This document is for existing patients of The Glow Co. Aesthetics. It has been prepared by Registered Nurse Lisa to support your recovery following treatment received at our clinic. It is not intended for general publication and does not constitute advertising or promotion of any prescription medicine. All prescription medicines are prescribed by our clinic's medical practitioner following individual clinical assessment.
Your Treatment
Today you received an injection of botulinum toxin into specific facial muscles associated with your expression concerns. Botulinum toxin is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine that works by temporarily reducing nerve signals to the treated muscles. This gradually softens the appearance of expression lines as the muscle activity reduces over the days following your appointment.
Over the next three days the medication will begin to take effect in the muscle. Full effect is typically visible at 2 to 2.5 weeks and lasts approximately 12 to 16 weeks depending on your individual metabolism and muscle activity.
What to Expect
The following are normal and expected responses to your treatment:
- Small raised bumps at injection points, settling within 20 to 30 minutes
- Bruising at one or more injection sites, occurring in approximately one in four patients and resolving within 7 to 14 days
- Mild headache within the first 24 hours. Paracetamol is appropriate if needed
- Mild migraine in patients who carry tension in the treated muscles, as those muscles begin to relax. Take your regular migraine medication if this occurs
Aftercare Instructions
For the First 4 Hours
- Remain upright. Do not lie down or bend forward
- Do not touch, rub, massage, or apply pressure to the treated areas
- Avoid makeup application to treated sites
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, or anything generating significant heat
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen unless medically necessary. Paracetamol is fine
For the First 24 Hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise. Light activity and small muscle workouts are acceptable after the first 4 hours
- Continue to avoid anti-inflammatory medications and alcohol
For the First 3 Days
- Avoid face-down positions including face-down massage
- Avoid direct sun exposure to treated areas
- Avoid high-intensity exercise or anything that generates excessive heat or sweating
- After 3 days the botulinum toxin will have settled into the muscle and will not migrate. Normal activity can resume
For the First 7 Days
- Avoid invasive treatments to the area including skin needling, tattooing, and any procedure that penetrates the skin
For the First 14 Days
- Avoid cosmetic treatments to treated areas including waxing, facials, chemical peels, and laser procedures
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily
When You Will See Results
- Days 3 to 5: Reduced muscle movement begins to become noticeable
- Days 10 to 14: Effect is substantially visible
- 2 to 2.5 weeks: Full effect established. This is the appropriate time for your review appointment
- Duration: 12 to 16 weeks on average, varying by individual
Possible Complications
The following are uncommon but should be monitored for:
- Asymmetry: If after 2 to 2.5 weeks you notice asymmetry when moving the treated muscles, contact the clinic. Some asymmetry resolves on its own over 1 to 12 weeks. Where clinically appropriate, a refinement can be provided
- Swelling: If swelling occurs around an injection site, an oral antihistamine is appropriate. Please also contact the clinic to let us know
- Infection: Rare. Signs typically appear 5 to 7 days post-treatment and include increasing redness, swelling, and heat at the injection site. Contact the clinic immediately if you notice these
Contact the Clinic Immediately If You Experience
- Drooping of the eyelid, eyebrow, or corner of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty breathing
- Any symptom that concerns you
For urgent concerns, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
For non-urgent concerns, contact Nurse Lisa on 0405 130 108.
For further information, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has published a patient resource: Supporting a safe choice about cosmetic injectables.
Future Treatments
Evidence supports twice-yearly treatment to maintain results for most patients. For some, 3 to 4 treatments per year is appropriate depending on individual response and muscle activity. A top-up to the same area can be considered from 2.5 to 3 weeks after your initial treatment if clinically indicated following your review.
Your Review Appointment
Your review is scheduled at approximately 2 weeks post-treatment once the full effect is established. Nurse Lisa will assess your result and discuss whether any refinement is clinically appropriate. Please book your review within this window.
Contact the clinic or call 0405 130 108 with any questions.