A little preparation goes a long way before any injectable treatment, and simple aftercare helps you stay comfortable afterwards. Whether you're booked for Botox, dermal filler or Sculptra, here's how to prepare in the days before, what Botox aftercare and filler aftercare involve, and which symptoms need a call.
How to prepare for Botox, filler or Sculptra
In the week or two before
- Share your full health history. Tell Sophie about medical conditions, medications, supplements, allergies and past injectables. If you get cold sores and you're having treatment around the mouth, mention that too.
- Ask about supplements and pain relievers that affect bruising. Some, such as ASA, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E, can make bruising more likely. If you take them by choice rather than on medical advice, ask whether to pause them before your appointment. Never stop a prescribed medication, including blood thinners, without talking to your prescriber.
- Plan around big events. Allow at least two weeks before a wedding, photos or travel. Botox takes up to 14 days to reach its full effect, filler settles over about two weeks, and Sculptra works gradually over months.
- Mention upcoming dental work or other procedures, so Sophie can advise on timing.
- Reschedule if you're unwell. If you develop a cold sore, rash, breakout or infection near the treatment area, or you feel sick, call the clinic. It's better to wait than to treat over an infection.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Cosmetic injectables are generally postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
On the day
- Eat a normal meal and drink water beforehand. It can help you feel more comfortable, especially if needles make you nervous.
- Skip alcohol for about a day beforehand, since it can make bruising more likely.
- Arrive with clean skin if you can. Your skin will be cleansed before treatment, but skipping heavy makeup saves time.
- Keep the rest of the day low-key. Most people go back to work or errands, but avoid booking a workout, massage or facial right after.
Botox aftercare: the rest of the day
Botox has no downtime for most people, so you can return to most activities right away. For the rest of the day, here's what to do and what to avoid after Botox:
- Stay upright and avoid lying flat.
- Skip strenuous exercise.
- Don't rub, massage or press on the treated areas.
- Be gentle when washing your face or applying skincare.
Small bumps and pinpoint redness usually settle quickly, and a small bruise or mild headache can happen. Results take 3 to 14 days to appear, so wait about two weeks before judging. For a full timeline, see what to expect after your first Botox appointment.
Filler aftercare: the first few days
Filler results show right away, but the area may look swollen, feel firm or seem slightly uneven at first. It settles over about two weeks, and swelling or bruising can last a few days. Lips often swell more than other areas. Unless you've been given different instructions:
- Use a cool compress wrapped in a clean cloth, for short periods, to ease swelling. Never put ice directly on your skin.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow for the first night or two, and try not to sleep face-down.
- Keep your hands off. Avoid pressing, massaging or picking at the area unless Sophie has shown you how.
- Avoid heat, strenuous exercise and alcohol for a day or two. Saunas, hot tubs, hot yoga and hard workouts can increase swelling and bruising.
- Keep injection points clean. Leave them makeup-free for the rest of the day, and check with the clinic before booking a facial, peel or laser treatment.
Small irregularities in the first two weeks usually settle on their own. If something still bothers you after that, book a check-in rather than trying to fix it yourself. You can read more about dermal filler treatments.
Sculptra aftercare is a little different
Sculptra® biostimulation works gradually by prompting your skin to build new collagen. Expect mild swelling for one to three days. Any fullness right after treatment is mostly fluid and swelling, and it fades within a few days. The real change builds slowly over two to three months.
The big difference is massage. After Sculptra, you'll be shown how to massage the treated area for several days, which helps the product spread evenly. Follow those instructions closely. Most people need two to three sessions about four to six weeks apart, so patience is part of the plan.
Warning signs: when to call the clinic or 911
Most side effects after injectables are mild and short-lived. Some symptoms, though, need quick attention. Save the clinic's number, 416-604-0040, in your phone before your appointment.
Call the clinic at 416-604-0040 if you notice:
- Swelling, bruising or pain that gets worse after the first few days instead of better
- Redness, warmth, pus or a fever, which can be signs of infection
- A lump that is painful, growing, or appears weeks after treatment
- A drooping eyelid, heavy brow or uneven result after Botox
- Anything else that doesn't feel right
Act right away if, after filler, you notice:
- Skin near the treated area turning white, grey, blue or dusky, or looking blotchy
- Pain that is severe or getting worse
Call the clinic immediately. If you can't reach someone, don't wait: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for:
- Any sudden change in vision, such as blurring, loss of vision or double vision
- Trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking
- Muscle weakness away from the treated area
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the tongue or throat, widespread hives or feeling faint
Caring for your skin in the weeks after
Once the first few days have passed, a simple routine supports your skin while results develop:
- Wear sunscreen every day. Broad-spectrum SPF is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin. Ask about the medical-grade skincare and sunscreens available at the clinic, such as EltaMD®.
- Stay gentle. Hold off on scrubs, peels and strong active ingredients around injection points until any redness has settled.
- Keep your follow-up. A check-in around two weeks is a good time to review Botox or filler. Sculptra sessions are planned several weeks apart.
- Plan maintenance. Botox typically lasts about three to four months, filler about 6 to 18 months depending on the area, and Sculptra up to two years. Results vary.
Next step: Have a question about preparing for your appointment? Contact the clinic or browse our frequently asked questions. If you're still deciding on a treatment, start with our guide to Botox vs. dermal filler, then book a consultation at our Bloor West Village clinic in Toronto.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink alcohol after Botox or filler?
It's sensible to avoid alcohol for the rest of the day after Botox, and for a day or two after filler, because it can make bruising and swelling worse. Follow the timing you're given at your appointment.
When can I wear makeup after injectables?
Ideally, leave injection points makeup-free for the rest of the day. After that, apply makeup gently with clean hands or tools, and ask the clinic if you're unsure.
Is it normal for filler to feel lumpy at first?
Some firmness, swelling or small irregularities are common while filler settles over about two weeks. Avoid pressing or massaging unless told to, and contact the clinic if a lump is painful, growing, or still there after two weeks.
Should I stop my medications before injectables?
Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. Bring a complete list, including supplements, to your consultation so Sophie can advise, and check with your prescriber before changing anything.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Every treatment at Bloor West Medspa starts with a consultation and medical assessment with Sophie Gatward, NP, to confirm what is right for you. Individual results vary.