15 Questions About Injections That Patients Are Afraid to Ask

1. Will Botox or fillers be painful?

Do beauty injections hurt? Most injectable procedures are associated with only mild discomfort rather than significant pain. Before the product is administered, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the skin to reduce tissue sensitivity. The injections are performed using ultra-thin, atraumatic needles, which helps minimize pain and skin trauma. Patients most often describe the sensation as a brief tingling or pinching feeling. If injections are painful due to individual sensitivity, or if Botox causes discomfort after the procedure, it’s worth coming in for an additional consultation; however, discomfort usually passes quickly and does not require extra recovery time.

2. Can bruising occur after fillers or Botox?

Bruising after injections may occur following Botox or filler treatments due to micro-damage to blood vessels during the injection. This is a safe and temporary reaction that usually resolves within 3–7 days. How to avoid bruising after Botox/fillers: avoid alcohol and coffee before the procedure, do not take blood-thinning medications, and avoid saunas and intense massage in the first few days after treatment. A doctor may also recommend cold compresses, special gels, and an individualized aftercare routine to help the skin recover faster without visible marks. The doctor’s experience, proper technique, and correct patient preparation minimize this risk.

3. Will lumps or unevenness remain after injections?

Small lumps or unevenness may appear immediately after injections — this is a normal tissue reaction to the product being introduced. Such small nodules after fillers usually distribute evenly on their own within 1–3 days without intervention. In some cases, the doctor may gently massage the treated area. If the firmness does not subside or is accompanied by pain or redness, you should consult a specialist for correction.

4. Can there be an allergy to fillers or Botox?

Allergic reactions to fillers and Botox are rare, as modern products are highly purified and biocompatible. Most fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the human body, and botulinum toxin is used in minimal doses. The most common reactions are redness, swelling, or itching — these responses to injections are acceptable and usually resolve quickly. To minimize risks, the doctor takes a detailed medical history before the procedure. If any unusual symptoms appear, you should contact a specialist immediately.

5. What if I don’t like the result?

How can a filler be dissolved if you’re unhappy with the result after the procedure? Hyaluronic acid–based fillers can be dissolved using a special enzyme — this is a safe and controlled procedure. If the question is whether the effect of Botox can be reversed, it’s important to know that its action is temporary and gradually wears off on its own over several months. That’s why injectable treatments are considered predictable, manageable, and relatively reversible, giving patients a sense of safety and the option to make corrections at any time. If necessary, the effect of Botox can also be weakened using certain device-based treatments.

6. Can something go wrong during an injection?

Serious complications during injectable procedures are extremely rare when all safety standards are followed. It’s essential that the procedure is performed by a qualified doctor, only certified products are used, and all sterility and injection technique protocols are strictly observed. A professional approach is not about frightening the patient, but about clearly explaining each step, assessing risks, and monitoring the patient’s condition during and after the procedure. This ensures predictable results, minimizes complications, and builds a sense of safety and trust in injectable treatments.

7. Can injections be done during menstruation, PMS, or severe stress?

Yes, injections can be performed during menstruation, PMS, or periods of severe stress, but it’s important to consider how the body responds at this time. Pain sensitivity may be higher, the risk of bruising slightly increased, and swelling may last longer than usual. Due to hormonal fluctuations and vascular reactions, the skin may behave more unpredictably. For this reason, it’s best to уточнить whether fillers can be done during PMS in your specific case; doctors often recommend postponing the procedure to a more comfortable period to ensure better well-being and more predictable results.

8. Can injections be done if there is acne or a skin rash?

Injections are not always possible when acne is present. If there is active inflammation, pustules, or redness in the injection area, the procedure is usually postponed until the skin has fully healed to avoid infectious complications. If the rash is inactive and not located at the injection site, the decision about whether injections can be performed is made by the doctor after an in-person examination and assessment of the skin’s condition.

9. Will my facial expressions change? Will I look “like a mask”?

Modern Botox is not about “freezing” the face, but about controlled muscle relaxation. The stereotype that “Botox equals a mask” usually comes from a misunderstanding of how the procedure works. With proper dosing and precise injection technique, the face looks fresh and well-rested, while preserving natural facial expressions and lively emotions. A person can smile, show surprise, and express emotions without any sense of artificiality. The key factors are the doctor’s experience and an individualized approach — this is how you avoid the effect of “no facial expressions after Botox.”

10. Will it be obvious that I’ve had injections?

The goal of modern injectable cosmetology is to achieve natural-looking results rather than something noticeable to others. That’s why cosmetic doctors choose natural-looking fillers and delicate dosages for their patients. If you come in with the request “I don’t want it to be obvious,” this is absolutely achievable. After a high-quality procedure, people notice not the injections themselves, but smoother skin, a fresher appearance, and a rested face without artificiality or an “overdone” look.

11. How long do the effects of Botox and fillers last?

How long does Botox last on average? Typically from 3 to 6 months, after which the effect of the product gradually wears off. As for fillers, how long the results last depends on the treated area and the composition of the product—usually from 6 to 18 months. The duration of the effect is also influenced by metabolism, level of physical activity, facial expressions, lifestyle, and how well the patient follows the doctor’s post-procedure recommendations.

12. Can I go to work or a meeting right away?

Yes, in most cases you can go straight to work or an important meeting after the injections. Recovery after fillers is usually minimal: mild swelling, slight redness, or, rarely, bruising may occur. Many people wonder how long the swelling lasts—most often it subsides within 1–3 days. These effects are easy to conceal and usually do not interfere with daily activities. Everything depends on the injection area, individual skin response, and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations.

13. Can I exercise after injections?

It is recommended to postpone sports and physical activity for 24–48 hours after Botox and other injectable procedures. This helps prevent increased swelling, redness, and accelerated elimination of the product from the tissues. Exercising after filler injections may reduce the effectiveness of the procedure and affect the uniformity of the results. It is best to return to your usual training routine gradually, following your doctor’s recommendations.

14. How many procedures are needed to see results?

Patients are usually interested in when they will see results from the procedure. In most cases, the first changes are visible after just one session—the skin looks fresher and facial features more harmonious. The next question is how many procedures are needed for a noticeable effect. For more pronounced rejuvenation, volume correction, and comprehensive improvement of skin quality, an individualized course is often required and is selected by the doctor. The number of procedures depends on age, tissue condition, injection area, and the desired result.

15. How much does it cost, and is it worth paying more?

The price of fillers and the cost of Botox are determined individually and depend on the product, brand, dosage, and the doctor’s qualifications. Patients often ask why identical procedures cost more or less at different clinics. An excessively low price usually indicates a compromise in quality or safety. It is also important to understand that in cosmetology you are paying not only for the product itself, but also for the specialist’s experience, the clinic’s standards, quality control at every stage, and a predictable, safe result.
Injections are not scary when you are in reliable hands, receive honest answers, and understand what you are doing and why. The key is to trust your appearance to professionals and not hesitate to ask questions.