How Long After Botox Can I Sleep on My Side?

Dr. Sean A. Deitch
September 15, 2025
Botox / Dysport

Many Botox patients in San Diego, CA ask: “How long after Botox can I sleep on my side?” The first 4 hours after Botox treatment affect your results. Sleeping on your side too soon can move Botox away from the treated area. If Botox moves, it can weaken or spoil your results.

Doctors suggest waiting at least 4 hours before sleeping on your side. This guide explains exactly when you can safely sleep on your side after Botox. You will also learn why sleep position affects your Botox results and tips to protect your smooth skin.

Why Your Sleeping Position is Important After Botox

Botox relaxes muscles to smooth wrinkles for 3 to 4 months. After injection, Botox needs time to settle in the muscles. For the first few hours, pressure on the treated area can move Botox to the wrong muscles.

Lying down early or pressing your face on a pillow can push Botox into unwanted areas. This can reduce Botox effects or cause problems. Doctors say you should sit or stand upright for at least 4 hours after Botox. Staying upright keeps Botox in place and prevents movement to other muscles.

If Botox moves, your face could look uneven or droopy. For example, Botox from your forehead could move and cause a droopy eyelid for a few weeks. This rarely happens, but following aftercare rules protects your results.

Lying on your side right after Botox can cause swelling or bruises on your face. A pillow pressing your face after Botox may increase swelling or bruising. Keeping pressure off your face speeds up healing and reduces side effects.

Sleep position affects your Botox results on day 1 and helps avoid issues.

“Over 9 million people got Botox treatments in 2022. Because many people get Botox, doctors know a lot about aftercare, including how to sleep after treatment.”

How Long Should You Wait Before Sleeping on Your Side?

Doctors recommend waiting around 4 hours before lying down after Botox. During this time, sit or stand straight. Do not rest your head down or sleep yet. This helps Botox settle into the right place.

After this time, you can slowly lie down if you need rest. But doctors still advise sleeping on your back the first night after Botox.

Time After Botox	Can Sleep on Side?	What To Do
0–4 hours	No	Stay sitting or standing straight.
4–6 hours	No	If you must rest, sit back gently. Avoid lying down flat or on your side.
6–12 hours	Not yet	Rest carefully. Sleep on your back with your head raised up a little.
12–24 hours (First Night)	Yes, carefully	After 12 hours, side sleeping is safer. Still, sleeping on your back all night is best.
After 24 hours	Yes	Sleep however you like. Botox has settled by now.

After 8 hours, sleeping on your back the whole night is still safest. At 12 hours, usually the next morning, Botox settles into place. Doctors say Botox starts working within 5 to 10 minutes after injection. After this, the chance of Botox moving is low. Staying upright at first helps Botox work correctly.

When can you safely sleep on your side? Usually after the first full night (around 24 hours after Botox). At that time, Botox stays in place. Always follow the special instructions given to you. Each doctor provides different guidelines.

Explore Our Specialized Botox Treatments

Tips for Sleeping Safely After Botox (First-Night Care)

Sleep helps your body heal. After Botox, follow these extra steps to protect your face.

Doctors suggest these easy tips to sleep on your back and protect your Botox results:

Sleep on your back: Use 1 or 2 extra pillows to keep your head higher than your heart. This helps you stay off your side. It also lowers swelling because gravity helps. A neck pillow or wedge pillow behind your head stops you from rolling over in your sleep.
Put pillows or towels around your sides: If you normally sleep on your side, put pillows or rolled towels next to you. Hug a pillow to stay in place if you start turning. A pillow barrier around you helps you stay on your back all night.
Use a soft and clean pillowcase: Silk fabric is smooth. It is gentle and does not rub your skin much if you turn. Wash your pillowcase before you sleep. A clean pillow keeps your injection spots healthy. This stops irritation or infection.
Avoid pressing or rubbing your face: Do not wear eye masks or tight headbands. They can press on Botox areas. Do not use heavy creams or lotions on your face that night. Keep your face clean and do not put anything on Botox areas at bedtime. Gently wash your face and leave skin bare.
Keep your room cool: Heat can cause swelling. Your room should be cool for less swelling. Sleep slightly raised with extra pillows. Do not lie flat. This reduces swelling.

These tips protect your face and help you sleep safely. This is for 1 night only. After this, you can sleep normally.

What If I Sleep on My Side Too Soon After Botox?

You might accidentally sleep on your side after Botox. If this happens, stay calm. As soon as you notice, carefully turn onto your back again. Do not touch or rub your face. Check your face closely for any changes.

Watch for drooping eyelids or uneven face expressions. These problems are rare but can happen. A short time sleeping on your side usually does little harm. A quick nap is normally safe. Botox usually settles fast, even if you lie down briefly.

If you see drooping eyebrows or eyelids, call your doctor. Your doctor might ask to see you. This rarely happens. If you nap too soon, just get up and avoid pressing your face. Follow your doctor’s aftercare advice. You will likely be okay, but always watch carefully.

Bottom Line

Wait at least 1 day after Botox before side-sleeping. This stops Botox from moving into the wrong areas. Follow your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions carefully. Stay upright for 4 hours and sleep on your back the first night. This helps Botox work best for smooth results.

If you have questions about Botox or aftercare, ask your doctor. Doctor Doctor in Solana Beach, CA helps every patient understand Botox aftercare clearly. Our experts guide you closely for great Botox results in Solana Beach and San Diego. Enjoy your new, refreshed look!

Sources

Dr. Sean A. Deitch

MD, Co-founder, Emergency, Longevity & Concierge Medicine Dr. Sean Deitch, MD is Co-founder of Doctor Doctor and an Emergency Medicine–trained physician specializing in Longevity, and Concierge Medicine. He graduated at the top of his class from UCSD Medical School and residency, and has practiced widely in San Diego, developing strong relationships with leading specialists.