Can you exercise or workout after Botox?
Botox (known also as Botulinum Toxin) is a quick and great procedure and after having it you feel great. However, even though you may feel great, it is not the time to exercise after having Botox injections, as this can potentially cause issues.
With Botox or Dysport treatments or any neuromodulators such as Xeomin or Jeuveau, it is important to refrain from exercise and remain upright for at least four hours after the injections. This means no strenuous exercise, but not even yoga classes, pilates, swimming, or sit ups. Dr. Green also recommends refraining from running on the treadmill or aerobic exercise for four hours as well. Dr. Green also recommends that patients avoid lying flat for four hours after their Botox injections.
How Botox works
Botox can diffuse for several hours after its injection into an area of the face. When injected into the frown lines and frown muscles, or for treating crows feet, it could potentially diffuse into the small muscles of the upper eyelid. Dysport and Xeomin have different diffusion profiles and can even diffuse to a greater area than Botox. This would increase the risk of spread and potential facial muscle issues.
The reason why you want to wait to exercise after Botox is that exercise increases circulation. What this means for your injections, is that the Botox could spread to areas that it wasn’t attended on going to and can cause a droop. We always tell patients to keep their head upright after the injections and if they have to bend, they should plié like a ballerina. Any exercise that requires you to put your head below your heart, like in yoga or pilates, can cause your Botox to diffuse to an unintended area.
We advise patients to exercise before your scheduled Botox appointment. By exercising before your injections, you avoid any risk and can feel great and avoid worrying after your cosmetic injections.
Please contact our Upper East Side NY based office today or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about whether Botox treatments, or a combination of Botox injections with Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm, Kybella, Radiesse or Restylane may be best suited for your dermatology needs.