How long does botox last — and what to avoid afterwards
Prices as of 24.10.2026
How long does botox last: what happens after the injections
Tap a point on the timeline.
First hours
Mild redness, small bumps or swelling at the injection points. They usually settle within a few hours. You can go back to work straight away.
Days 2–5
Movement becomes softer – these are the first changes. Sometimes a small bruise appears and lasts about a week.
Around day 14
The full effect has developed. At the follow-up visit the result and symmetry are checked; if needed, Melior adds a small dose, included in the price.
Months 1–3
The effect stays steady. Everyday life, exercise and skincare without restrictions.
Months 3–4
Movement returns gradually and lines become more visible. Treatment is repeated once movement is back, usually not more often than every 3 months. For sweating the effect lasts 4–9 months.
Botox aftercare: what to avoid and what is fine
Choose how much time has passed.
Avoid
- Lying down and bending forward for longThe product is still binding to the muscle
- Rubbing, massaging or pressing the injection points – including with a tight hat, helmet or sleep maskPressure could move it towards neighbouring muscles
Fine
- Working, walking, sitting
- Sleeping as usual at night
Avoid
- Exercise and heavy physical effortHeat and effort widen blood vessels – more swelling and bruising
- Sauna, sunbeds, hot baths
- Alcohol
Fine
- Lying down and bending forward
- Everyday life without heat or strain
Avoid
- Facial massageThe area is left alone until slight swelling settles
- Facials, peels and device treatments on the face
Fine
- Exercise, sauna, your usual routine
No rush
- Judging the result too earlyThe full effect takes 7–14 days
- Planning extra injections on your ownThis is decided at the follow-up visit
Fine
- Everything except intensive facial treatments – their timing is agreed with the specialist
What affects how long botox lasts
Area and dose
The forehead and the eye area can last different lengths of time.
Active expressions
The more active the muscles, the sooner movement can return.
First time
Your muscles’ response is not yet known, so the effect may seem shorter.
Repeat treatments
The interval can lengthen over time. Too-frequent injections risk antibodies.
Botox side effects: what is normal and when to get help
Common
- redness, bumps, swelling – a few hours
- small bruise – up to a week
- mild headache
Rare
- heavy or drooping brow or eyelid
- can last up to 12 weeks and wears off on its own
Tell the clinic
Call 112 now
- difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
- rash, swelling of the face or lips
Emergency number in Estonia: 112
Planning an event?
Wedding, holiday, photo shoot — pick how long you have until the event.
In more detail
How does botox work, and why does it wear off?
Botulinum toxin type A temporarily weakens the nerve signal to a muscle: it contracts less, and lines caused by movement soften. The effect wears off because nerve endings gradually form new connections.
It does not add volume – that is what dermal fillers are for.
Why the first treatment can wear off sooner
Your individual muscle response only becomes clear after a couple of weeks, so the result is checked at the follow-up and a small extra dose is added if needed. After repeat treatments the muscle may thin slightly and the effect can last longer.
What happens at the appointment?
Usually a short, light prick with a very fine needle; the injections take 15–30 minutes. First comes a consultation: health, medicines, previous injections. First-time patients have a skin test. The follow-up visit is after about two weeks.
Who should not have botulinum toxin?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, neuromuscular conditions, inflammation in the treatment area. Blood thinners prescribed by your doctor are not stopped on your own – they are discussed at the consultation. The specialist makes the decision.
Frequently asked questions
How long does botox last the first time?
Usually the same 3–4 months, but the first treatment can seem shorter because your response is not yet known. The result is checked at the follow-up after about two weeks.
When can I exercise after botox?
After 24 hours. On the first day, exercise, sauna and strong heat widen blood vessels and can increase swelling and bruising.
Can I drink alcohol after botox?
Not for the first 24 hours: alcohol widens blood vessels and can make bruising worse. Melior also advises avoiding it for 24–48 hours before the treatment.
When can I lie down or sleep after botox?
After 4 hours. Until then you stay upright and avoid pressing on the injection points. At night you can sleep as usual.
Does botox hurt?
Most people describe a short, light prick: the needle is very fine and the injections take 15–30 minutes. Numbing cream can be used on the more sensitive palms and soles.
What happens if I stop having botox?
The effect wears off gradually and the muscle works as before, so expression lines become visible again.
How much does botox cost in Tallinn?
At Melior Clinics from €125 for one small area; the frown line is €200 and three areas €550 (price list 24.10.2026).
Botulinum injections in Tallinn
Read next
- DermNet: Botulinum toxin
- American Academy of Dermatology: Botulinum toxin therapy: FAQs
- Gangigatti R. et al. Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A for improving esthetics in facial complex: a systematic review. Braz Dent J, 2021 (PubMed)
- Santorelli A. et al. Are post-care recommendations following upper-face botulinum toxin treatment scientifically necessary? A retrospective study based on 5000 patients. Toxins, 2025 (PMC)
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation. Whether a treatment suits you is decided by a specialist at the consultation. Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn · Estonian Health Board licence L04198.
