Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are low-downtime treatments, but how you behave in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment has a meaningful effect on the result. The aftercare guidance below isn’t arbitrary caution — each rule exists because the underlying biology requires it. This is a practical guide to what to avoid, why, and for how long.
The first 24 hours: what to avoid and why
No lying flat for 4 hours
This applies particularly to anti-wrinkle injections in the upper face. Lying down within four hours of treatment can allow the product to migrate from where it was placed to nearby muscles — most concerningly, downward toward the eyelid muscles, where it could cause temporary lid droop. Sit upright, keep your head above your heart, and sleep on your back the first night if you can.
No high-intensity exercise
Strenuous exercise raises your heart rate and blood pressure. Both increase the risk of bruising and swelling at injection sites. More importantly, the increased blood flow can speed up how quickly the product is metabolised, meaning your treatment may not last as long as it should.
There’s also a mechanical issue. Vigorous movement, head-down positions (yoga inversions, certain stretches), and pressure on the face from gear like swimming goggles or sports headbands can disturb freshly placed product. Avoid all of this for 24 hours.
A gentle walk is fine on the day. Save the gym, run, or cycling class for tomorrow.
No facial massage, no facials
Pressure applied to a treated area within the first 24 to 48 hours can shift the product. This is especially true for filler, which remains soft and mouldable in the tissue for several days after placement. Skip your booked facial. Don’t let a beautician work on you. Don’t massage the area yourself unless your practitioner has specifically asked you to.
No touching or rubbing
Cleaning your face is fine. Repeatedly rubbing, scratching, or touching the treated areas is not. The unconscious habit of wiping sweat from your forehead is exactly the kind of pressure that can move product.
Alcohol: more nuance than you’d think
The actual evidence here is narrower than the warnings suggest. Alcohol consumed in the 24 hours before treatment thins the blood slightly and can increase bruising risk — particularly in patients who bruise easily anyway. After treatment, moderate alcohol is unlikely to affect the result.
If you have an important event the day after and want to minimise bruising risk, skip alcohol the day before. After treatment, use your judgement: a glass of wine with dinner is unlikely to cause a problem; a heavy night out the day after fillers is more likely to leave you bruised than usual.
The first week
No sunbathing or sunbeds
Heat and UV exposure both aggravate swelling, redness, and bruising. Saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, sunbeds, and direct sun on the treated area should be avoided for the first week. If you’re outdoors, wear a high SPF and a hat.
Mind what touches your face
Tight goggles, heavy glasses pressed onto the bridge of the nose (particularly after non-surgical rhinoplasty), and helmet straps can all leave indentations on freshly placed product. Avoid sustained pressure on treated areas for the first week.
Take your normal skincare routine slowly
Active skincare ingredients — retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin C serums — can irritate injection sites in the first few days. Skip them for 48 to 72 hours. Resume your normal routine after that.
The two-week mark: be patient with the result
Anti-wrinkle injections do not show their full effect immediately. The product takes three to five days to begin interrupting nerve signalling to the muscle, and the full result is visible at around 14 days. Filler results are visible immediately, but swelling can persist for up to a week, so the “final” result is what you see at 14 days.
Don’t judge your treatment too early. Patients often book a follow-up worried that the treatment hasn’t worked at day three — almost always, it just hadn’t finished settling.
Booking your next appointment
Anti-wrinkle injections wear off at three to four months on average. Maintenance is most effective when treatments are repeated on a consistent schedule rather than waiting until the previous round has completely worn off and the muscles have regained full strength. Patients who maintain a steady schedule generally need slightly less product over time because the treated muscles soften.
Booking too far apart can also reduce effectiveness. There is evidence that repeated full lapses in treatment may produce a phenomenon called secondary non-response, where the body produces antibodies against the toxin and treatment becomes less effective. Consistency matters.
If you’ve had a bad experience at a different clinic and are considering switching providers, bring your treatment records with you. A new injector benefits from knowing what doses worked, what didn’t, and where you’ve been treated previously.
Combining injectables with other treatments
Injectables address muscle activity and volume — they don’t address skin quality, sun damage, pigmentation, or texture. A more complete approach combines anti-wrinkle treatment with:
- Daily SPF and a good skincare routine with retinoids and vitamin C for prevention
- Energy-based treatments such as Fotona 4D or Morpheus8 for skin tightening and texture
- Chemical peels or laser resurfacing for pigmentation and surface quality
- Dermal fillers to address volume loss as well as static lines
A consultation lets us put together a treatment plan rather than treating each issue in isolation.
Common questions
I exercised after my treatment by accident — what should I do?
Nothing dramatic. The advice is precautionary rather than absolute. A single accidental gym session is unlikely to ruin a treatment — it just slightly increases the risk of suboptimal results. Get in touch if you notice anything unusual about the effect, but in most cases you’ll be fine.
Can I have a glass of wine the night after my injections?
Yes, in moderation. Save heavier drinking for a few days later.
When can I have a facial again?
Wait at least 48 hours for anti-wrinkle injections, and ideally a week for filler. If you’ve had filler in a sensitive area like the tear trough or lips, leave it two weeks.
What if I notice swelling, bruising, or a lump?
Mild swelling and bruising are normal and resolve over a few days to a week. A persistent lump, asymmetry, or significant pain warrants a follow-up appointment. Phone us — we’d rather see you for a quick check than have you worrying.
RELATED: Anti-Wrinkle Injections FAQs
Centre for Surgery · CQC-regulated · GMC specialist-registered surgeons · 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6RN · 0207 993 4849 · Book a consultation · Finance from 0% APR
Medically reviewed by Dr Spyridon Vlachos, GMC 7522950.
