Good aftercare is part of a good result. Most worries after Botox or lip fillers come from patients not knowing what is normal. A clear aftercare sheet reduces calls, prevents avoidable problems and makes your clinic look professional.
Important: this is general information for clinics and patients. Every patient should follow the instructions their own doctor gives them, because products, techniques and patients are different.
Botox Aftercare: The First 24 Hours
What is normal
- Small bumps at the injection points for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Mild redness, tenderness or a small bruise.
- A mild headache on the first day for some patients.
- Results start in 3 to 5 days and are usually full by about 2 weeks.
Botox aftercare do’s and don’ts
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Stay upright for about 4 hours | Lying flat or bending down for long periods for 4 hours |
| Gently move the treated muscles if your doctor advised it | Rubbing, pressing or massaging the area for 24 hours |
| Use a clean cold pack for a few minutes if there is swelling | Heavy exercise, sauna, steam and hot yoga for 24 hours |
| Keep your follow-up appointment | Alcohol for 24 hours, and facials or face massage for about 2 weeks unless your doctor agrees |
When to contact the clinic after Botox
- Drooping eyelid or eyebrow, or any change in vision.
- Signs of infection: increasing redness, heat, swelling or pain.
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing: get urgent medical help.
Lip Filler Aftercare: The First 48 Hours
What is normal
- Swelling, which is often worst on day 2 and settles over about a week.
- Tenderness and small bruises.
- Lips may feel a little firm or uneven at first while swelling settles.
Lip filler aftercare do’s and don’ts
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use a cold compress wrapped in a clean cloth, 10 minutes at a time | Massaging or pressing the lips unless your doctor told you to |
| Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first night | Heavy exercise, sauna and very hot showers for 24 to 48 hours |
| Keep the lips clean and drink water | Alcohol for 24 hours, and lipstick or makeup on the area for about 12 hours |
| Follow any medicine advice from your doctor | Dental work for about 2 weeks unless your doctor agrees |
When to contact the clinic after fillers
Tell patients clearly: call the clinic immediately if the skin turns white, blue, grey or blotchy, if pain is severe or increasing, or if there are any changes in vision (get emergency help). These can be signs of a blocked blood vessel and need fast treatment.
Free tool
Free Aftercare Sheet Maker
Pick Botox, fillers or 11 other treatments, edit every line to match your protocol, add your logo and print a professional aftercare sheet.
Make an aftercare sheet →What a Good Aftercare Sheet Includes
- Clinic name, logo, doctor name and phone or WhatsApp number.
- The treatment name and date.
- What is normal and for how long.
- Clear do and avoid lists with timeframes.
- Warning signs and exactly who to contact, including an emergency line.
- A line saying: follow your doctor’s instructions.
Send Aftercare on WhatsApp Too
Patients lose paper. Send the same sheet as a PDF on WhatsApp right after the visit, and a short check-in 2 days later: “How are you feeling after your treatment? Any questions?” This builds trust and catches problems early. See our guide on patient follow-up and retention.
Want aftercare sent automatically?
We set up WhatsApp messages that send the right aftercare sheet after each appointment and check in with patients 2 days later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after Botox can I lie down?
Most doctors advise staying upright for about 4 hours after Botox. Follow your own doctor’s advice.
Can I exercise after lip filler?
Usually patients avoid heavy exercise for 24 to 48 hours after lip filler, because heat and blood flow can increase swelling.
When will I see Botox results?
Results usually start in 3 to 5 days and are full by about 2 weeks.
Is there a free Botox aftercare template?
Yes. Our free aftercare sheet maker has editable Botox and filler templates that clinics can brand and print as a PDF.