Your Guide to Neurotoxin Injections: Prep, Aftercare, and FAQs
- klosik
- Jul 31
- 7 min read
Pre & Post Care for Neurotoxin Treatments: What You Need to Know
Whether you're totally new to neurotoxins or religious about your quarterly treatment, there’s one thing I wish more people knew: your results start before your appointment — and last long after it’s over.
At Horizon Med Spa, products such as Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify (we’ll just call them neurotoxins for now) are quick, effective, and relatively low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they’re one-size-fits-all. How you prep for your neurotoxin treatment, and how you care for your skin afterward, can make a big difference in how smooth, balanced, and long-lasting your botox results are.
This post covers everything you need to know — no gatekeeping, no fluff. Just real guidance, straight from someone who injects and educates on this every day.
What Are Neurotoxins and How Do They Work?
Botox and its sister products are made from botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that’s been used safely for both medical and cosmetic reasons for decades. In aesthetic medicine, we use botox in very small, controlled doses to relax specific facial muscles.
What Common Areas Are Treated with Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify?
Why does this matter? Because over time, repeated facial expressions — like frowning, squinting, or raising your brows — create lines in the skin. These are called dynamic wrinkles.
Types of Dynamic Wrinkles:
The “11s” between your brows
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet around your eyes
When we inject a neurotoxin into those overactive muscles, it temporarily blocks the nerve signal that tells the muscle to contract. That means the muscle can chill out — and as a result, your skin has a chance to smooth out too.
Think of it like ironing out a shirt. If you stop folding it the same way every day, those creases won’t keep deepening. That’s exactly what neurotoxins help with.
What Neurotoxins Can And Can’t Do
Now, let’s be really clear on what neurotoxins don’t do:
They don’t plump or add volume (that’s what fillers are for)
They don’t erase deep static wrinkles (though they can soften them over time)
And no — they won’t make your whole face frozen… unless you specifically ask for that (and even then, I’ll probably steer you toward something more natural-looking)
What you can expect from tox is smoother skin, softer movement, and a refreshed look that still feels like you.
How soon will you see results from Botox?
Most people start seeing changes in about 3–5 days, with full results at 2 weeks. Results typically last around 3–4 months, but some clients go a bit longer with regular maintenance.
What Should I Do To Prepare for My Neurotoxin Appointment?
Neurotoxin appointments are quick — sometimes under 20 minutes — but what you do before can have a big impact on how you feel and how your skin responds.
Here’s how to prep for your Neurotoxin appointment like a pro:
Avoid Blood Thinners
Prior to your Neurotoxin appointment, avoid blood thinners. This includes over-the-counter meds like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve), plus supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, and garlic. Try to avoid these for about 3–5 days before your appointment — they can increase the risk of bruising.
Of course, if a doctor prescribed any of these for medical reasons, don’t stop taking them without medical approval. Just give your injector a heads-up.
Skip the Wine
Don't drink alcohol 24 hours before your botox appointment. Like blood thinners, it can make bruising more likely.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
Avoid waxing, peels, facials, dermaplaning, or strong exfoliants (like retinol or glycolic acid) for at least 2–3 days before your botox appointment. Come in with clean, product-free skin if possible — but no stress if you're coming straight from work. We can cleanse in-office too.
Plan Around Events
Get your neurotoxin treatment at least two weeks before any major photos, weddings, or trips. Not because there’s a long recovery — there isn’t — but because results take time to show. You want to look your best once everything has settled.
What Can I Expect Right After My Botox Appointment?
So, what happens once the botox injections are done?
The most common immediate effects of Botox injections are:
Tiny bumps at the injection sites (think little mosquito bites)
Mild redness or swelling
Occasionally, light bruising or a dull headache
All of these common botox side effects usually fade within a few hours, if not sooner. Most clients head straight back to work, errands, or lunch. No downtime required. You won’t see an instant difference in your lines — that’s normal. Botox needs a few days to start working.
Botox Aftercare Instructions
The first day or two after treatment is the time to be a little more mindful. Here’s what I always recommend to my patients after their neurotoxin treatment:
The First 4 Hours:
Stay upright. No lying down, bending forward, or pressing your forehead against anything.
