BOTOX® bumps usually flatten within 30 minutes to a few hours. These small raised spots, which often look like mosquito bites, form where the liquid was injected and fade as your body absorbs it. Mild swelling around injection sites can last a day or two. Leave the bumps alone instead of massaging them, and contact your provider if a bump grows, becomes painful, warm, or red, or lasts longer than a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Small bumps right after BOTOX® are common and usually flatten within minutes to a few hours.
- They form because the injected liquid temporarily lifts the skin at each injection point.
- Don’t massage or press on the bumps. Let them settle on their own.
- A cool compress can help with mild swelling, and makeup can be applied gently once the injection points close.
- Bumps that grow, hurt, feel warm, or last for days should be checked by your provider.
In This Article
- What Are BOTOX® Bumps?
- How Long Do BOTOX® Bumps Last?
- The First Hour
- The First 24 to 48 Hours
- When It’s More Than a Bump
- Why Some People Notice More Bumps
- What to Do About BOTOX® Bumps
- Other Bumps and Lumps After BOTOX®
- Do Bumps Mean Your BOTOX® Isn’t Working?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Smooth, Natural Results at Goldfingers Aesthetics
What Are BOTOX® Bumps?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is prepared by mixing it with sterile saline, according to its FDA prescribing information. Your injector then places small amounts of this liquid at several points. Each injection briefly lifts the skin above it, creating a small, raised bump, sometimes called a bleb or wheal.
These bumps are a normal part of the injection process, not a reaction or a sign that something went wrong. They’re most common on the forehead, where the skin is thin and several injection points are placed close together.
Small bumps after BOTOX® are normal and usually flatten within hours. Know the signs that need a call to your provider.
How Long Do BOTOX® Bumps Last?
The First Hour
Most BOTOX® bumps start to flatten before you even leave the office, or within the first hour as the liquid disperses into the surrounding tissue. Many people notice they’ve disappeared by the time they get home.
The First 24 to 48 Hours
Some people have mild puffiness or slight swelling around injection sites that lasts longer than the initial bumps. A review of botulinum toxin side effects in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology lists swelling, redness, and minor bruising among the common injection-site effects. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days.
When It’s More Than a Bump
Contact your provider if a bump:
- Is still clearly raised after two to three days
- Gets larger instead of smaller
- Becomes painful, warm, or increasingly red
- Develops pus or drainage
- Is accompanied by fever
These signs are uncommon but can point to issues like significant swelling, a bruise under the skin, or, rarely, infection. The same review notes that infection is a rare complication that can occur with any procedure that breaks the skin.
Why Some People Notice More Bumps
Bumps can be more or less noticeable depending on:
- The treatment area. Forehead injections tend to produce more visible bumps than other areas.
- The number of injection points. Treating several areas means more injection sites. Learn how dosing varies in our guide to how many BOTOX® units are used for different areas of the face.
- Injection depth and technique. Placement varies by area and by your injector’s approach.
- Your skin. Thinner or more sensitive skin can show bumps more clearly.
What to Do About BOTOX® Bumps
Leave them alone. Don’t rub, press, or massage the bumps to make them go away faster. Cleveland Clinic advises against massaging treated areas, because BOTOX® can spread slightly before it settles.
Use a cool compress if you have swelling. Wrap it in a soft cloth and rest it lightly near the area for about 10 minutes at a time, without pressing.
Stay upright. Avoid lying down for about four hours after treatment.
Apply makeup gently. Once the tiny injection points have closed, you can cover any redness with a light touch. Avoid buffing or blending firmly over treated areas.
Plan ahead. If you have a meeting or event, try to book BOTOX® at least a few hours before, or ideally a day or more ahead.
Our BOTOX® aftercare guide explains everything to do and avoid in the first 24 hours.
Other Bumps and Lumps After BOTOX®
Swelling
Mild, soft puffiness around injection points can last a day or two. It usually feels less defined than the initial bumps and fades gradually.
Bruising
A small bruise can sometimes feel slightly raised. The review in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology reports mild bruising in about 11% to 25% of patients. Bruises fade over several days to a couple of weeks.
Hives or Itchy Welts
Itchy, red welts, especially spreading beyond the injection sites, aren’t typical BOTOX® bumps. They can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Learn the warning signs in our guide to whether you can be allergic to BOTOX®.
Lumps That Last for Weeks
A lasting lump is not a typical BOTOX® effect, because BOTOX® is a liquid that absorbs into the muscle. If you notice a firm lump that persists for weeks, have your provider examine it.
Lumps are more commonly associated with dermal fillers, which are gels designed to add volume. They’re a different treatment from BOTOX®.
Do Bumps Mean Your BOTOX® Isn’t Working?
No. The bumps have nothing to do with how well your treatment works. According to its FDA prescribing information, BOTOX® Cosmetic typically starts working one to two days after injection and keeps building over the first week, long after the bumps are gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bumps after BOTOX® normal?
Yes. Small, raised bumps at injection sites are very common and are simply the injected liquid sitting under the skin. They usually flatten within minutes to a few hours.
Can I massage BOTOX® bumps to make them go away faster?
No. Massaging or rubbing the bumps could move the BOTOX® before it settles into the target muscles. Leave them alone, and they’ll flatten on their own.
Why is my forehead lumpy after BOTOX®?
The forehead often has several injection points placed close together, and the skin there is relatively thin. That makes the temporary bumps more visible. They usually smooth out within a few hours.
Is it normal to have a lump weeks after BOTOX®?
No. BOTOX® is a liquid that’s absorbed into the muscle, so it shouldn’t leave a lasting lump. If you have a lump that persists for weeks, see your provider so they can evaluate it.
Can I wear makeup over BOTOX® bumps?
Yes, once the tiny injection points have closed. Use clean tools and a light touch, and avoid rubbing or pressing firmly over treated areas for the first 24 hours.
Do Dysport® injections cause bumps too?
Yes. Dysport® and other neuromodulators are also injected as liquids, so similar temporary bumps can appear and settle the same way.
Is it normal to have a headache along with BOTOX® bumps?
A mild headache can happen after BOTOX®, especially after forehead treatment, and it usually passes within a day or two. Some people also feel a little run down. Learn whether BOTOX® can make you tired.
Smooth, Natural Results at Goldfingers Aesthetics
BOTOX® bumps are a normal, short-lived part of treatment. They’re nothing to worry about and usually gone within hours. Our experienced injectors use precise technique for smooth, natural-looking results and walk you through what to expect after every appointment.
Learn more about BOTOX® at Goldfingers Aesthetics or visit a location near you:
You can also find your nearest location or book an appointment online.