How to Prepare for Your Botox Injections: Helpful Tips

Botox remains one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments available. In the U.S., botulinum toxin type A, across all FDA-approved formulations, accounted for more than 8.7 million cosmetic procedures in 2022, a 73% increase over prior years.

OnabotulinumtoxinA is still the most widely used formulation, though five additional BoNT/A products are now approved for cosmetic use.

I get a lot of questions from patients about what to do in the days before an appointment, and what recovery actually feels like day to day. This is the detailed version of that: a countdown to your appointment and a timeline of what to expect afterward. For the basics of the treatment itself, and what happens during your visit, see my Botox page.

Your Pre-Appointment Countdown

2 weeks before: If you’re prepping for a wedding, reunion, or other big event, this is the latest I’d recommend scheduling. It gives full results time to develop and any minor bruising time to fade.

1 to 2 weeks before: Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other blood thinning supplements. These raise your risk of bruising. If you’re on a prescribed blood thinner, don’t stop it on your own, just mention it to me at your consultation so I can plan around it.

A few days before: If you smoke, try to cut back or abstain. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can affect healing and how well the treatment takes.

24 hours before: Skip alcohol and go easy on caffeine. Both dilate blood vessels and can contribute to swelling or bruising.

Day of: Drink water, and arrive with a clean face, no makeup, lotion, or other skincare products, so I’m working with a clear canvas.

Recovery, Day by Day

First hour: Stay upright, no lying down or bending over. Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas.

Day 1: Skip strenuous exercise, alcohol, and sauna or steam room use. Avoid sun exposure and heat. Gently moving your face (smiling, frowning) is fine and can even help distribute the product evenly, just avoid exaggerated expressions.

Days 2 to 3: Continue avoiding facials or chemical peels through the 48 hour mark. Most patients are back to their full routine by now, mild redness or tenderness at injection sites typically resolves within hours to a day or two.

Days 3 to 5: This is usually when patients start noticing the first signs of improvement.

Week 2: Full results are typically visible by this point, and this is also when I like to see patients back for a quick follow-up check.

A Few Common Prep Questions

Can I wear makeup right after treatment?

I’d wait at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation at the injection sites.

What if I forgot to stop a supplement in time?

It’s not a dealbreaker. Bruising risk is somewhat higher, but it’s still very treatable, mention it when you arrive so I can plan accordingly.

How far ahead should I book if I have sensitive skin or bruise easily?

Give yourself the full 2 week window before any event, and consider mentioning your history at consultation so I can take extra precautions.

Preparing well, and knowing what to expect afterward, makes the whole process easier. For details on treatment areas, what happens during your visit, and full aftercare, visit my Botox page. If you’re still deciding on a provider, I’ve also written about what to look for in a Botox injector.

Content updated: July 2026