Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Aftercare
Educational Resource — This page provides general aftercare guidance for patients who have received anti-wrinkle treatment. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your recovery, contact the Luxe Lips clinic directly.
Wrinkle treatments are individually planned following consultation with a medical professional. After your appointment, you may have questions about when you can resume normal activities, how long changes may take to appear, or what to expect in the days following treatment.
Following aftercare instructions supports appropriate recovery and allows the treatment area to settle as assessed during your consultation.
Every treatment at Luxe Lips is personalised. Your practitioner considers factors such as facial anatomy, muscle activity, skin characteristics, age, and lifestyle when developing your treatment plan. There is no standard approach. Suitability and dosing are determined on an individual basis.
Before your anti-wrinkle treatment appointment
AVOID BLOOD-THINNING MEDICATIONS FOR ONE WEEK
Aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and other supplements that thin the blood should be avoided for at least seven days before treatment to minimise bruising. If you take prescribed blood thinners, discuss this with your practitioner before your appointment. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
AVOID ALCOHOL FOR 48 HOURS BEFORE
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of bruising in the treated area. Avoid all alcohol for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
INFORM YOUR PRACTITIONER OF ALL MEDICATIONS
Certain prescription medicines and supplements may affect your suitability for treatment. Provide a complete list of everything you take, including supplements.
What to expect immediately after treatment
Anti-wrinkle treatments involve a series of small injections using a very fine needle into specific facial muscles. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch or sting. Topical anaesthetic can be applied if preferred, and sensitivity varies between individuals and treatment areas.
Immediately after treatment, you may notice small raised bumps in the treated areas. These are simply the fluid from the treatment settling under the skin and typically resolve within 20–30 minutes.
Tiny red dots at the treatment points may be visible for a few hours. Mild bruising is possible, particularly in the crow’s feet area where the skin is thin.
The treatment does NOT work immediately. There is no instant change in your appearance.
Visible changes develop gradually over several days, with the full effect typically seen around 10–14 days. Individual response times vary.
Anti-wrinkle treatment aftercare guidance
The Dos
Stay upright (sitting or standing) for at least four hours after your injections. This helps the product remain in the targeted muscles and reduces the risk of it migrating to unintended areas.
In the hours after treatment, gently move the muscles that were injected — raise your eyebrows, frown, squint. This helps the product settle as intended. The Luxe Lips team may recommend specific facial exercises during your appointment.
If you notice any swelling or tenderness in the treated areas, a cold compress applied gently for 5–10 minutes can help. Avoid pressing firmly on the treated areas.
Anti-wrinkle treatment requires very little downtime. You can return to work, socialise, and go about your day. Just observe the specific restrictions listed in the don’ts section.
The Dont's
Lying flat or bending forward increases blood flow to the face and may cause the product to spread to unintended muscles. Stay upright for a minimum of four hours after treatment.
Rubbing, pressing, or massaging the treated areas can displace the product from the intended treatment areas, potentially causing temporary unevenness or reduced treatment effect. Avoid touching the treated areas for at least 24 hours, and be mindful during face washing and skincare application.
Vigorous exercise increases blood pressure and blood flow to the face, which can cause the product to migrate. Avoid the gym, running, heavy lifting, and any strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours.
Any activity that involves prolonged time with your head below your heart (inverted yoga poses, certain pilates positions) or direct manipulation of the face (facials, facial massage) should be avoided for at least 24 hours.
Sustained pressure on treated areas from headbands, tight hats, VR headsets, or cycling helmets can displace the product. Avoid anything that puts pressure on the forehead or around the eyes for the first 24 hours.
Alcohol increases blood flow and can worsen bruising. It also causes facial flushing, which may be more pronounced after treatment. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
Skincare and nutrition after anti-wrinkle treatments
Skincare
Wash your face gently with your usual cleanser, but avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treated areas. Use your fingertips and pat dry.
Continue your usual sun protection routine. While anti-wrinkle treatment itself does not increase photosensitivity, UV damage is the primary driver of the wrinkles you have just treated. Consistent SPF use supports overall skin health.
When applying serums, moisturisers, and sunscreen, be gentle around the treated areas. Avoid firm circular motions and instead pat or dab products on for the first 24 hours.
Food & Drink
The alcohol restriction covered above is the most important dietary consideration during your recovery. Choose water, herbal tea, or sparkling water when socialising — hydration supports your body’s healing response.
Adequate water intake supports the body’s general recovery processes. There are no specific dietary restrictions following anti-wrinkle treatment.
Static versus dynamic wrinkles
Not all wrinkles respond to anti-wrinkle treatment, and understanding the difference is key to realistic expectations.
