Can Exercise Really Affect Your Facial Injections? Here's What We Know

For many people, achieving a youthful glow is the ultimate skin goal. Injectables like Botox and fillers have become widely popular treatments used to help achieve smooth, glass-like skin. Not only can Botox work to firm and tighten the skin, but it can also help soothe migraines and treat "excessive sweating" (via Healthline). After getting Botox, it's essential that you know the ins and outs of the proper aftercare routine so that you get the best possible results from your treatment.

There is plenty of advice out there about how you can make your treatment last as long as possible — so being informed can make all the difference in how long your skin stays firm and smooth. For those eager to get back to their workout routine, you may be wondering whether you can hit the gym after getting injectables. Whether or not you can workout after a cosmetic treatment like Botox depends on your metabolism, the type of workout you do, and the type of injectable you receive.

When it comes to exercising right after your injectables, you may want to skip your workout session on the day of your treatment. According to WebMD, your doctor will usually advise you to avoid "exercise for at least three hours" after getting Botox or fillers. Alan Durkin, M.D., and founder of Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery tells Shape, "[D]uring the timeframe between injection and Botox binding [to the muscle], there is an opportunity for the Botox to 'migrate' as it has not bound to the muscle." He claims that workouts can increase migration, which you want to avoid. 

If you get fillers, you'll want to be more careful with your workout routine post-treatment as well. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist, tells Women's Health, "Sometimes, hyaluronic acid fillers tend to get metabolized away a little bit more quickly, despite using adequate amounts,"

How long you should wait after getting treatment before working out depends heavily on your metabolism, and how intense your workouts are. If you're an athlete or do intense workouts like CrossFit or HIIT workouts, it's recommended you avoid working out for three days. However, if you casually exercise, 24 hours is okay to wait before returning to a light workout like cardio.

Yoga is also a workout you'll need to be mindful of, especially immediately after getting injectables. Moving your head and facial muscles during certain yoga poses can cause your treatment to migrate, so it's best to avoid yoga after getting any kind of injectables for at least 48 hours. Exercising can affect your face with or without Botox, so you don't need to completely axe your workout schedule. According to Dr. Melanie Palm, "[S]ignificant exercise — think working out daily for at least 30 to 60 minutes — can lead to loss of fat in the face" (Women's Health).