Mesotox / Microbotox Aftercare & Recovery

Please follow these instructions carefully after your treatment. Appropriate aftercare helps protect the injection sites, supports recovery and ensures that possible complications are recognised promptly.

Mesotox — also called Microbotox or Mesobotox — uses multiple small superficial injections of diluted botulinum toxin type A to soften fine lines, reduce oil, refine pores and give a subtle smoothing effect while preserving natural movement. This is commonly an off-label use of botulinum toxin, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The advice given by your practitioner for the exact product, dilution and technique used, together with the information provided with the medicine, takes priority over this general guide.

Contact the clinic promptly if you are concerned about any symptom, even if you are unsure whether it is normal.

For a non-urgent concern, or if you are unsure whether something needs attention, you can also call NHS 111 (free, 24/7).

A guide only — everyone heals at their own pace.

Symptoms are usually minor — here's how to stay comfortable:

For approximately three to four hours after treatment:

Remain upright. You may sit, stand, walk gently and continue normal light daily activities. NHS aftercare guidance commonly advises avoiding rubbing or massaging treated areas, remaining upright for approximately three to four hours and avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours. If a small injection point bleeds, gently dab it with clean gauze or tissue. Do not press or massage firmly.

Avoid the following for the first 24 hours:

Normal light activity and gentle walking are acceptable if you feel well. Do not stop prescribed medication, including blood-thinning medication, unless advised by the clinician who prescribed it.

Cleansing: wash your hands before touching your face, use lukewarm water and a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser, and pat the skin dry with a clean towel. Do not scrub or use a cleansing brush, and avoid rubbing or applying firm pressure.

Makeup: avoid makeup until the injection points have closed and the raised bumps have settled. Waiting until the following day is preferable where possible.

For approximately 24–48 hours, or until irritation has settled, avoid the following active skincare:

Use a gentle moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen once the injection points have closed.

Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. Avoid excessive heat for approximately 24–48 hours, including:

Use suitable sun protection after treatment. Do not deliberately tan irritated or bruised skin. Do not apply ice directly to the face. If cooling has been recommended, use a clean, wrapped cool pack briefly and without firm pressure.

Rubbing or pressure may affect nearby tissues and increase the possibility of unwanted local muscle weakness.

Mesotox does not work immediately. You may begin noticing changes over the first several days. The botulinum toxin effect generally develops over approximately one to two weeks. Changes in skin texture, oil production, pore appearance or fine lines may continue developing over several weeks. Duration varies according to:

Research into intradermal botulinum toxin uses different products, concentrations, doses and treatment patterns, so no exact result or duration can be guaranteed. A review is generally most useful once the treatment has fully developed, usually at approximately two weeks unless your practitioner advises otherwise. Do not arrange an early top-up elsewhere.

As the treatment develops, you may temporarily notice:

Contact Layali Clinic if these changes are significant, worsening or interfere with normal function. Although Mesotox is placed superficially, the toxin can still affect underlying or neighbouring muscles. Published Microbotox studies report facial asymmetry and minor bruising, and facial weakness has occurred following intradermal cheek treatment.

Do not self-treat drooping with borrowed or unprescribed eye drops.

Dry eye, altered eyelid position, blurred vision and double vision are recognised potential botulinum toxin effects and require assessment when persistent or significant. Seek urgent medical attention for sudden or severe visual symptoms.

Following treatment of the cheeks, around the mouth or lower face, unwanted temporary weakness may affect:

Do not repeatedly test the area by exaggerated smiling or facial movement.

Small bruises are common because Mesotox uses multiple injection points. Bruising may appear immediately or the following day, become darker before fading, be more noticeable around the eyes, and take several days to approximately two weeks to resolve. Do not massage bruises.

Infection is uncommon but can occur after any injection procedure. Contact Layali Clinic promptly if you develop:

Do not squeeze an injection point, attempt to drain the area, apply leftover antibiotics, cover an infected area with makeup, or delay seeking advice.

Do not drive if you experience:

Arrange alternative transport and seek medical advice.

Do not undergo another facial treatment over the same area until the injection sites have healed and your practitioner confirms it is appropriate. This includes:

The appropriate interval depends on the procedure, products used and your skin's recovery.

Contact if:

• You are concerned about your recovery
• Redness, swelling or pain is worsening
• Injection-site bumps do not settle as expected
• You develop persistent dryness or irritation
• You notice marked facial asymmetry
• Your smile or lip movement changes significantly
• An eyelid or eyebrow droops
• You experience difficulty closing an eye
• You develop persistent blurred or double vision
• You develop significant chewing weakness
• You experience voice, speech or swallowing changes
• Symptoms improve and then return
• You experience no meaningful result after the agreed review period

Photographs can assist with initial triage but do not replace a face-to-face examination where a complication is suspected.