Dynamic wrinkles are lines that appear when you move your face: frown lines when you frown, forehead lines when you raise your eyebrows, crow’s feet when you smile. These are caused by repeated muscle contraction over time. Anti-wrinkle treatment targets the muscles responsible, and these lines are commonly addressed during treatment planning.
Static wrinkles are lines that are visible even when your face is at rest. These are caused by a combination of collagen loss, sun damage, skin laxity, and gravity. Anti-wrinkle treatment alone may not fully address static lines, though it may help reduce ongoing muscle-related contribution to their appearance.
At Luxe Lips, your practitioner assesses both dynamic and static wrinkles during your consultation and designs a plan that addresses each type appropriately. For static wrinkles, complementary treatments, may be discussed where clinically appropriate.
Your age, skin condition, lifestyle, and sun exposure history all influence how your wrinkles are categorised and treated. This is why every anti-wrinkle treatment at Luxe Lips is fully individualised. There is no standard dose or one-size-fits-all approach.
Will I look frozen?
The short answer is: treatment outcomes depend on individual factors and technique.
Anti-wrinkle treatment at Luxe Lips aims for a measured reduction in muscle activity, not complete paralysis. The goal is to soften dynamic wrinkles while maintaining natural facial expression where possible. You should still be able to raise your eyebrows, smile fully, and look like yourself.
The amount of product used, the precise treatment points, and the practitioner’s understanding of facial anatomy all influence the final outcome. Suitability and dosing are determined during consultation.
At your review appointment, your practitioner will assess the result and discuss whether any adjustments are appropriate. It is generally preferable to take a conservative approach initially and reassess at review if required.
Your treatment plan
At Luxe Lips, the consultation is the most important part of the entire journey. Your practitioner listens first, conducts a full facial assessment, and designs a staged, multi-session plan tailored to your individual anatomy, concerns, and goals. There is no standardised package thinking — every plan is built around you.
Anti-wrinkle injections sit within the Refinement phase of our treatment philosophy, which follows a clear sequence: Skin Quality → Structure → Refinement. Once skin quality has been optimised through treatments like microneedling, bioremodelling, and skin laser treatments, and structural concerns have been addressed with dermal filler, anti-wrinkle treatment refines the result by softening dynamic lines that remain.
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most commonly stacked treatments at Luxe Lips. They are frequently combined with dermal filler in the same session. The anti-wrinkle component addresses dynamic lines from muscle movement, while filler restores volume and contour.
This dual approach allows different anatomical concerns to be addressed within a single treatment plan. Hall (2024) demonstrated that the sequential application of anti-wrinkle injectables and dermal fillers produced enhanced aesthetic outcomes, and Carruthers et al. (2016) published consensus recommendations supporting combined aesthetic interventions for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Beyond same-session combinations, anti-wrinkle injections are maintained as part of a 12-month skin investment plan. Regular treatments every 3–4 months may be recommended depending on individual response and goals. With repeated treatments, muscle activity may reduce over time in some individuals. Energy-based devices such as Fotona 5Dmay be used alongside anti-wrinkle injections, where clinically appropriate, to support skin quality and address static components of ageing.
The HARMONY Study (Weinkle et al., 2018) demonstrated that comprehensive treatment plans combining multiple modalities produced significantly higher patient satisfaction with facial appearance compared to isolated treatments. This aligns with the conservative, natural-result approach at Luxe Lips: gradual, multi-angle improvement rather than aggressive single-treatment intervention.
Your practitioner will explain exactly how anti-wrinkle injections fit within your broader plan, including optimal timing relative to filler, skin-quality treatments, and maintenance scheduling. Every recommendation is based on your individual assessment and goals.
Your next steps will be reviewed during your follow-up appointment at our Moonee Ponds, Camberwell, or Brighton cosmetic clinic.
Healing timeline
Day 1 (Day of treatment)
Small bumps in the treated areas resolve within 20–30 minutes. Tiny red dots at treatment points may be visible for a few hours. Mild bruising is possible. No noticeable change in muscle movement yet.
Days 2–3
The product is beginning to take effect. The treated muscles may feel slightly heavy or different to move, but visible changes are not yet apparent. Bruising (if present) may become more visible before it fades.
Days 5–7
A noticeable reduction in muscle movement in the treated areas may begin to develop. Lines at rest may already look softer. The forehead may feel smooth when you try to raise your eyebrows. The product is still settling. The result is not yet final.
Days 10-14
The treatment is generally considered to be at its most stable phase. Muscles remain relaxed, and lines may appear smoother. Individual perceptions of peak timing vary.
