West End Dental
Aftercare guidance

Caring for your skin after anti-wrinkle injections.

What to expect, how to support your result, and when to contact us.

Last updated · 1 May 2026
Questions? Call us on 0808 164 1003
Overview

Settling in and getting the best result

Results begin to appear around 5 days after treatment, with the optimal result visible at around 2 weeks.

Results normally last 3 to 4 months. After this, muscle activity will gradually return and lines may begin to reappear.

You will be invited for a review appointment 2 weeks after your treatment so we can assess the result and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to attend this appointment.

Key points

For the first 4 to 24 hours

A short list of dos and don'ts to support your result.

  • Stay upright for at least 4 hours after treatment.

  • Gently exercise the treated muscles for the first 4 hours to help absorption.

  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.

  • Avoid heavy physical activity for at least 24 hours.

  • Do not touch, rub or massage the treated areas.

  • Avoid applying make-up for at least 6 hours.

  • Do not lie flat or bend forward excessively for at least 4 hours.

  • Avoid facials, chemical peels, microneedling and other skin treatments for at least 2 weeks.

  • Follow any specific instructions given by your clinician.

Full guidance

Settling and supporting your result

What to expect

Mild side effects are common in the first few days and usually resolve on their own. These can include redness or swelling at injection sites (typically settling within a few hours), mild bruising that settles in a few days, and a mild headache or sensation of tightness in the treated areas.

Your review appointment

You will be invited for a review appointment 2 weeks after treatment. This lets us assess the result and make any small adjustments if needed. It is important to attend this appointment.

Maintenance

Anti-wrinkle injections are a temporary treatment. For best results, most patients benefit from maintenance treatments every 3 to 4 months.

If anything feels wrong

Contact us straight away if you notice any of these

  • Drooping eyelids
  • An uneven smile or eyebrow asymmetry
  • Visual disturbances
  • Symptoms that persist or get worse
In an emergency

When to seek urgent care

  • For sudden severe headache, breathing difficulty, swelling around the eyes or throat, or any reaction that feels serious, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
  • If you cannot reach us and your symptoms are severe, contact NHS 111 for advice.
Document

About this guidance

We review our aftercare guidance regularly to keep it current with clinical practice.

Last reviewed
1 May 2026
Next review
30 April 2027
Document version
1.0
Need to talk to us?

Get in touch

If you have any concerns or questions following your treatment, please contact your practice.