As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games highlight the world’s top athletes, one might wonder if their intense training affects more than just their muscles. Surprisingly, it extends to their beauty routines, particularly concerning neurotoxins like Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau and Daxxify. Recent studies suggest that high levels of physical activity can influence both the effectiveness and longevity of these injections. So, as we watch the games we wonder, does elite-level training impact the results of aesthetic treatments?
Featured Experts
- Dr. Janet Allenby is a board certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, FL
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Dr. Mark Murphy is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in West Palm Beach, FL
Should Athletes Get Botox?
Absolutely, says West Palm Beach, FL facial plastic surgeon Mark Murphy, MD. “If you’re an athlete, your neurotoxin timeline will just look a lot different from patients with average metabolisms and fitness levels. Studies have shown that those with faster metabolisms, like many athletes, will require more frequent touch-ups to maintain their aesthetic results.”
“High levels of physical activity, particularly involving the treated muscles, can potentially reduce the duration of neurotoxin effects,” adds Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. “Frequent and intense muscle contractions may cause the product to wear off faster. Vigorous activity also increases blood circulation, which might disperse the neurotoxin more quickly from the injection site, diminishing its localized effect.”
How Much Faster Do Athletes Metabolize Botox?
For athletes, the duration of a neurotoxin’s effectiveness can be shorter compared to the general population. Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Janet Allenby, MD says, “Our aggressive workout patients usually experience a reduction in the longevity of their neurotoxins by about a month. This is likely due to the increased metabolism and frequent muscle contractions associated with their training.”
Can You Sweat It Out?
While Botox itself isn’t sweated out, intense sweating can affect the treatment’s settling process. Athletes prone to excessive sweating might need to consider this, says Dr. Longwill. “Intense workouts can sometimes cause temporary inflammation and excessive sweating, which might interfere with the optimal settling of the neurotoxin,” she explains.
Other Benefits for Athletes
Neurotoxin injections can also have performance related benefits as well says Dr. Murphy. “They can be particularly useful in managing chronic migraines, temporomandibular joint disorder and hyperhidrosis.”
They can also help improve muscle function and performance by reducing involuntary muscle contractions. “Neurotoxins can help manage muscle spasticity and dystonia,” says Dr. Allenby. “When injected into specific muscles, neurotoxin can also alleviate performance-related muscle pain and tightness, enhancing flexibility and aiding in recovery and overall performance.”
Timing Treatments
Planning injections at the right time is crucial for athletes while competing. “Treatments should be scheduled during periods of lighter training or recovery phases,” says Dr. Longwill. “Intense physical activity must be avoided for at least 24 hours post-treatment to allow the neurotoxin to settle properly.” Athletes also must align their treatment schedules with their training cycles and competition dates to ensure the best results.
“You really shouldn’t be tilting your head down, exercising, or rubbing your face for the first 24 hours following treatment,” Dr. Murphy says.
While we don’t know which athletes might have squeezed in a visit to their injector before the games, we do know there’s a real benefit to those who’ve had it done. Whether it’s managing migraines, reducing muscle pain, or just maintaining that youthful glow, neurotoxins can give athletes a competitive edge both on and off the field. So, next time you’re cheering for your favorite Olympian, remember that their secret weapon might just be an extra dose of ‘tox.
