for 24 hours before treatment. These substances dilate blood vessels and can lead to more bruising.
  • Limit strenuous exercise: Skip high‑intensity workouts the day before and the day of your appointment. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure can worsen bruising.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body hydrated; good hydration supports healing.
  • Protect your skin: Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, saunas and steam rooms. Sunburned or overheated skin can be more sensitive to injections.
  • Arrive makeup‑free: On the day of your appointment, cleanse your face thoroughly and do not apply makeup, moisturizer or sunscreen. Your provider will clean the skin again prior to injections.
  • Eat a light meal: Have a snack or light meal before your appointment to avoid feeling faint.
  • Wear comfortable clothing: Choose an outfit that doesn’t need to be pulled over your head to minimise contact with your face afterwards.

Who Should Delay or Avoid Botox

Botox is safe for most healthy adults, but you should postpone or avoid treatment if any of the following apply:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You have an active infection, rash or cold sore in the area to be treated.
  • You have had recent dental work, surgery or vaccinations within the past two weeks.
  • You take immunosuppressive medications or have certain neuromuscular disorders; consult your physician for clearance.
  • You have a known allergy to botulinum toxin or any component of the injection.

Botox Aftercare

How you care for yourself after your injections can influence where the Botox diffuses and how long it lasts. Follow these recommendations to support a comfortable recovery and beautiful results.

Immediately After (First 4–6 Hours)

  • Stay upright: Remain seated or standing for at least four hours after your treatment. Avoid lying down or bending forward for prolonged periods, which can cause Botox to migrate.
  • Hands off: Do not rub, massage or apply pressure to the injection sites. Gentle cleansing is fine once any puncture marks have closed.
  • Facial expressions: Light facial exercises such as frowning, raising your eyebrows or smiling can help the product settle into the targeted muscles. Follow your provider’s instructions regarding facial movements.
  • No makeup: Wait until the tiny punctures have closed—typically a few hours—before applying cosmetics. Ideally, avoid makeup for the rest of the day to reduce the risk of infection.

First 24 Hours

  • Avoid vigorous activity: Skip strenuous exercise, yoga and heavy lifting. Elevated blood flow can cause Botox to move to unintended areas.
  • No heat: Avoid saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, tanning beds and exposure to intense sunlight. Heat dilates blood vessels and may increase swelling or bruising.
  • Skip alcohol and blood thinners: Continue avoiding alcohol and, unless prescribed, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen. These thin the blood and can worsen bruising.
  • Delay facial treatments: Postpone facials, massages, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and other skin treatments for at least 24–48 hours. Lying face‑down or applying pressure can displace the toxin.
  • Cool compresses: If bruising or swelling occurs, gently apply a cold compress wrapped in a soft cloth for 10–15 minutes at a time. Avoid direct pressure on injection sites.
  • Sleep on your back: Use pillows to prop yourself up and avoid sleeping on your face. Pressure on the treated area too soon can affect your results.

First Few Days

  • Expect gradual results: Initial improvements may appear within three to four days, with full effects visible by two weeks. Be patient and avoid seeking additional treatment until after this period.
  • Mild side effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, tenderness or headaches are common and should resolve within a few days. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for discomfort, but avoid NSAIDs unless directed by your doctor.
  • Stay hydrated and nourish your skin: Drink plenty of water and use a gentle moisturiser to support healing and keep your skin supple.
  • Resume gentle skincare: Once the injection sites have healed, you can return to your usual skincare routine. Wait at least two days before reintroducing retinoids or exfoliating products.
  • Follow‑up appointment: If you have concerns or would like an adjustment, schedule a follow‑up with your provider 10–14 days after treatment. They can assess your results and make any necessary tweaks.

When to Contact Your Provider

Serious complications from Botox are rare, but you should call your provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking.
  • Vision changes or drooping eyelids not associated with the injection site.
  • Severe pain, redness, pus or signs of infection at the injection sites.
  • Generalised weakness or flu‑like symptoms.

Longevity & Maintenance

Botox results typically last three to four months, though this varies by individual. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage and avoiding smoking can prolong your results. Plan to schedule maintenance treatments a few times a year for continuous rejuvenation.

Frequently asked questions

To reduce the chance of bruising, avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your visit if possible. If you can safely do so, avoid blood-thinning supplements/medications that may increase bruising for about 5–7 days beforehand (for example: aspirin, ibuprofen/naproxen, vitamin E, fish oil/omega-3, ginkgo, garlic supplements). Do not stop prescription blood thinners unless your prescribing clinician advises it. Arrive with clean skin (no heavy makeup), and let us know if you have a history of easy bruising, cold sores, or prior reactions to injectable treatments.
If you have a fever, active infection, or feel unwell, it’s best to reschedule. Botox is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or nursing, please tell us before booking so we can discuss safer options.
You can come in with minimal makeup, but clean skin is ideal. Avoid irritating products (retinoids/Retin-A, exfoliating acids like glycolic/salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide) on the treatment areas for 24–48 hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. If you do wear makeup, we will cleanse the area before treatment.
For the first 4 hours: stay upright (no lying down), avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas, and skip tight hats/headbands over the injection sites. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot yoga/sauna/steam rooms, and heavy alcohol intake for 24 hours. You may gently wash your face and use mild skincare the same day—just avoid pressing firmly on the treated areas.
You may notice early changes within 3–5 days, with full results typically at 10–14 days. Most patients enjoy results for about 3–4 months, though it can vary based on dose, treatment areas, metabolism, and muscle strength. If it’s your first time, we often recommend a follow-up check around 2 weeks to assess symmetry and decide if a small adjustment is needed.
Mild redness, small bumps at injection sites, tenderness, or a minor headache can occur and usually resolves within 24–48 hours. Small bruises are possible and can last several days. Contact the clinic promptly if you notice increasing swelling, signs of infection (heat, pus, fever), significant vision changes, difficulty swallowing, or eyelid droop that concerns you. While serious complications are uncommon, we prefer you reach out early so we can guide you appropriately.

Why Choose Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre for Botox in Edmonton?

At Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre, we focus on results that look like you—just more rested. Your treatment is guided by facial anatomy, not trends, with a careful approach to dose, placement, and balance. We use Health Canada–approved products, maintain strict safety and sterility standards, and provide clear expectations on timing, maintenance, and aftercare. You’ll also receive transparent pricing and the option for follow-up support so your outcome stays on track

Request Your Appointment Today

Ready to refresh your look without looking “overdone”? Book a Botox consultation at Albany Cosmetic & Laser Center in Edmonton and get a personalized, clinician-led plan based on your facial anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. We focus on natural movement, balanced dosing, and a result that looks like you—just more rested. Choose a time that works for you, and we’ll walk you through expectations, safety, and aftercare so you feel confident from the first visit.

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