With so many complications and poor outcomes reported with cosmetic injectables, it’s normal to wonder about precautions if you’re considering BOTOX. A common question is whether you can exercise before treatment. Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow look at BOTOX pre-care and how long you should avoid intense workouts.
A bit about BOTOX
BOTOX is a form of botulinum neurotoxin type A, one member of the botulinum toxin family. It works by blocking the nerve signals that tell muscles to contract. In high doses this can cause paralysis and even be life-threatening, but in controlled, small amounts it’s used to smooth wrinkles and to treat conditions like excessive sweating, drooling, urinary incontinence, certain eye muscle problems, and some digestive issues. Because the muscle-relaxing effect is temporary, treatments need to be repeated for long-term results.
Is it safe to exercise before BOTOX?
There are no direct warnings against exercising before BOTOX, but many providers caution patients because sweating and raised blood pressure can increase the risk of bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection sites. Exercise raises your heart rate and blood flow, can thin the blood, and makes you sweat — all things that could cause the toxin to spread slightly before it settles, potentially affecting results. For this reason, most experts recommend avoiding exercise for at least 24 hours after your injections.
It’s also why clinicians advise against taking blood-thinning medicines and supplements before the procedure. Common items to avoid include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and some herbs like ginseng and ginkgo, and even garlic.
Before your appointment
You can do your regular workout earlier in the day, but it’s best not to go straight from a tough session into your treatment. Exercise acts like a natural blood thinner and even light activity changes blood flow and plasma. So try to give your body time to cool down, bring your heart rate back to normal, and stop sweating before you sit for injections.
Running before BOTOX
Running is fine as long as you’re not immediately on the treatment chair after a hard run. Be calm, with normal blood pressure and body temperature. Avoid long sprints or very intense runs the morning of your appointment. If you’re a regular runner, plan workouts so you have time to cool down before the treatment, and avoid running for at least 24 hours after injections. If you can’t skip a morning run, ask your aesthetician to book you for later in the day.
Swimming before BOTOX
Swimming has the same effects as other workouts: raised heart rate, more sweat, and increased blood flow. Also keep the treatment area dry and smooth. If you’re getting injections around the eyes, avoid wearing goggles right before your appointment — they can press on the skin and create temporary lines or redness.
When should you stop exercising?
There’s no strict rule, but it’s wise to let your body return to normal for a few hours before the procedure. Aim to finish exercising at least 2–3 hours before your appointment so your heart rate and blood pressure have settled and you’re no longer sweating. Exercising right before BOTOX may raise the chance of bruising or other side effects, so when in doubt, give yourself extra cool-down time.