If you experience any small swellings or bruising after your treatment, use a cold compress. Arnica cream can be useful. Do not drink excessive alcohol, take vigorous exercise, use sunbeds or eat hot spicy food for the first 4 hours after treatment-The increased blood flow can not only contribute to bruising and swelling after Botox injections, but it can also cause the Botox to migrate away from the injection site into the surrounding muscles. Do not massage the area - again this may spread the toxin away from the target site. Exercise the treated muscles by tensing and relaxing them for the first hour after treatment as the Botulinum Toxin absorbs quicker into active muscles. Continue the exercises each hour for the next 2 days. Refrain from touching the treated area for 3-4 hours. After this time, when you clean the area, do so gently. All movements should be stroking up and away from the eye area. Remain upright for 4 hours and avoid leaning your head forward during this time. There is a particular risk of eye lid or eyebrow complications should you have pressure on the area treated such as placing your face on a breathing hole on a physio or massage couch. This should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Avoid sleeping on your face for the first night. Try to sleep on your back for the next week. When applying your make-up or moisturiser use dabbing motions instead of rubbing or spreading for the first day. Do not have any facial treatments - these may promote ‘tracking’ of the substance to neighbouring areas, for 7 days. (Facials, chemical peels or laser resurfacing) Do not have any sunbeds or saunas for 7 days following treatment. Do not fly on an aircraft for 24 hours following treatment. Botulinum toxin takes from 2 to 14 days to become effective. This is dependent on the strength of the muscles injected and the individual response. Finally, treatment with Botulinum Toxin is temporary and to maintain the effects, treatment is recommended every 3 to 4 months.