Last reviewed: 29 July 2026
Authored by Dr Agata Kijowska, Founder & Principal Dentist, Calm Dental
Clinically reviewed by Dr Irene De Francesco, Medical Aesthetics Doctor and Consultant Clinical Oncologist

Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Aftercare

Most people experience mild, temporary effects after anti-wrinkle treatment. Follow the guidance below to support recovery and know when to ask for advice.

At Calm Dental, the prescribed product used is Bocouture, a UK-authorised prescription-only botulinum toxin type A medicine manufactured by Merz Aesthetics. Your product, batch number, dose and treatment sites are recorded in your clinical notes.

Rarely, the effects of botulinum toxin can spread beyond the treated area. Please read the safety information below and remain aware of the symptoms for four weeks after treatment.

What to Expect After Anti-Wrinkle Treatment

Anti-wrinkle injections begin working within a few days, with full results usually visible in 1–2 weeks. After treatment, you may notice:

Mild redness or small bumps at the injection sites (usually settle within an hour)
Light swelling or tenderness in the treated area
Occasional bruising, which fades within a few days
A “tight” feeling as the treatment starts to work

These effects are temporary and part of the normal healing process.

The First 24 Hours: Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Keep your head upright for at least 4 hours after treatment.
Normal facial movement is fine. Do not deliberately exercise the treated muscles unless your clinician has advised you to do so.
If you notice swelling or bruising, apply a wrapped cold compress lightly without rubbing or pressing on the treated area.

Don’t:

Rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas.
Apply makeup for at least 4 hours.
Lie flat, bend over repeatedly, or sleep face down during the first 4 hours.
Exercise, go to the gym, or do strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Drink alcohol for 24 hours, as it may increase bruising.

The First Week

Avoid facials, massages, or skin treatments that involve pressure on your face.
Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, or steam rooms for at least 48 hours.
Protect your skin from direct sun exposure. Use SPF daily.
Continue gentle cleansing of your face with mild products.

Long-Term Care and Results

Results commonly last around 3 to 4 months, although this varies between patients.
Repeat treatment should only be considered following clinical assessment. The interval between Bocouture treatments should not be shorter than 3 months.
Good skincare, hydration, sun protection and avoiding smoking support overall skin health.

When to Seek Advice or Medical Help

Rare symptoms requiring urgent medical help

In rare cases, the effect of botulinum toxin can spread beyond the treated area and cause iatrogenic botulism. Symptoms typically appear within 4 to 8 days, but may develop at any time during the first 4 weeks after treatment.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
New or worsening muscle weakness, including facial weakness
Severe drooping of the upper eyelids

If symptoms affect breathing or swallowing, are severe, or are rapidly worsening, call 999 immediately. For other suspected symptoms, call NHS 111 immediately and explain that you recently received botulinum toxin treatment. Do not wait for a reply from Calm Dental before seeking medical help.

Contact Calm Dental promptly for non-emergency concerns

Bocouture is generally well tolerated when appropriately prescribed and administered, but please contact us if you experience:

Severe or unusual pain
Swelling, redness or tenderness that is worsening rather than improving
Discharge, increasing heat around the treated area or fever
Eyelid or brow drooping, facial asymmetry or changes to your vision
Any other symptom that concerns you

For non-emergency advice, call Calm Dental on 020 7870 2702 during opening hours or email info@calmdental.co.uk.

Outside these hours, contact NHS 111 if your concern cannot wait. For a medical emergency, call 999.

Need Help After Your Treatment?

If you have a non-urgent question after treatment, our team can provide advice and arrange a review appointment where appropriate.

Call 020 7870 2702 during opening hours or email info@calmdental.co.uk.

FAQs

How soon will I see results after treatment?

You may notice early improvements within 3–5 days, with full results visible after 10–14 days.

Can I wear makeup after anti-wrinkle injections?

Wait at least 4 hours before applying makeup, and use clean brushes to avoid infection.

How long do results last?

Results commonly last around 3 to 4 months, although this varies between patients. Repeat treatment should only be considered after clinical assessment, and the interval between Bocouture treatments should not be shorter than 3 months.

Is there anything I should avoid long term?

Yes, avoid smoking, excess alcohol, and skipping sun protection, as they can all reduce the longevity of your results.

Which symptoms require urgent medical help?

Seek immediate medical help if you develop difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, new or worsening muscle weakness, or severe drooping of the upper eyelids. Symptoms may occur at any time during the first 4 weeks after treatment. Call 999 if symptoms affect breathing or swallowing, are severe, or are rapidly worsening. For other suspected symptoms, call NHS 111 immediately and explain that you recently received botulinum toxin treatment.

Let’s Talk About Your Aesthetic Goals

The above guidance has been clinically reviewed by Dr Irene De Francesco, Medical Aesthetics Doctor and Consultant Clinical Oncologist.

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