Botulinum toxin injections have become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments for reducing expression wrinkles. However, many people wonder how this procedure might affect their daily routine, especially when it comes to sports. Is it possible to continue physical activity after a botulinum toxin injection ? What types of movements or exercises should be avoided ?
Before addressing the topic ‘botulinum toxin and physical activity’, it is important to understand how botulinum toxin works. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that works by blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction. When injected into the muscles, it helps relax them by treating dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines (glabella) and crow’s feet.
The effect of botulinum toxin is temporary and generally lasts between 3 and 6 months, depending on each patient’s metabolism. However, the first results appear after a few days, as the toxin begins to take effect.
The success of botulinum toxin injections depends on several factors, one of the most important being to follow the post-treatment instructions given by your doctor at the end of the session. Among these recommendations, physical activity after botulinum toxin injections is often a topic of discussion.
You can continue to exercise after botulinum toxin injections, but certain precautions and waiting periods must be observed to avoid side effects.
Botulinum toxin needs time to properly bind to the targeted muscles. After an injection, it can move slightly if excessive movements or pressure are applied to the treated areas. Exercising too soon after an injection may cause the product to spread to unintended areas, which could alter the aesthetic results or lead to unwanted side effects such as eyelid ptosis (drooping of the eyelid).
Moreover, intense physical activity can increase blood circulation and speed up metabolism, which may reduce the effectiveness of botulinum toxin by causing the body to absorb it more quickly.
It is recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours before resuming physical activity after a botulinum toxin injection. This period allows the toxin to properly bind within the muscles and minimizes the risk of displacement. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the intensity of the activity and the areas injected. Here are some general guidelines :
Some physical activities are more likely to affect botulinum toxin injections. Here is an overview of the types of sports that should be avoided in the hours or days following the treatment.
Intensive exercises : activities such as running, crossfit, or any form of intense cardio can significantly increase heart rate and blood circulation. This could not only accelerate the breakdown of botulinum toxin but also cause a slight spread of the toxin to unintended areas. It is therefore recommended to wait at least 48 hours before resuming this type of exercise.
Sports with pressure on the face : some practices, such as yoga or Pilates, involve postures where the head is positioned downward or pressure is applied to the face. This may increase the risk of toxin migration. It is recommended to wait 72 hours before resuming these activities.
Swimming and sauna : after botulinum toxin injections, heat can accelerate toxin degradation, making the treatment less effective. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid swimming (especially in warm pools), saunas, steam baths, or any other activity that exposes the face to intense heat within 48 hours after the treatment.
If sport is an important part of your daily routine, it is absolutely possible to continue physical activity while optimizing the results of your botulinum toxin injections. Here are some tips to adapt your workout routine :
If botulinum toxin injections are combined with hyaluronic acid injections, following the precautions regarding physical activity becomes even more important.
In this case, it is recommended to wait about 48 hours before resuming intense physical activity.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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