How Long Before Christmas Photos Should You Get Botox?

Give it at least two weeks. Botox starts to soften lines in about 3 to 5 days, but the full result takes 10 to 14 days to show up. Residual smoothing or full settling can take up to 3 weeks.

How long does Botox take to work?

Most people notice a change in 3 to 5 days, and the full effect arrives at about 10 to 14 days. The American Academy of Dermatology describes the same timeline: you see results within days, the peak comes around the two-week mark, and results last about 3 to 4 months for most people (AAD).

In the first few days your lines may look softer on one side than the other. That’s normal. The product settles at slightly different speeds in different muscles, so judge your result at two weeks, never at day four.

When should I book Botox before the holidays?

Count back two weeks from the event, then pick the Tuesday or Thursday before that. Our Studio is open for treatments on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm, so the calendar fills faster than you’d guess in December. Please always reach out if you need a day when we aren’t usually in the Studio.

The Studio is closed on Thanksgiving (Thu Nov 26), Christmas Eve (Thu Dec 24) and New Year’s Eve (Thu Dec 31).

If photos are the reason you’re booking, check your photographer’s date before you book with us. A lot of family sessions in Redding happen in early December to beat the rain, which moves your deadline up to mid-November.

Is three to four weeks better than two?

For a first visit, yes. Two weeks shows you the settled result. A few more days gives you time for a follow-up if something needs a small adjustment, like an uneven brow or a spot that’s still moving more than you’d like. We suggest a follow-up at two weeks when one is needed (our Botox care guide).

Coming back for a regular touch-up and you already know how your face responds? Two weeks is plenty.

I had Botox in September. Can I get more before Christmas?

Maybe. The Botox label advises waiting at least three months between treatments (Botox Cosmetic label). A mid-September visit puts you at mid-December, which still works for Christmas Day if you book that week.

If your last visit was in October, you’re probably still in the window where it’s working. Wait it out, and plan your next one for late January or February.

What should I avoid before Botox so I don’t bruise?

A bruise is the most likely thing to show up in a photo, and you can lower your odds. Nicole’s care sheet asks clients, for the 24 to 48 hours before treatment, to:

• Skip alcohol.
• Skip blood-thinning medicines and supplements unless a doctor prescribed them: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric and ginkgo. If you take a prescription blood thinner, keep taking it and tell us at check-in.
• Drink plenty of water, and eat a light meal before you come in.
• Arrive with a clean face, makeup-free if you can.

If you do bruise, it’s usually small and fades over several days. Color-correcting concealer covers most of it, and two weeks is enough time for a bruise to clear.

What should I avoid after Botox?

For the first 4 hours, stay upright. For the first 24 hours, don’t rub or press on the treated areas (that includes hats and tight headbands), and skip hard workouts, saunas, hot tubs, facials and massages. You can wash your face that evening and put makeup on after about 4 hours (our Botox care guide).

Will I look frozen in my photos?

Nicole’s knowledge of anatomy and dose placement will allow you to look refreshed and still like you.

How much does Botox cost?

We price by the unit, $11 to $13 depending on the product, and typical full treatment of the upper face runs $700 to $960. You’ll know your total before anything happens. Our Botox page has the details.

Who should skip Botox or wait?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding: wait until you’re done.
• A neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome or ALS: the labels warn of a higher risk of serious effects.
• Sick, or a rash or infection where you’d be injected: wait until it clears.
• A past reaction to any botulinum toxin product.
• Dental work within 2 weeks before or after your appointment.

Botox softens lines made by movement. It won’t fill a deep crease that’s there at rest or tighten loose skin, so a different treatment may serve you better before an event. Dermal filler needs its own timeline.

Call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or any change in your vision, after any injection.