Exercise is an integral part of many people’s lives. They plan their daily schedule to include at least some physical activity to stay fit and mentally sharp.
If you are one of these people, you may be wondering what happens after a Botox treatment and if exercising is safe.
This article will help you optimize physical activity and suggests which exercises to do and which to avoid after Botox.
Can You Exercise After Botox?
Medical professionals don’t recommend vigorous exercise after a Botox treatment. Botox injections take time to settle, so any pressure on the treated area or brisk movements may cause Botox to diffuse.
Refrain from activities that involve jumping, running, getting your heart rate up, sweating, and using equipment that puts pressure on your face.
Is It Good to Exercise Your Face After Botox?
Moving your face moderately after a Botox treatment can be beneficial and help the neurotoxin soak into the muscles faster. Avoid making excessive facial expressions or rubbing, touching, and massaging the treated areas.
Doctors recommend the following facial expressions:
- Smiling
- Frowning
- Raising eyebrows
How Long After Botox Can You Exercise?
Avoid cardio exercises 24 hours after the Botox procedure. In some cases, medical providers recommend refraining from strenuous exercise for up to a week.
Light exercise is allowed four hours after the treatment, but don’t bend your head or lie down.
What Happens If I Exercise After Botox?
Exercise after Botox may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, and it should be avoided for the following reasons:
1. Potential Migration
Involuntary touching of your face, wiping sweat, and applying pressure to the treated area during exercising may cause Botox to spread from the injected site to other locations. This paralyzes unintended muscles and may result in uneven facial features or droopy eyelids. Botox can also migrate because of increased blood flow during exercise.
2. Bruising
Exercising immediately before and after the procedure increases blood flow and heart rate, leading to post-Botox bruising. The injection area may look reddish, purple, or inflamed for a few days.
3. Swelling
Swelling after Botox is typically mild, localized, and temporary. Vigorous exercise can prolong or worsen this condition, making the skin around the area tender or sore to the touch.
4. Bumps
Some patients experience small, painless bumps after Botox that usually resolve on their own. Excessive movement and exercise may worsen this condition or extend its duration.
5. Temporary Discomfort
Strenuous exercise may cause temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site. Applying a cold pack to the sensitive area can help reduce the pain.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have been exerting yourself physically after a Botox treatment, you may experience side effects, such as the following:
- Increased bruising or swelling
- Intensifying pain
- Rash or blisters
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness or faintness
- Muscle weakness
Seek professional medical assistance if the side effects do not subside or become more severe.
Note: Learn more about common Botox side effects and learn how to prevent or minimize them.
What Kind of Exercise Can I Do After Botox?
You can engage in light exercise four hours after the Botox procedure.
1. Walking
You can replace your regular fitness regimen with a pleasant walk on the day of your Botox procedure. Don’t move your head around too much or touch your face. Make sure your face is not exposed to direct sunlight because the heat dilates blood vessels and may cause Botox to diffuse to other areas.
2. Upright Yoga, Pilates, or Light Stretching
You can engage in light exercises such as yoga, Pilates, and stretching if you don’t bend your head or lie down. Avoid downward-facing movements that may cause Botox to diffuse.
Note: Find out how long after Botox you can lay down.
3. Gardening
Light housework and gardening are generally safe after Botox. However, avoid sunlight, bending your head down, applying pressure to your face, and swift movements that may raise your heart rate and blood flow.
4. Facial Exercises
Facial exercises like smiling, frowning, and raising the eyebrows contract muscles. Light facial exercise is recommended because it helps Botox flow into the muscles and settle in.
5. Low-Impact Cardio
You can engage in gentle, low-impact cardio exercises, such as stationary cycling. However, doctors do not recommend this type of exercise immediately after the treatment. Refrain from high-impact, sweat-inducing cardio workouts that elevate the heart rate and blood circulation.
What Kind of Exercise to Avoid After Botox?
Doctors generally agree that Botox patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Exercises to avoid after Botox are:
1. Jogging or Running
Avoid running after Botox due to increased heart rate, blood flow, and dilated blood vessels that may lead to bruising and swelling.
2. Aerobics
Aerobic activities raise your heart rate and increase the risk of bruising, swelling, and unintended spreading of Botox.
Exercises to avoid after Botox are the following:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Rowing
- Dancing
- High-intensity cycling
- Jumping rope
3. Swimming
Avoid swimming after Botox primarily because of the swimming gear. Swimming hats and goggles may apply pressure on your Botox injection area and diffuse the neurotoxin.
4. Exercises on the Floor (Yoga, Pilates)
Avoid exercises on the floor that require you to bend your head or practice downward positions. Bending after Botox may cause the neurotoxin to spread to other locations.
Note: Limiting exercise is one of many ways to ensure you get the most out of your Botox treatment. For more tips, check out our complete guide to Botox aftercare.
Conclusion
Abstaining from working out may be challenging if it’s part of your everyday routine. However, remember it only lasts for a day. Sticking to an exercise routine at all costs isn’t worth the risk of up to three months of undesired Botox effects.
For the best Botox in Phoenix, book an appointment at Vibrant Skin Bar. Our skin experts will discuss your specific concerns and find the best treatment for you.