Months 2-3
A noticeable reduction in muscle movement in the treated areas may begin to develop. Lines at rest may already look softer. The forehead may feel smooth when you try to raise your eyebrows. The product is still settling. The result is not yet final.
Ongoing Maintenance
Anti-wrinkle treatment lasts 3–4 months on average, though this varies between individuals. Some patients choose to maintain treatment at intervals recommended during consultation. Some patients find that with consistent treatment over time, they can gradually extend the interval between appointments as the muscles weaken from disuse.
What is normal vs what warrants a call
Normal
- ✓Small bumps at injection sites (resolve within 30 minutes)
- ✓Tiny red dots at injection points (fade within hours)
- ✓Mild bruising, particularly around the eye area
- ✓Mild headache on the day of treatment
- ✓A heavy or tight sensation in the treated muscles as the product takes effect
- ✓Slight asymmetry during the settling period (days 3–10) before full effect
- Anti-wrinkle treatment generally has a mild recovery profile. Most patients all normal activities the same day.
Contact the clinic if you experience
- !Drooping of one eyelid (ptosis) — uncommon but possible if the product affects adjacent muscles
- !Significant asymmetry that persists beyond two weeks
- !Severe headache that does not respond to paracetamol
Seek Urgent Care Immediately
- ⚠Widespread muscle weakness beyond the treated area
- ⚠Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- ⚠Blurred or double vision
- ⚠Severe allergic reaction: widespread hives, facial swelling beyond injection sites, throat tightness
- ⚠Spreading muscle weakness or drooping affecting areas far from the treatment site
These urgent symptoms are extremely rare but require immediate medical attention. Call the Luxe Lips clinic or present to your nearest emergency department. Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
Your follow-up appointment
Your follow-up consultation is recommended approximately two weeks after your anti-wrinkle treatment. This is when the treatment effect is typically assessed, and your practitioner can accurately review the outcome.
During the review, your practitioner will check for symmetry, treatment response, and patient satisfaction. If any areas require a small top-up adjustment, this can be done at the review appointment. Top-ups within the review period are typically included in the original treatment fee. Your practitioner will confirm this.
This review is important. Even if you are happy with the result, attending the review allows your practitioner to document the outcome and refine the treatment plan for your next session.
If you are ready to discuss your treatment plan, book your consultation now.
Common questions about anti-wrinkle treatment aftercare
How long does anti-wrinkle treatment last?
On average, 3–4 months. Some patients find it lasts slightly longer or shorter depending on their metabolism, the area treated, and the dose used. Regular maintenance treatments may help sustain the treatment effect, depending on individual response.
Can I go back to work after anti-wrinkle injections?
Most patients return to work the same day, though small red dots in the treated areas may be visible for a few hours and mild bruising is possible. Every patient responds differently, and it is worth scheduling your first treatment on a day where you have flexibility in case you need time to settle.
Will anti-wrinkle treatment prevent wrinkles from getting worse?
It may help reduce the repetitive muscle activity that contributes to dynamic wrinkles. By reducing repetitive muscle movement, the treatment can soften the appearance of dynamic lines. Patients who maintain regular treatments sometimes report that their lines appear less pronounced when the product wears off compared to before they started treatment. Individual responses vary.
Can I drink alcohol after anti-wrinkle treatment?
It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol increases blood flow, may worsen bruising, and can cause facial flushing that may be more noticeable immediately after treatment.
Why do I need to stay upright after treatment?
Remaining upright for four hours helps the product stay within the intended treatment areas. Lying down or bending forward can increase blood flow to the face and potentially cause the product to spread to adjacent muscles, which may lead to unwanted effects like eyelid drooping.
Can I have anti-wrinkle treatment while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Anti-wrinkle treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a precautionary measure. There is insufficient safety data for use during these periods.
What happens if I stop getting anti-wrinkle treatment?
Your muscles gradually return to their pre-treatment movement pattern, and wrinkles will reappear over time. You will not look worse than you did before treatment — the muscles simply return to their natural state. Some patients report that their wrinkles appear less deep than before they started treatment, though this varies between individuals.
Does anti-wrinkle treatment hurt?
Most patients describe the injections as a brief pinch or sting. The needles used are extremely fine, and each injection takes only a few seconds. If you are particularly needle-sensitive, a topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment.
Can anti-wrinkle treatment be reversed?
There is no way to reverse anti-wrinkle injectables. Once injected, the effect must wear off naturally over 3–4 months. This is why it is important to start conservatively — your practitioner can always add more at the review, but the product cannot be removed once administered.There is no way to reverse anti-wrinkle injectables. Once injected, the effect must wear off naturally over 3–4 months. This is why it is important to start conservatively — your practitioner can always add more at the review, but cannot remove product that has already been injected.
