The day has finally come. You've been reading about neurotoxin injections​, researching licensed practitioners, talking to friends about their experiences​… and you've decided to take the leap. Yessssss.

Maybe you've even made your first appointment already. (If you haven’t, you can use this handy list of skilled injectors to find a trustworthy practice near you.)

But now,​ ​you’re wondering what to expect after that first appointment. Don't worry — w​​e've got ​all of the ​As for all ​of ​your Qs.

Before getting into the details of what happens post-injection, let's first review how neurotoxin injections work.

Real quick: What are neurotoxin injections?

Injectable neurotoxins are made from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. For all the nerds out there, Jeuveau​®​ is also known as prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs. ​(​​Read more about Jeuveau® by Evolus and how it’s made right here.​)

When injected into your frown lines between the brows, neurotoxin temporarily blocks activation of some nerve cells, preventing the underlying muscles from contracting. This leaves your skin smooth and wrinkle-free where you were injected until the treatment wears off, usually within 3-4 months.

The end result is a face that looks more awake, relaxed and refreshed – even if you were up past bedtime scrolling through TikTok (or is that just us?)

With FDA approval and a quick, non-invasive ​treatment​​, neurotoxin​​ ​injectables have become the beauty treatment of choice for millions of well-informed patients worldwide.

OK, primer complete. Now let’s get on to your questions!

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Clickable table of contents👇

How soon do injectables work?

In a world of instant gratification, most people expect instant results.

While neurotoxin injections take a little bit longer than that – the wait isn’t too much longer.

Immediately after your ​tox ​appointment, the first thing you​ may​ notice is some small bumps or swelling at the injection site(s). Don't worry​.​ These go away pretty quickly.

Onset varies with different neurotoxins. That said, with Jeuveau, you may start to see results in as little as two days.  Look for a smoothing out effect on the ​“11” lines between your brows.

Around four weeks after your injection, you should see the full effects. Those distracting 11s will have (temporarily) melted away, placing everyone’s focus back on your eyes. Where it belongs.

Once you see (and love) your results, the obvious next question is…

How long does Jeuveau last?

Let’s say you got treated a few weeks ago and can't stop staring at yourself in the mirror (we get it). Those frown lines you thought you had to live with are seemingly gone. But for how long?

Jeuveau results can last for up to four months.*

Having said that, the longevity of your results depends on a few factors, including the size/strength of your facial muscles, injection technique and how fast your body metabolizes the neurotoxin (everyone’s different).

*On average, Jeuveau patients receive 3 treatments a year.

What if you don’t love your results?

Well, someone had to ask. ​While very few ​patients report regretting injections, the good news​ ​is that the effects are temporary. Within a few months, the injection will wear off and your frown lines will slowly return.

Will I look or feel “frozen”?

We’ve all seen that frozen look. ​It’s not for everyone— ahem, most of us.​​

​​Which begs the question – will you accidentally end up with an expressionless look?​

If you’re going to a responsible injector​:​ No.

The frozen look typically happens as a result of injector technique. This is why it’s crucial to schedule with a reputable injector who takes a conservative approach​ and understands your aesthetic goals​. ​Remember, if you end up wanting more, you can let your injector know at your next appointment. Wanting less? You have to live ​​with it every​ ​day for months.​​

Wondering how to find a skilled injector? Check out ​​10 Questions to Bring to Your First Neurotoxin Injection Appointment

An experienced injector will listen to your concerns, talk with you about ​a​​ ​​treatment​ plan and then inject you. Neurotoxin injections reduce those 11s, which should make you look refreshed (even if you haven’t had your morning coffee). They shouldn’t make you expressionless.

The people in your life probably won’t even know you got injections if you don’t tell them! They’ll just think you upped your self-care game. 😌

Will there be any downtime?

You don’t need to take any downtime after neurotoxin injections. And it’s actually pretty easy to schedule your injection appointments into your busy life.​ Even during a lunchtime visit that has you back in the office or on Zoom that same afternoon!​

But there ARE a few things you should avoid after your injections. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding excessive exercise or sweating for at least 24 hours after treatment. So don’t head to ​hot yoga or hit the treadmill right after you get treated.​

Some dermatologists also recommend that patients stay upright for three to four hours following injection and suggest not touching or rubbing the injection site(s) for 12 hours. (Sorry – no cat naps afterwards!)

Why? Lying down or touching your face could diffuse the toxin past its injection site​ and cause​ it to migrate to other areas of the face. No bueno.​

But after that, you’re good to go!

Does Jeuveau hurt? 😰

Not really. You might feel a pinch or subtle burning sensation at the injection site from the needle, but that’s about it.

Those who are squeamish about needles might be wondering how that’s possible. Needles hurt! That’s why you hate them, right?

For what it’s worth: Y​our injector will use a needle that’s​ probably​ smaller than you’d expect. For example, when you go in for a blood draw, medical staff will often use a 21-gauge needle. Most neurotoxin injections use a smaller 30-gauge needle (approximately a third of a millimeter which is very tiny!).

Your injector might even use numbing cream or ice packs before and after the injection, so it’s possible your experience could be completely pain-free. And if you’re super squeamish, be sure to ask your injector about these and other techniques to help you manage your treatment​.

Are injectable frown line treatments safe?

Generally, yes.

Before ever getting to your face, injectable frown line treatments undergo rigorous clinical trials and are subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration​ (FDA)​.

Because injections are a medical procedure (albeit nonsurgical), a responsible injector will treat them that way. Before your first injection appointment, you’ll consult with your injector. They can advise you of any potential red flags in your personal medical history — or give you the green light to go ahead.

Do not use JEUVEAU if you: are allergic to any of the ingredients in JEUVEAU (see Medication Guide for ingredients); had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product; have a skin infection at the planned injection site; or are a child.

All neurotoxins have a boxed warning for spread of toxin effects. Get medical help right away if you experience problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing. These problems can happen any time (hours to weeks) after injection. In US Phase 3 studies (N=492) the most common side effects of Jeuveau (≥1%) included headache (12%), upper respiratory tract infection (3%), eyelid drooping (2%), and increased white blood cell count (1%). Other possible serious side effects include allergic reactions, heart problems, and eye problems.

For more risk information, see Important Safety Information below.

To report side effects associated with use of JEUVEAU, please call 1-877-EVOLUS1/1-877-386-5871. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

How soon should you schedule your second appointment?

So you had your first appointment and you love your results. Awesome! (We knew you would.)

Wondering when you can schedule your next appointment to maintain your new “can’t-put-my-finger-on-why-but-dang-​you-look good” results?

Good Q, and the answer is: It depends.

OK, not exactly. You shouldn’t get retreated for at least 90 days. After that, it depends on personal preference. On average, Jeuveau patients receive 3 treatments a year, which is approximately every 4 months.

Your personal timeframe will depend on a few different factors, including how fast you metabolize the neurotoxin, whether you wait until it wears off entirely or at the very first sign of those 11’s reappearing between your brows and (of course) your budget.

Still have questions? Check out these FAQs or make an appointment with a Jeuveau​ injector near you.