Botox & Fillers: Aftercare Checklist (What to Expect in the First 7 Days)

You’ve just left the clinic, and you are understandably excited to see your fresh, rejuvenated look. But whether you’ve had anti-wrinkle injections to smooth fine lines or dermal fillers to restore volume, the work isn't quite finished yet.

The truth is, great results depend on great aftercare.

The first week post-treatment is the "settling period." It is critical for ensuring the product integrates correctly, minimizing unnecessary bruising or swelling, and ultimately protecting your investment. At The Hereford Cosmetics Clinic, we want you to feel confident every step of the way.

In this guide, we will walk you through a comprehensive 7-day Botox and filler aftercare checklist, explaining exactly what is happening under your skin and how to care for it.

Day 0: The First 24 Hours (Handle with Care)

The first few hours are the most important. Your skin has just been injected, so it needs time to heal and for the product to settle into place.

What to Expect: It is completely normal to see mild redness, slight swelling, or tiny "pinprick" marks at the injection sites. These usually fade significantly within the first hour.

The Golden Rule: Do not rub, touch, or massage the treated areas. Touching the area can introduce bacteria (risking infection) or potentially move the product before it has settled.

Stay Upright: Try to remain upright for at least 4 hours after treatment. If you need to rest, prop yourself up on pillows to keep your head elevated—this helps reduce initial swelling.

Cool It Down: If you feel a bit tender, you can apply an ice pack (wrapped in a clean cloth) for short 10-minute intervals. Avoid direct ice-to-skin contact.

Days 1–2: Reduce the Heat

By now, the initial redness should have subsided, but your body is still in recovery mode. The goal for these two days is to keep inflammation low.

Skip the Gym: We give you full permission to skip your workout! Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or anything that gets your heart rate up. Increased blood flow can increase swelling and bruising.

Avoid Heat Sources: Steer clear of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and very hot showers. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can exacerbate swelling.

Watch Your Diet: It is best to skip alcohol for 48 hours, as it thins the blood and increases bruising risk. Also, try to avoid very salty foods, which can cause fluid retention and puffiness.

Skincare Adjustments: Stick to a simple routine. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid active ingredients like Retinol, Vitamin C, or AHAs/BHAs near the injection sites to prevent irritation.

Days 3–4: The "Bruise" Phase

If you are prone to bruising, this is often when it peaks. Don’t panic—it is a natural part of the healing process and will fade.

Managing Bruises: If you notice a bruise, Arnica cream or gel can be a lifesaver. Applying this gently can help speed up the healing process.

Concealer is Okay: By day 3, it is usually safe to apply makeup to cover any marks. Just ensure your brushes or sponges are clean to avoid infection.

Sleep Smart: Continue to sleep on your back if possible. Squashing your face into a pillow can put pressure on filler that is still integrating with your tissue.

Movement: You can resume light activities, like walking, but continue to avoid high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or heavy weights if you still feel swollen.

Days 5–7: Settling In

By the end of the first week, you should start seeing the "real" you emerging.

Swelling Subsides: Most swelling should be gone by now, revealing the true contour of your dermal fillers. For Botox, this is often when the magic starts to happen, and you’ll notice muscle movement beginning to soften.

Back to Normal: You can generally return to your normal skincare routine, including exfoliation. However, continue to avoid invasive facial treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion for at least two weeks.

Review Time: If your treatment package includes a review (common for Botox to check symmetry), ensure this is booked in for the 14-day mark.

When to Contact The Clinic

While complications are rare, it is vital to know the warning signs. Contact us immediately if you experience:

Intense Pain: Discomfort that is severe or getting worse over time, rather than better.

Skin Changes: Any pale, dusky, or mottled discoloration of the skin (which could indicate a blocked blood vessel—a rare but urgent issue).

Signs of Infection: Increasing heat, redness, spreading swelling, or pus at the injection site.

Significant Asymmetry: While some unevenness is normal due to swelling, severe drooping (ptosis) should be assessed.

3 Tips to Optimise Your Results Long-Term

Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable: UV rays break down collagen and can degrade fillers faster. Wear SPF 50 daily to prolong your investment.

Hydration: Hyaluronic acid fillers (the most common type) love water. Staying well-hydrated helps the filler look plump and smooth.

Be Consistent: Anti-wrinkle treatments work best preventatively. Sticking to a regular schedule (usually every 3-4 months) prevents the muscles from regaining their full strength, meaning you may need less product over time.

Need to ask a question about your recovery? If you have any concerns during your Botox aftercare or filler recovery journey, we are just a phone call away.