Most people who have Botox want to know what the days afterwards will be like. Some reactions are common and settle on their own. Others are signs that something is wrong. Knowing the difference helps you respond calmly and quickly.
This guide covers the common side effects, aftercare basics and the warning signs of a serious problem. It draws on Australian state health department advice. It is general information only. Your own practitioner’s instructions should always come first.
How botulinum toxin works on the face
Botulinum toxin type A weakens selected muscles in the face. Relaxing those muscles can lessen the lines linked to facial expression. The Victorian Better Health Channel lists frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet among the common treatment areas. Brand names available in Australia include Botox and Dysport.
The effect is not permanent. Better Health says it may last for up to six months, and regular treatments are needed to keep it. The injection itself is brief. It says most people describe it as an ant bite sting lasting a few seconds.
If you have general questions before your first appointment, our frequently asked questions about Botox is a good place to start. This article focuses on what happens after the injections. Knowing what to expect can take some of the worry out of the first few days.
Common side effects
Side effects are usually temporary. They tend to show up around the injection sites. Better Health lists these among the possible effects:
- pain, redness, swelling or bruising in the face
- headache
- drooping of the eyelids
- skin tightness or muscle weakness
- numbness or pins and needles
- nausea
- blurred vision
Because these effects are usually temporary, most settle over time. Even so, any symptom that worries you is worth raising with your practitioner. Better Health advises seeing your practitioner about unusual symptoms or any concerns. You do not need to wait before making contact.
Eyelid drooping appears on that list of possible side effects. Droopy eyelids can also have other causes, and our article on how to stop drooping eyelids looks at the wider topic. If drooping appears after injections, tell the practitioner who treated you. Drooping eyelids alongside other symptoms can also be a warning sign, as covered below.
Looking after yourself in the first few days
Your practitioner should give you written aftercare instructions. Follow those first. Better Health also suggests some general steps for the first few days.
Avoid extreme heat, such as saunas. Keep the treated area clean, and do not touch or rub it. Paracetamol can be used for pain relief, according to Better Health. If you are unsure whether a medicine suits you, ask a pharmacist or your doctor.
People sometimes ask whether they should work their facial muscles after treatment. Advice on this varies, so check with your practitioner before trying anything. Our article on facial exercises and Botox covers the topic in more detail. The simplest plan is to follow the instructions you were given on the day.
Who should not have it
Botulinum toxin is not suitable for everyone. Better Health says you should not have it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. The same applies if there is an infection in the muscles where it would be injected. People with certain muscle disorders elsewhere in the body, such as myasthenia gravis, should not have it either.
Tell the prescriber about every medicine and supplement you take. Mention antibiotics in particular, along with any planned surgery under general anaesthetic. Let them know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning either. Previous facial surgery, angle closure glaucoma and heart or circulation problems are also worth raising.
Warning signs of a serious problem
Serious complications can occur, and some can be life threatening. In January 2025, NSW Health issued an alert about a suspected case of botulism in a woman in Sydney. The illness was believed to be linked to an unregulated cosmetic injection. She had received it at a residential premises from an unauthorised person.
NSW Health listed the symptoms of botulism to watch for. They include progressive weakness, difficulty swallowing and drooping eyelids. They also include blurred or double vision and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can appear for up to two weeks after injections.
If you notice symptoms like these, seek medical help straight away. Go to the nearest emergency department or call triple zero. Do not wait to see whether they pass. Better Health gives the same advice for any serious complication after cosmetic injections.
Lowering your risk
The NSW case involved an unauthorised person and an unregulated product. NSW Health says cosmetic injections should be given under the supervision of an appropriately registered health practitioner. Better Health says injectables must be given by a registered health practitioner. You can check a practitioner’s registration on the Ahpra website.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has also warned about counterfeit botulinum toxin products detected at the Australian border. It says unapproved products may be counterfeit and pose serious health risks. In Australia, these products can only be lawfully imported with a valid prescription or written authority. This is another reason to be wary of injections offered outside a proper clinical setting.
Some information about Botox focuses mainly on the upsides, as in our earlier piece on the benefits of Botox. Benefits are only half of the picture. A balanced decision also weighs the side effects covered here. Your practitioner should talk through both before you agree to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Botox side effects last?
Better Health describes the side effects as usually temporary. It does not give a set timeframe. If a side effect is not settling or is getting worse, contact your practitioner.
Is it normal to have a headache after Botox?
Headache is one of the possible side effects listed by Better Health. It is usually temporary. Paracetamol is suggested for pain relief, but check with your practitioner or pharmacist if you are unsure.
When should I go to hospital after Botox?
Go to the nearest emergency department or call triple zero if you have signs of a serious problem. NSW Health lists progressive weakness, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, blurred or double vision and difficulty breathing as signs of botulism. These can appear for up to two weeks after injections.
Can I go to the sauna after Botox?
Better Health advises avoiding extreme heat, such as saunas, in the first few days after treatment. Your practitioner may give you more specific timing. Follow their written instructions.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an assessment by your own practitioner. Please speak with a doctor or qualified health professional about any symptoms or concerns.