Get Botox or filler in Ada, Grand Rapids, or West Michigan?

Here's what's normal during recovery, week by week — and when to call Skin CoLab right away.

Getting neurotoxin (like Botox, Dysport, or Letybo) or dermal filler is a big step toward looking and feeling your best but the days right after your appointment can bring up questions. Is this swelling normal? Why does one side look different than the other? When will I see my final results? At Skin CoLab in Ada, we get these questions all the time from patients across Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Here's what's normal, what to expect week by week, and when it's worth giving us a call.

After Neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, Letybo)

Right after your appointment: You may notice small, raised bumps where you were injected. This is completely normal and typically resolves within about 30 minutes.

The first few days to a week: Some unevenness — especially in the forehead — is common during this window, along with a feeling of heaviness in certain areas. This is not your final result, so try not to judge your results too early. Most of this softens as you move into the second week.

By two weeks: The toxin has fully taken effect. This is the ideal time to come in for a follow-up if you'd like any adjustments.

When to come in sooner: If you're noticing significant peaking or drooping, or you have a big event (like a wedding) coming up before the two-week mark, reach out — we're happy to see you and offer reassurance or guidance.

After Dermal Filler

Right after your appointment: Swelling, mild bruising, and small lumps or bumps at the injection sites are all expected. It's also normal for one side to look slightly different from the other right away — everyone swells a little differently.

The first few days to a week: Swelling often looks a bit worse before it gets better, and many people notice the most puffiness the morning after treatment. Bruising can take up to a week or two to fully fade. Try not to worry about asymmetry during this stage — it's very common and tends to resolve on its own.

By two weeks: Most of the swelling has gone down, and your results will look much closer to the final outcome.

By four weeks: Your filler has fully settled. This is the best time to come in if you'd like a follow-up or a touch-up.

When to come in sooner: If you notice firm lumps that aren't softening, asymmetry that's bothering you, or you have an upcoming event you want to feel confident for, don't hesitate to reach out.

When to Call Us Right Away:

Most post-injection symptoms are mild and resolve on their own — but a few symptoms deserve immediate attention. Please call us right away (don't wait for your follow-up appointment) if you experience:

- Pain that feels severe, is getting worse, or feels out of proportion to what you'd expect from the treatment

- Any change in skin color — noticeable paleness, a dusky or purplish tone, or discoloration that looks different from the surrounding skin

- Skin that feels unusually cool near the treated area

- Swelling or bruising that's rapidly increasing or feels tense/firm- Vision changes, including blurriness or eye pain

- Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or drainage

- Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that suggests an allergic reaction

- Blistering or skin breakdown near the injection site. These symptoms are rare, but if you experience any of them, please call our office immediately so we can get you seen right away.

-Any symptom that seems unusual or concerning

We're Here for You

Every face heals a little differently, and it's completely normal to have questions during your recovery. If something doesn't feel right — or you're just not sure — we'd always rather hear from you than have you wonder. Reach out anytime, and we'll help guide you through it.

Ready for your follow-up or have questions about your results?

Contact us to schedule a visit at our Ada, Michigan office, serving patients throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan.