Anti-Wrinkle Injections Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections remain one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK — and for good reason. They’re fast, effective, and capable of softening fine lines and wrinkles with minimal disruption to your day.
But while the procedure itself is quick, patients often want to know what happens after their appointment. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a clear recovery timeline, answer common questions, and help you know exactly what to expect after anti-wrinkle treatment.
What Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections (commonly using botulinum toxin) work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles that cause expression lines — such as crow’s feet, frown lines, or forehead wrinkles.
The result? A smoother, fresher appearance without surgery.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
🕒 Immediately After Treatment (0–2 Hours)
- Mild redness or small bumps at the injection sites are common
- Slight tightness or tenderness may be felt
- You can usually return to work or normal activities straight away
Important:
Avoid touching or massaging the area to prevent the product from moving.
⏳ First 24 Hours
- You may experience mild swelling or a headache
- Avoid:
- Lying flat for 4 hours post-treatment
- Intense physical activity
- Alcohol and hot environments (e.g. saunas)
Most people resume their regular routine the same day — it’s one of the reasons anti-wrinkle treatments are often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure.”
📆 Days 2–5
- Initial effects may start to appear (slight softening of lines)
- Bruising, if present, typically begins to fade
Each person’s metabolism and muscle responsiveness are different, so don’t worry if changes are subtle at this stage.
💉 Day 7–10: Peak Effects
- This is when visible results fully develop — lines appear smoother and facial expressions feel more relaxed
- You may notice improved skin texture around the treated areas
- Any lingering redness or puffiness usually resolves by now
🗓 Weeks 2–4
- Your final results will be stable and noticeable
- If necessary, a follow-up appointment may be offered to assess symmetry or make minor adjustments
🕰 3–4 Months Onwards
- Effects gradually begin to wear off
- Lines may reappear as muscle movement returns
At this point, many patients choose to book a top-up session to maintain their results.
How to Support Recovery
To optimise your results and comfort after anti-wrinkle injections:
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours post-treatment
- Avoid vigorous rubbing, facials, or exfoliation for 48 hours
- Use arnica gel (if approved by your practitioner) to help with bruising
- Stay hydrated and rest if you feel fatigued
What If I’ve Had Tear Trough Fillers Too?
If you’ve recently had tear trough fillers, spacing out your appointments is important. Practitioners often recommend staggering treatments to monitor how your face responds and to ensure natural-looking results across different areas.
Treatments like tear trough and anti-wrinkle injections can complement each other, but timing and technique are key — especially in delicate facial zones.
Final Thoughts
Anti-wrinkle injections offer a simple, effective route to smoother skin and a more youthful look — all with minimal downtime. Understanding the recovery timeline helps manage expectations and ensures you get the most from your treatment.
Whether it’s your first appointment or a regular refresh, knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother and more satisfying.
✨ Want to Smooth Fine Lines Without the Guesswork?
Book a consultation to discuss your goals and discover if anti-wrinkle injections — or a tailored combination of treatments like tear trough fillers — are right for you.