Injections of Botox have become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments for reducing expression lines. However, many people have questions about the impact of this procedure on their daily routine, particularly their sporting activities. Is it possible to continue physical activity after a Botox injection? What types of movement or exercise should be avoided?
Before tackling the subject Botox and physical activityIt's important to understand how Botox works. The BotoxBotulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin which acts by blocking the nerve signals responsible for muscle contraction. When injected into the muscles, it relaxes them and treats dynamic wrinkles, such as the "frown lines". forehead wrinklesthe lion wrinkles (glabella) and crow's feet wrinkles.
The effect of Botox 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, the time it takes for the toxin to take effect.
The success of Botox injections depends on a number of factors, one of the most important of which is following the post-treatment instructions given by your doctor at the end of the session. Among these recommendations, physical activity after Botox injections is often a subject of discussion.
You can continue to do sport after Botox injections, but there are precautions to be taken and time limits to be respected to avoid side effects.
Botox needs time to settle properly in the targeted muscles. After an injection, it may move slightly if excessive movement or pressure is applied to the treated areas. Playing sport too soon after an injection can cause the product to spread to undesired areas, which could alter aesthetic results or lead to undesirable side effects such as a "sore throat". eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelid).
In addition, intense physical activity can increase blood circulation and speed up the metabolism, which could reduce the effectiveness of Botox by causing the toxin to be absorbed more quickly by the body.
We recommend waiting until 24 to 48 hours before resuming physical activity after a Botox injection. This period allows the toxin to settle properly in the muscles and minimises the risk of displacement. However, this period may vary depending on the intensity of the activity and the areas injected. Here are a few guidelines:
Certain physical activities are more likely to have an impact on Botox injections. Here is an overview of sports activities that should be avoided in the hours or days following treatment.
Intensive exercise: activities such as running, crossfit, or any form of intense cardio can cause a significant increase in heart rate and blood circulation. Not only could this accelerate the breakdown of Botox, but it could also cause the toxin to move slightly to non-targeted areas. It is therefore advisable to wait at least 48 hours before resuming this type of exercise.
Sports involving pressure on the face : come practices, such as yoga or Pilates, involve postures with the head facing downwards or pressure on the face. This can increase the risk of Botox displacement. It is recommended to wait 72 hours before resuming these activities.
Swimming and sauna : After Botox injections, heat can accelerate the breakdown of the toxin, making the treatment less effective. This is why it is advisable to avoid swimming (especially in hot pools), saunas, steam baths or any other activity that exposes the face to intense heat for 48 hours after treatment.
If sport is an important part of your daily routine, it's perfectly possible to continue exercising while maximising the results of your Botox injections. Here are a few tips for adapting your sports routine:
Opt for gentle exercise: for 24 to 48 hours after your Botox injections, opt for gentle exercise such as walking, light stretching or breathing exercises. These activities won't increase blood flow too much and won't compromise the results of the treatment.
Avoid touching or rubbing your face: during your training sessions, be careful not to touch or rub the injected areas. Botox needs time to set in and any pressure on the injected areas could have consequences. You should also avoid using towels or headbands that could exert pressure on your forehead or eyes.
Hydrate and protect your skin: sport and outdoor activities can lead to dehydration, which can have an impact on skin metabolism. Make sure you're well hydrated before, during and after exercise to keep your skin supple and healthy.
If Botox injections are combined with injections ofhyaluronic acidWhen it comes to sports activities, it's even more important to take precautions.
In this case, it is advisable to wait around 48 hours before resuming intense physical activity.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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