Avoid touching or rubbing your face — no massages or poking around to “see if it worked.”
Skip hats, headbands, or anything tight that puts pressure on the treated area.
The goal here is to let the product settle exactly where it was placed — and not accidentally shift it around.
The First 24 Hours:
No workouts, hot yoga, or anything that makes you sweat.
Avoid saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, or long hot showers.
Don’t schedule facials, microneedling, or use skin tools like gua sha or rollers.
Keep your skincare simple — gentle cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. Skip actives like retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliants.
Day 2 And Beyond:
You can go back to most normal activities.
If you wear makeup, just be gentle when applying and removing it.
Still avoid intense facials or facial tools until the product is fully settled (about 7 days, to be safe).
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Botox
Let’s bust a few myths about Botox and other Neurotoxins.
“Will my face look frozen after Botox?”
Only if you want it to. But seriously, goals will be discussed at your consultation. A good injector knows how to target the right muscles and preserve natural movement. You should still look like yourself — just more rested and polished.
“If I stop doing Botox, will my wrinkles come back worse?”
Nope. If you decide to stop treatments, your muscles will simply go back to moving like they did before, and your lines will return to their natural state — not worse than before.
“Can I undo Botox if I don’t like it?”
Unfortunately, no — neurotoxins can’t be reversed. But the effects are temporary. If you’re unsure, start conservatively. I always recommend a 2-week follow-up to assess and tweak if needed.
When to Call Your Injector
Side effects of neurotoxin injections are rare, but you should always reach out if you experience any of the following:
Possible Side Effects of Botox
Drooping eyelids or uneven brow movement
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Signs of infection (redness, warmth, tenderness, or discharge) at the injection site
Results that look noticeably unbalanced or very different than expected
I always want to know how you’re doing — especially if something feels off. Most “weird” outcomes are either temporary or can be addressed with a small adjustment.
Final Thoughts on Getting the Best Neurotoxin Results
Here’s the bottom line: neurotoxins are a powerful tool in aesthetic medicine — but they work best when you’re part of the process. By prepping smart, caring for your skin afterward, and trusting the timeline, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible results.
Whether you’re here for preventative maintenance, wrinkle-softening, or just want to look a little more refreshed without anyone knowing why — I’m here for it. I want you to feel educated, empowered, and confident every step of the way. Schedule your Botox appointment now and say goodbye to wrinkles!
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Injections
How should I prepare for a Botox or Dysport appointment?
To prep for Botox or Dysport, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for 3–5 days, skip alcohol for 24 hours, and avoid harsh skincare or facials before your visit.
What should I avoid after getting Botox?
Avoid lying down, sweating, massaging the treated area, or using facial tools for at least 24 hours after your Botox injections. Let the product settle without interference.
How soon will I see Botox or Dysport results?
Results usually begin in 3–5 days, with full results at 2 weeks. Be patient and avoid manipulating your face during this time to get the best outcome.
Can I wear makeup after Botox injections?
Yes, but wait at least 4–6 hours. Use gentle application and removal techniques to avoid disturbing the treated areas.
Will my face look frozen after Botox?
Not unless that’s your goal! A skilled injector will tailor the treatment to preserve natural movement while softening fine lines and wrinkles.
What if I don’t like the results from my neurotoxin treatment?
Botox and similar treatments are temporary and wear off within 3–4 months. If you’re unsure, always start with a conservative dose and schedule a 2-week follow-up to adjust if needed.
Kimberly Losik, a board certified nurse practitioner, is the Founder, Owner and Medical Director of Horizon Med Spa and Wellness. Kimberly has earned multiple degrees including a bachelors in Kinesiology, a bachelors in Nursing, as well as a Masters in Nursing. For over a decade, she has earned experience in Orthopedics, Geriatrics, Internal medicine, Medical weight loss, aesthetics and anti-aging medicine. Her passion to help patients look and feel like the best version of themselves was the foundation of Horizon, which began in early 2020. Since then, she has attended numerous trainings, conferences and seminars to continue to offer patients the best solutions and aesthetic and antiaging medicine. Additionally, she is a clinical trainer for the company Inmode, an internationally recognized leader in the aesthetic industry.
Comments