About three to four weeks. That gives your wrinkle relaxer time to fully kick in and leaves room for a touch-up if you want one. Filler follows the same rule, mostly because of swelling.
Here’s the full timeline, plus your 2026 booking dates so you don’t have to do the math.
The quick answer
| Treatment | Book this far ahead | Why |
| Botox, Dysport, Xeomin | 3 to 4 weeks | Results build over about 2 weeks, plus time for a touch-up |
| Lip and cheek filler | 3 to 4 weeks | Swelling and any bruising need 1 to 2 weeks to settle |
| BBL or Moxi laser | 2 weeks | Redness and flaking clear in about a week, keep in mind that these treatments work best as a series |
| Microneedling | 2 to 4 weeks | Redness usually fades in a few days, and glow builds over the following weeks |
| Facials | 2 to 3 days | Minimal downtime, perfect for the final polish |
Your 2026 holiday injectable booking calendar
“Ideal” gives you the full four weeks. “Latest” is the two-week minimum for wrinkle relaxers and filler.
| Event | Ideal booking date | Latest booking date |
| Thanksgiving (Nov 26) | Oct 29 | Nov 12 |
| Hanukkah (begins Dec 4) | Nov 6 | Nov 20 |
| Christmas (Dec 25) | Nov 27 | Dec 11 |
| New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) | Dec 3 | Dec 17 |
Holidays are the busiest stretch of the year for injectables, and the most popular appointment times fill first. If you have a specific party, photo shoot, or trip in mind, book now and work backward.
Why wrinkle relaxers need a head start
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin don’t work instantly. Most people start to notice softening in three to five days, and full results show up around two weeks.
That two-week mark is when your provider can see exactly how your muscles responded. If one brow sits a little higher or a line needs a bit more, a small touch-up fixes it. Book too close to your event and you lose that window.
Already on a schedule? Wrinkle relaxers typically last three to four months. If your last appointment was in summer, you’re likely due right around the holidays anyway.
Why filler needs a buffer
Filler results are visible right away, but your first few days aren’t your final result. Swelling is normal, especially in the lips, and usually peaks in the first 48 hours. Small bruises can happen too.
Most swelling settles within one to two weeks, and that’s when filler looks soft, natural, and fully you. Planning three to four weeks out means you walk into the party with settled, polished results and zero stress.
Curious what the first two weeks actually look like? Read our post about what to expect when getting lip filler.
How to lower your chances of bruising
Bruising is the most common reason people wish they’d booked earlier. A few things can help:
- Tell your provider about any medications and supplements you take, and ask which ones (if any) to pause before treatment
- Skip alcohol for about 24 hours before and after your appointment
- Avoid intense workouts for 24 to 48 hours after
- Ask about arnica if you bruise easily
Always follow your provider’s instructions over general advice. Never stop a prescribed medication without talking to the doctor who prescribed it.
Building a full holiday glow plan
Want to go beyond injectables? Stack treatments so each one has room to settle:
- 6 weeks out: Laser (BBL or Moxi) for sun damage, redness, and texture
- 4 weeks out: Wrinkle relaxer and filler
- 2 weeks out: Wrinkle relaxer touch-up if needed
- 2 to 3 days out: Facial for the final glow
Your provider can build a plan around your exact dates at your consultation.
The bottom line
For wrinkle relaxers and filler, four weeks is the sweet spot and two weeks is the minimum. Book early, especially for Christmas and New Year’s, and give yourself room for a touch-up.
Ready to plan your holiday glow? Book at our Claremont, Redlands, Newport Beach, San Clemente, or Henderson location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before an event should I get Botox?
Ideally three to four weeks before. Full results take about two weeks, and the extra time allows for a touch-up.
Can I get Botox one week before an event?
You may see some softening by then, but results won’t be complete and there’s no time for adjustments. Two weeks is the safer minimum.
How long does lip filler swelling last?
Swelling usually peaks in the first 48 hours and settles within one to two weeks.
Can I get Botox and filler on the same day?
Often, yes. Many clients do both in one appointment. Your provider will confirm what makes sense for your plan.
When should I start laser treatments for the holidays?
Two to four weeks before your event, or earlier if your provider recommends a series.