Do I need anything else besides anti-wrinkle treatment?
Anti-wrinkle treatment addresses dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, but other signs of ageing — volume loss, skin laxity, sun damage, and static lines — may require different approaches. Dermal fillers restore volume, bioremodelling treatments support skin quality, and treatments like Fotona 5D address laxity and collagen support. Treatment suitability is determined during consultation.
Can I fly after anti-wrinkle injections?
There is no clinical reason you cannot fly after anti-wrinkle injections — cabin pressure does not affect the treatment or how the product settles. However, mild swelling at the injection sites may be slightly more noticeable due to the fluid retention associated with altitude and reduced cabin humidity. If you are flying on the same day as treatment, ensure you remain upright during the flight for at least four hours post-injection.
How do anti-wrinkle injections work alongside other treatments?
Anti-wrinkle injections address dynamic lines from muscle movement, while fillers restore volume and bioremodelling improves skin quality — the combination tackles ageing from multiple angles simultaneously. At Luxe Lips, anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler are frequently administered in the same session. Your practitioner designs a staged plan following a Skin Quality → Structure → Refinement sequence, with anti-wrinkle injections forming the refinement layer of your overall treatment strategy.
Can I lie down after anti-wrinkle injections?
Avoid lying flat for at least four hours after treatment. This reduces the theoretical risk of product migration from the injection site. Remaining upright helps the product stay within the targeted muscles. After four hours, you can lie down and sleep normally.
Can I do yoga or Pilates after anti-wrinkle injections?
Avoid yoga, Pilates, and similar exercise for at least 24 hours after anti-wrinkle injections. Inversions (downward dog, headstands), bending forward, and positions that put your head below your heart can increase blood flow to the face and potentially affect how the product settles. After 24 hours, you can resume these activities as normal.
Can I sleep on my side after anti-wrinkle injections?
It is best to sleep on your back for the first night after treatment. Sleeping on your side puts pressure on the treated areas and, in the first few hours, could theoretically affect product distribution. After 24 hours, sleeping position is unlikely to affect the result. If you are a habitual side sleeper, try propping pillows on either side to encourage back sleeping for just one night.
Why are my anti-wrinkle injections not working?
If you feel your treatment has not taken effect, wait the full 14 days before drawing conclusions. The product takes time to reach its full effect. Some patients notice changes earlier, while others may not see the full response until around two weeks. If you see no improvement at all after two weeks, contact the clinic. Factors that can influence response include dosage, individual muscle strength, and metabolism. A review appointment allows your practitioner to assess and discuss whether any adjustments are appropriate
Your Next Step
If you have questions about your recovery, would like to discuss your aftercare, or are ready to book a follow-up appointment, the Luxe Lips clinical team is here to support you with clarity and care.
Anti-wrinkle treatment aftercare support at Luxe Lips
Post-treatment support is part of the service at Luxe Lips. A 24/7 medical professional is available to answer queries after your appointment. If you have a concern about your healing, regardless of the time, call the clinic and press 1 to alert the team to a medical concern relating to your procedure.
If something concerns you before your follow-up, do not wait. Contact the clinic directly. For appointments, consultations, or general enquiries, visitluxelips.com.au or call the clinic during business hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general guidance for patients who have received anti-wrinkle treatment at Luxe Lips. It does not constitute medical advice. Every individual is different, and recovery experiences vary. If you are concerned about any aspect of your recovery, contact the Luxe Lips clinic directly rather than relying solely on this page. For urgent medical concerns unrelated to the procedure, contact your GP or call 000. Individual results may vary. No guarantee of specific outcomes is expressed or implied.
References
- Satriyasa BK. “Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2019;12:223-228.
- Small R. “Botulinum toxin injection for facial wrinkles.” American Family Physician. 2014;90(3):168-175.
- Nigam PK, Nigam A. “Botulinum toxin.” Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2010;55(1):8-14.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). “Botulinum toxin regulation in Australia.” Australian Government Department of Health.
- Hall C. (2024). Optimizing facial aesthetics: Sequential application of botulinum toxin A and dermal fillers for enhanced results. Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing, 44(1), 70-71.
- Carruthers J et al. (2016). Consensus recommendations for combined aesthetic interventions in the face. Dermatologic Surgery, 42(5), 586-597.
- Weinkle SH et al. (2018). Impact of comprehensive, minimally invasive, multimodal aesthetic treatment on satisfaction with facial appearance: The HARMONY Study. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 38(5), 540-556.
- Hoffman L, Fabi S. (2022). Look better, feel better, live better? The impact of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures on satisfaction with appearance and psychosocial wellbeing. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(5), 47-58.
