When Does Botox Kick In?

When Do Botox Results Start to Show?

One of the most common questions patients ask is: “When will I start to see results from Botox?” Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume instantly, Botox takes time to work. The treatment gradually relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals, so the smoothing effect develops over several days rather than immediately.

Most people notice subtle changes after 3-5 days, with full results visible at 10–14 days. This is the normal timeline, whether treating the forehead, eyes, or frown lines.

At my aesthetic clinic in Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Kingston, Surbiton, I always explain that patience is part of the process. When Botox “kicks in,” the change feels natural and steady, rather than sudden.

Botox Timeline: Day by Day

Here’s what most patients can expect after treatment:

• Day 1–3: Any small marks or redness at the injection sites fade by 30 minutes. You may notice very early softening of fine lines or a slight reduction in muscle movement.
• Day 3–5: Early changes become more noticeable as the targeted muscles continue to relax. Lines may start to look less deep, especially in smaller areas like crow’s feet.
• Day 7–10: Significant improvement is visible. The skin looks smoother, fresher, and more rested. Most patients feel confident that their treatment is settling in well at this stage.
• Day 10–14: Peak results. Botox has fully “kicked in,” with lines softened and movement reduced in a natural way. This is also the best time to book a review at 2 weeks if any adjustments or top ups are needed.

Every patient’s body responds a little differently. Factors like metabolism, muscle strength, and treatment area can influence the speed of results. Some people see quicker changes, while others need the full two weeks to notice the effect — both are completely normal.

This broadly matches independent guidance, which notes that Botox usually starts to work within 24–72 hours, with maximum effect at around one to two weeks.

In this article I’ve focused on when Botox first kicks in; if you’d like a more detailed breakdown of timelines and factors that affect them, see my guide on how long Botox takes to work.

Can Botox Work in 24 Hours?

No — Botox does not deliver visible results within 24 hours. After injection, the purified protein needs time to bind to the nerve endings and block the release of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that triggers muscle contractions. This process doesn’t happen instantly — it develops gradually.

Some very sensitive patients may feel subtle changes after a day or two, such as muscles starting to feel “lighter” or less responsive. However, these are not the true cosmetic results. For most people, visible improvements appear start from days 3-5, with the full smoothing effect taking up to 10–14 days.

The waiting period can feel frustrating, especially if you’ve had Botox before and are eager for results — but patience is essential for achieving the most natural, lasting outcome.

Because Botox works gradually, the most flattering results are usually soft and subtle rather than instant and frozen. I talk more about this in my guide to getting a natural look with Botox.

Botox doesn’t work instantly — visible results usually begin after 3–5 days, not within the first 24 hours.

When Does Botox Kick In for Different Areas?

Different facial muscles (and treatment goals) respond at different speeds, which is why the Botox timeline isn’t the same for everyone. Here’s a breakdown by area:

• Forehead lines: Early changes often appear at 3–5 days, with the smoothest results showing fully by 10–14 days.
• Crow’s feet (around the eyes): Because the skin here is thin and delicate, Botox tends to act a little faster. Most patients notice softening in 4–7 days, with maximum effect at 2 weeks.
• Frown lines (11s between the brows): These strong muscles usually start to respond at 5–7 days, with continued relaxation and softening over the first 2 weeks.
• Lip flip (upper lip area): Results begin at 3–5 days, but they are naturally subtle and continue to refine gradually.
• Masseter (jaw slimming / TMJ treatment): As one of the largest and strongest muscles in the face, the masseter takes longer to respond. Expect noticeable changes only after 2–4 weeks, but the results can be transformative.
• Hyperhidrosis (sweating in underarms, palms, or feet): Improvement usually appears in 1–2 weeks, and results often last 6 months or more — much longer than cosmetic Botox.

👉 This variation is completely normal. The size, strength, and function of the muscle being treated all influence how quickly Botox takes effect.

How Do You Know Botox Is Kicking In?

At my cosmetic skin clinic in Wimbledon, I’m often asked how quickly Botox starts to work and when you’ll see the first changes.

The first signs of Botox working are often subtle rather than dramatic. You may notice that it feels slightly harder to frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows in the same way as before. Lines that were once visible at rest may begin to soften, while expression lines look less pronounced when you move your face.

