The holidays are the perfect time to treat yourself to an injectable or two, but if you’re planning to get BOTOX® or dermal fillers before Christmas or New Year’s, timing is everything. While injectables don’t require downtime, they do need a little time to settle in before you’ll see your final results.
Here’s a quick guide from our expert injectors at Sarasota Facial Aesthetics on when to schedule your treatment to make sure you’re photo-ready for every holiday party and gathering this season.
Schedule at Least Two Weeks Before Events
Injectables like BOTOX and fillers work wonderfully to smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles and restore youthful contours, but the effects aren’t exactly instant. Depending on the treatment, it can take several days to a couple of weeks for your results to fully develop.
Plus, you’ll want to account for mild swelling or bruising that can occur right after injections. While these are completely normal and temporary, they aren’t the ideal look for family photos and holiday parties.
If you’re wondering when to schedule fillers or BOTOX for Christmas, the sweet spot is 2 to 4 weeks before your event. Here’s why:
- BOTOX. It generally takes about 3 to 5 days to start working and up to 2 weeks to see your full results. Planning ahead ensures your skin looks smooth and refreshed in plenty of time for holiday events.
- Fillers. While many people see immediate improvement after filler injections, some mild swelling or tenderness can linger for a few days. After about 1 to 2 weeks, the filler should settle smoothly into place and look soft and natural.
All that to say, if you’ve got a big holiday gathering or photos coming up, aim to book your injectable appointment no later than the first or second week of December.
What about Touch-Ups?
If you’ve had injectables before and just need a touch-up, you may be able to get away with scheduling a bit closer to your event, but you still don’t want to wait until the last minute. Schedule your touch-up appointment ideally no later than 10 days before your event. This gives your provider time to make subtle adjustments if needed while still allowing your skin to look its best by your event.
Tips for the Best Holiday Glow
- Plan early. The weeks before Christmas fill tend to be busy, so try to book in advance to plan around your schedule and ensure you get a spot in time.
- Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to help minimize bruising.
- Consider a combo approach. If you’re getting both BOTOX and fillers, we may recommend doing them during the same visit to streamline your schedule and optimize your results.
Ready to Get Started?
BOTOX and fillers are a quick, effective way to brighten your look before the holidays, but planning ahead makes all the difference. Give yourself a two-week cushion (or more if it’s your first time) to ensure your results look smooth, natural and perfectly timed for the festivities.
Not sure when to schedule or which injectables are right for you? Our team here at Sarasota Facial Aesthetics can help you create a personalized treatment plan to have you glowing well before the first holiday toast.
To schedule an appointment today, please call our Sarasota office at 941-955-8384 or contact us online.