So you just got your brows microbladed (or maybe you’re about to) and now you’re thinking… how long after microblading can I get botox? Totally fair question. Because as much as we all want perfect brows and a smooth forehead, the timing here actually matters. If you stack the two procedures too close together, you could end up with pigment that heals wonky, brows that look uneven, or botox that doesn’t sit right. Basically, a waste of money and a whole lot of regret.
In this article, I’m gonna break down why the healing phases of microblading matter, what’s actually going on under your skin when you get botox injections, the potential risks of doing them too close together, and the best time to schedule both so you get results that last. Think of it as the no-BS guide to combining cosmetic procedures without screwing up your face.
The Microblading Healing Process And Why Timing Matters
Here’s the thing: microblading isn’t just drawing on brows with a fancy pen. It’s a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique where a brow technician uses a little hand tool to scratch pigment into the skin in thin, hair-like strokes. That means tiny open wounds all over your eyebrow area. After your first microblading session, the treated area literally has to heal like a cut would.
For the first few days, you’re gonna have scabs, some lymphatic liquid, maybe a little redness or patchiness. That’s just part of the healing process. The pigment color looks too dark at first, then it flakes, then it fades lighter, then it settles. Everyone’s skin type is different-oily skin can push pigment out faster, dry skin can hold onto it better, and sometimes you’ll need a second microblading session for minor necessary touch ups once your brows calm down.
If you throw botox into the mix while your brows are still healing, you risk messing up the final shape, the lasting effect of the pigment, and even the outcome of the microbladed area. Your skin just needs a minute before you start poking it again with needles.
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Botox And Your Brows: What’s Happening Under The Skin
Botox injections are a whole different thing. Instead of pigment in the skin, botox goes into the facial muscles (like your forehead area or between your brows) to relax them. That’s how it smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. Once it’s injected, the botox liquid spreads a little under the skin before it binds to the nerves. That’s why an educated injector matters so much. You want it to land in the right spot, not drift.
Here’s the issue: if you just had microblading done, your muscles are still moving, your skin is still healing, and you haven’t even seen the final shape of your brows yet. If botox shifts your facial expressions while the brows are healing, you might end up with uneven appearance, pigment healing funny, or brows arching in a way that wasn’t part of the original plan. Not fun.
Related: Botox Treatment: How To Find A Qualified Practitioner You Can Trust
So, How Long After Microblading Can I Get Botox?
The safe window is usually 2-4 weeks. At two weeks, most people’s brows have scabbed, peeled, and started to stabilize. If your skin heals slower or you’ve got oily skin (which makes color retention trickier), give it the full four. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your face. The reasons for waiting:
- No more open wound in the injection site.
- The pigment has settled enough so you can actually see the final outcome before botox tweaks your expressions.
- Less chance of side effects like skin irritation, patchy healing, or losing pigment.
Some people actually do it the other way around. They get botox first, let it settle for a few weeks, and then get their brows microbladed. That way the brow technician is working on a “frozen” canvas and can map the ideal shape around relaxed muscles. Totally a personal choice, but either way, spacing things out gets you the best possible results.
The Best Order To Book Your Appointments
One of the biggest questions people forget to ask is: should I book botox first or microblading first? And the truth is, the order can completely change the final outcome of your brows. If you start with botox, you’re essentially freezing the facial muscles in your forehead area before any pigment hits your skin. That means when you walk into your microblading appointment, your brow technician is working with your “relaxed face.” They can map out the ideal shape without having to guess what your brows will look like once the muscles calm down two weeks later. For some people, especially those with strong expression lines or asymmetry in the forehead, this can actually give more natural-looking results right from the first session.
But here’s the flip side: if you’re impatient and want those perfect brows right now, you can absolutely do microblading first. The only catch is you’ll need to give the treated area time to heal before adding botox into the mix. Two weeks is the bare minimum, four weeks is safer. That way, you don’t risk throwing off the pigment retention or the final shape because of muscle changes happening underneath while the brows are still in the healing phases. Neither choice is wrong – it’s more about personal choice and what feels like the best time for you. Just don’t try to squeeze both into the same week and expect good results. That’s when things get messy.
How Long Your Results Actually Last
Let’s talk longevity, because both of these procedures play the long game in very different ways. Microbladed eyebrows are designed to last between 1-3 years depending on a bunch of factors: your skin type, how much sun exposure you get, whether you’re using skincare actives like glycolic acid or face scrubs, and even your physical activity level (yes, excessive sweating can fade pigment faster). After your initial session, you’ll usually need a second microblading session for minor necessary touch ups, and then you’re good for a couple of years before you think about a refresh.
Botox, on the other hand, is way more short-term. Botox treatments typically last about 3-4 months before your facial muscles start waking up again. Some people stretch it a bit longer, but if you want that smooth forehead look consistently, you’ll be back in your injector’s chair several times a year. This is why it’s helpful to think of brows as more of an upfront investment – like permanent makeup that just quietly does its job – while botox is more like a subscription. You keep topping it up to maintain the results. If you plan your appointments smartly, you’ll never have to deal with the awkward phase of brows still healing while your botox is kicking in, or vice versa. The goal is simple: space them properly, and you’ll have both smooth skin and perfect brows without one ruining the other.
Things That Can Ruin Your Microblading Results If You’re Not Careful
It’s not just botox you have to think about when you’re healing from microblading. A few other things can mess with pigment if you dive in too soon:
- Chemical peels, glycolic acid, face scrubs: All of these exfoliate your skin, which can strip pigment right out.
- Dermal fillers: Same issue as botox, you don’t want to add more needle trauma while brows are fresh.
- Excessive sweating, tanning bed exposure, direct sunlight: Sweat and UV are pigment killers. If you want your microbladed brows to last 1-3 years, protect them like crazy in the beginning.
- Skincare routine: Skip vitamin E, oil supplements, and harsh scrubs until your brows are fully healed. Gentle is the name of the game.
- Even everyday stuff like physical activity in the first week can mess things up: Sweat = salty water, and salty water pushes pigment out of the skin.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the deal: both microblading and botox can give you a super fresh, natural-looking result. But only if you don’t rush it. Microblading is basically controlled scratches with pigment, and botox is a muscle relaxer. Your face needs time between them to adjust. The best time for botox after microblading? Wait at least 2 weeks, ideally 4. That’s when you’ll see the final shape of your brows, the pigment has calmed down, and your skin is ready for round two of needles. Do it sooner and you’re gambling with your brows, your wallet, and your sanity.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