Over the next few days, these changes become more noticeable. Your skin starts to look smoother and more refreshed, but without taking away your natural expressions. Many patients tell me that friends or colleagues say they look well-rested or “fresh,” even if they can’t pinpoint exactly why.

The key thing to remember is that Botox doesn’t switch on overnight — it works gradually and naturally, blending in with your facial expressions so the improvement feels authentic rather than obvious.

During this early phase some patients experience minor side effects such as tenderness or a slight headache. For a more detailed explanation, see my article on Botox and headaches.

Why Does Botox Take 2 Weeks to Work?

Botox isn’t like dermal fillers, which add instant volume. Instead, it works through a biological process. Once injected, Botox attaches to the nerve endings in the treated muscles and blocks the release of acetylcholine — the chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract. If the muscles remain relaxed, our skin over it can’t move, hence the loss of fine lines and wrinkles.

This process doesn’t happen right away. Your body still has some of this messenger in circulation, so muscles continue to move for a few days. As the acetylcholine supply is gradually used up, the treated muscles start to relax, and lines begin to soften.

This is why:

• Early results are visible at 3–5 days
• Clearer changes develop by 7–10 days
• Peak results appear around 14 days

Because of this timeline, most practitioners schedule a review appointment at 2 weeks. At this stage, your results are stable, and if any small top-ups or adjustments are needed, they can be carried out for the best outcome.

Botox works at different speeds — forehead, eyes, and frown lines each show results on their own timeline.

Why Does Botox Sometimes Kick In Unevenly?

It’s very common for Botox to feel or look a bit uneven in the first few days. For example, one eyebrow might appear smoother or higher than the other, or lines on one side of the face may fade sooner.

This happens because:

• Muscles vary in strength — one side of your face may naturally be stronger and respond more slowly.
• Botox doesn’t activate instantly — different areas take slightly different amounts of time to relax.

The good news is that this is temporary. By the 2-week mark, results usually balance out beautifully. If you still notice unevenness at your review appointment, your practitioner can make a small adjustment for perfect symmetry.

Good Botox aftercare in the first few days – such as avoiding vigorous exercise, sunbeds, and rubbing the area – can also help your results develop smoothly and predictably.

What Is the 4-Hour Rule After Botox?

The 4-hour rule is one of the most important pieces of aftercare advice. After your injections, you should:

• Stay upright for at least 4 hours — no lying down, bending forward, or taking a nap.
• Avoid pressure on the face — skip tight hats, goggles, or leaning your face on your hand.
• Don’t rub or massage the area — this could move the product away from where it was carefully placed.

Why does this matter? Botox works best when it stays exactly in the targeted muscle. Following the 4-hour rule helps ensure your treatment is accurate, effective, and gives you the most natural-looking results.

The 4-hour rule after Botox means staying upright and avoiding pressure on your face — even when applying skincare.

Additional Questions People Ask

What Are the First Signs of Botox Working?

The first signs are subtle softening of movement. You might notice you can’t frown as strongly, or fine lines look slightly reduced. Over the next few days, these changes become clearer.

When Does Botox Hit Its Peak?

Botox reaches its peak effect around day 10–14. This is when muscles are most relaxed and skin looks smoothest. After this point, results remain steady for several months.

Why Does Botox Make the Forehead Shiny?

A smooth forehead can reflect light differently, giving it a shiny appearance. This is not harmful — it simply means the skin is smoother and catching light more evenly. Good skincare can help balance the effect. soearly ‘me of my patiemts love the

How Long Does Botox Last After It Kicks In?

Results typically last 3–4 months. Over time, the effect gradually fades as the muscles regain movement. Repeat treatments help maintain consistent results.

Final Thoughts on When Does Botox Kick In

Botox doesn’t work instantly, but when it does “kick in,” the results are natural, gradual, and reliable. Most people notice early changes within 3–5 days, with the full effect at 10–14 days. Different areas respond at different speeds, and some conditions — like jaw clenching or sweating — take a little longer.

📍 If you’re considering Botox in Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Kingston, Surbiton, Putney, or anywhere in South West London, I’d be happy to guide you through the process and create a treatment plan that works for your goals.

During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your skin concerns, assess your facial structure, and decide together which treatment aligns best with your needs.

Book your free consultation here →
Or call me directly: 07702 389 636

Warm regards,

Dr Suresh Mohan