Most aesthetic treatments at Aurelia require little to no downtime. Botox, HIFU, radiofrequency, and facials have no meaningful recovery period — you can return to your day immediately. Fillers may cause 1–2 days of mild swelling. Pico laser typically involves 1–3 days of redness. Chemical peels are the longest recovery at 3–7 days depending on depth. We can plan all treatments around your social calendar.
Downtime at a Glance
Use this quick reference to understand what to expect after each treatment, then read the detailed breakdown below for full aftercare guidance.
| Treatment | Downtime | Social Ready |
|---|---|---|
| Botox / Neurotoxin | None | Immediately |
| Dermal Fillers | 1–2 days (swelling) | Same day to next day |
| Skin Boosters (Profhilo, Volite) | Minimal (1–2 days) | Next day |
| Pico Laser | 1–3 days redness | 1–3 days |
| HIFU (Ultherapy) | None to minimal | Same day |
| Radiofrequency (RF) | None | Immediately |
| RF Microneedling | 2–3 days redness | 2–3 days |
| Light Chemical Peel | 2–3 days flaking | 2–3 days |
| Medium Chemical Peel | 5–7 days peeling | 7–10 days |
| Medical Facial (HydraFacial etc.) | None | Immediately |
Detailed Recovery: Treatment by Treatment
Botox
Botox injections take approximately 10–15 minutes and require no recovery time. You may have minor redness or pinpoint marks at injection sites lasting 30–60 minutes. Makeup can be applied after four hours. Avoid lying face-down, vigorous exercise, and alcohol for 24 hours — not due to downtime, but to prevent product migration. Results begin to appear at 3–5 days, with full effect at two weeks.
Dermal Fillers
Swelling is the most common side effect of filler, particularly with lip treatments where it can be more pronounced on day two before resolving. Most patients look fine within 24–48 hours. Bruising is possible but not common with careful technique — typically resolves in 5–7 days and is coverable with makeup. Ice packs immediately after treatment significantly reduce swelling.
Skin Boosters
Profhilo and similar skin booster treatments use multiple small injection points across the face. Small raised papules at each injection site typically resolve within a few hours to one day. Some patients experience mild redness for 24 hours. Most people can attend work or social events the following day without concern.
Pico Laser
After pico laser, the skin appears pink to red — similar to a mild sunburn — for 12–48 hours depending on the area and energy used. Treated pigmentation spots will darken before flaking off over 5–7 days, which is a normal and expected part of the process. Makeup should be avoided for 24 hours. SPF is essential.
HIFU (Ultherapy)
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound is delivered beneath the skin surface without disrupting the outer layer. There is typically no visible change to the skin after treatment — occasional mild redness resolves within a few hours. Some patients experience transient tenderness to touch in treated areas for 1–2 weeks. Results build gradually over 3–6 months as new collagen forms.
Radiofrequency (RF)
Non-invasive radiofrequency skin tightening produces no visible downtime. The skin may feel warm and appear slightly flushed for one to two hours after treatment. No restrictions apply — you can apply makeup, exercise, and resume all normal activities immediately. A course of 3–6 monthly sessions is typically recommended for optimal collagen remodelling.
RF Microneedling
The combination of microneedles and radiofrequency energy creates a controlled micro-injury response. Expect redness and mild swelling for 24–48 hours, with skin feeling sensitive and warm. By day three most patients are comfortable returning to normal activities. Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinol, acids, vitamin C) for five days, and use only gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF.
Chemical Peels
Light peels (mandelic, lactic, low-strength glycolic) cause minor flaking and temporary tightness for 2–3 days with little visible change. Medium peels (TCA 20–35%) produce more significant peeling beginning on day 2–3, continuing through day 7. Skin looks pink and sensitive once peeling is complete, but is noticeably smoother. Makeup can resume when peeling has finished and skin is intact.
Medical Facials
HydraFacial, oxygen facials, and enzyme treatments are genuinely zero-downtime procedures. Many patients book a facial the day before an event — the skin appears cleaner, more hydrated, and brighter immediately after. Mild flushing from extractions may persist for 1–2 hours but is easily covered with makeup.
Tips for Minimising Recovery Time
Universal Aftercare Tips
- Apply SPF 30+ daily during and after recovery. UV exposure on healing or recently treated skin causes hyperpigmentation. This is non-negotiable for all laser and peel patients.
- Use ice packs after injectables. A wrapped ice pack applied for 5–10 minutes after filler injections significantly reduces swelling, particularly for lips and tear troughs.
- Stay well hydrated. Good internal hydration supports faster tissue recovery across all treatments.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment. Alcohol increases vasodilation and bruising risk with injectables, and impairs healing after energy-based procedures.
- Pause blood-thinning supplements 5–7 days before injectables. Fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin (unless medically necessary), and ibuprofen all increase bruising.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first night after fillers. This reduces overnight swelling accumulation, particularly around the lips and eyes.
- Do not apply actives (retinol, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) for 5–7 days post-laser or post-peel. The barrier is compromised; stick to gentle, fragrance-free products.
- Avoid high heat for 48 hours after treatment. Saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, and very hot showers can worsen swelling and redness.
Planning Treatments Around Events
One of the most common questions we receive is: "How far in advance should I book my treatment before my wedding / holiday / gala?" The answer depends entirely on the treatment. Here is our clinical guideline for event planning:
At Aurelia, we are accustomed to helping patients plan comprehensive treatment sequences around weddings, galas, and high-profile commitments. If you have a specific event date in mind, mention it at your consultation and your physician will design a plan working backwards from that date.
Plan Around Your Calendar
Tell us about your upcoming events and our physicians will create a treatment schedule that delivers beautiful results with minimal impact on your life.
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