Scalpel, Toxin, and Performance Pressure: Metabolic, Psychiatric, and Psychosocial Aspects of Aesthetic Medicine in Competitive and Physique Athletes
July 2026
in “
Quality in Sport
”
TLDR Athletes may experience reduced effectiveness of aesthetic treatments due to high metabolism and stress, and often have body image disorders.
The document explores the intersection of aesthetic medicine and competitive sports, highlighting the unique metabolic, psychiatric, and psychosocial factors affecting athletes who undergo minimally invasive procedures. It notes that athletes' elevated metabolic rates and exercise-induced stress can reduce the effectiveness of treatments like hyaluronic acid fillers and botulinum toxin. The use of substances like steroids and peptides can further impact treatment outcomes. Additionally, disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and muscle dysmorphia are prevalent among physique-oriented athletes, driving compulsive treatment-seeking behaviors. The study recommends that clinicians incorporate psychometric screenings and anticipate altered pharmacokinetics when treating athletes, and calls for further research on treatment durability under physical stress.
