Injecting botox into your calves to slim them is a recent trend on TikTok that can cause many side effects, experts say.
- On TikTok, a new trend, called #CalfTox, involves injecting botox into the calves to refine and sculpt them.
- This practice is dangerous because it can lead to paralysis, pain, swelling and bruising, allergic reaction, and infection.
- Additionally, it can cause muscle weakness and an inability to exercise.
#CalfTox. Behind this hashtag mixing the term “calf”, meaning calf in French, and the word botox, we find a new trend popularized on Tiktok in recent weeks. The latter consists of injecting botox directly into the calves in order to refine and sculpt them, according to the New York Post. “Applying botox to the calves will temporarily relax the muscles by blocking the nerve endings,” explained Dr. Andrew Peredo, cosmetic surgeon, to the American newspaper.
“Paralysis” in the calves due to botox injections
In videos published on the social network, several Internet users said they had given in to temptation to say goodbye to their complex and be able to buy high boots that they never managed to close. However, this practice is not without risks. This is why the cosmetic surgeon, Christian Marinetti, refuses to do injections in this part of the leg. “The calves, we need them to stand up, to stand on tiptoes, we can imagine having paralysis”, he declared to BFMTV.
Injecting botox into your calves could cause muscle weakness
According to the Clifford clinic in Singaporethis improper use of botox could lead to pain, swelling and bruising, allergic reaction and infection.
Another possible side effect: muscle weakness and inability to exercise. “Daily activities may be affected. This could potentially affect your gait/stride, affecting the way you walk, run or jump depending on your anatomy. (…) Long-term effects are not known as it is of a new trend, but there is a risk of affecting your lower legs and back. When you change the anatomy of your feet and legs, it can cause a chain reaction,” said Dr. Andrew Peredo.
Faced with these numerous risks, experts strongly recommend consulting a professional for any botox injection.
