Nicole Rakowski

We often find that bodybuilders struggle with losing substantial facial mass during prep. We’ve all been there. I remember looking extremely gaunt at my first show and feeling extremely self-conscious about this taking away from my overall stage appearance. I used to believe that accepting a gaunt and super skinny face was unavoidable while cutting fat during prep, thinking there was no way to avoid sacrificing facial mass. However, I have come to realize that this is not the case.

Dr. Chris Sulowski, who is not only my husband but, one of the top medical aesthetics physicians across Canada, has the ultimate secret to ensuring your face can look just as good as your body while on stage and at the gym. As an internationally recognized injector, I asked Dr. Chris to shed light on his recommendations for athletes competing.

If you’re gearing up for a bodybuilding show or even just working on your overall physique, this article is for you. For many of us, our lives revolve around the gym - from pumping iron at the crack of dawn to hitting weights late at night. Your focus is laser-sharp on preparing for the ultimate challenge. But beyond sculpting your physique to perfection, Dr. Chris suggests a few extra steps to ensure you're fully primed for the competition.

In 2024, getting your Botox done regularly is like going to the dentist or hair salon. If you don't do it regularly, you're not going to die, but people will start to notice. 

Quality skincare and aesthetic treatments come with a value that reflects their efficacy and safety. True, they may not be the most economical option, but when it comes to your appearance and well-being, opting for affordability over quality can be a compromise you don’t want to make. The definition of ‘affordable’ is subjective and varies from person to person, influenced by our unique financial obligations. However, investing in a trusted and skilled injector is an investment in yourself, one that may require time, financial commitment, and even travel, but ultimately, it’s an investment that yields confidence and satisfaction.

Here are a few suggestions that Dr. Chris specializes in:

Botox and Neuromodulators

There are a number of different options when it comes to neuromodulators in Canada, and with choice comes competition, better pricing, and varying effects. Controlling wrinkles is no longer reserved for the A-list celebrities or those in front of a camera. You stand in front of your harshest critic every day, the mirror, and aging never stops. Neuromodulators are one of the tools we now have to fight the aging process and they allow us to help take control of how we age. They can be administered for subtle, natural softening as well as for complete smoothness. How you and your injector choose to approach aging is very personal and can change over time.

As a bikini competitor myself, I know how much time I spent on ensuring I was as ready as possible prior to getting on stage. But what I never initially considered were possibilities of what I could do to my face to help me stand out. Dr. Chris provided me with the ultimate aesthetic medicine package to not only boost my self-confidence but achieve a well-desired look.

“Botox stands out as a highly sought-after non-invasive procedure known for its ability to temporarily reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance. To enhance your bodybuilding competition presence and appear youthful on stage, it's not just about contemplating dermal fillers; incorporating Botox into your regimen is also worth considering,” states Dr. Chris.

He explains that neuromodulators such as Letybo, Botox, Nuceiva, and Dysport, when properly administered, can make you feel younger and more confident on stage. By paralyzing select muscles on your face, you rid unwanted wrinkles and fine lines, achieving a more youthful appearance. Top coaches know that competitors should get these injections approximately 4-6 weeks before show day. This allows enough time for the neuromodulator to kick in, and for any touch-ups if needed.

Dermal Fillers

It amazes me that bodybuilders will put so much time, effort and money into their diet plans, training, posing, tanning, stage suits, and other aspects, yet they will do nothing for their face. Dr. Chris believes that “men are angles and women are curves,” and this typically applies to their facial expressions as well. Whether you’re a male or female, dermal fillers can help add volume to your face and lips, volume that is significantly lost during the “cutting” phase. Dermal fillers replace fat loss in the face and lips (including the jawline, cheek, temples, and chin). Dr. Chris states that fillers can be done 1-2 weeks before the show. When asking Dr. Chris what happens to the filler post show, when many will choose to go into a “bulking phase,” Dr. Chris states that when injected properly, the filler should remain in the same spot rather than migrating to other areas. Although it is rarely an issue, if bulking truly distorts the face afterwards, the filler can easily be dissolved.

Hair Loss

We all know that the gear many of us take when entering open competitions can lead to thinning hair or even loss. In this fiercely competitive arena, athletes often face this unintended consequence, a side effect of the intense regimens they undertake. The quest for peak performance shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s crowning glory. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an excellent way to bring your own vital nutrients to the hair follicles. Dr. Sulowski employs the cutting-edge World PRP system, delivering a concentrated surge of growth factors directly to the roots. The transformation is not just medical but also visual, as the lustrous results become a highlight on the competitive stage. For those witnessing the early signs of hair loss, prompt intervention with PRP can be the key to preserving and enhancing follicular vitality. Revitalizing shampoos, just like skin moisturizers, should also become part of any body builder’s routine.

Tixel and Skin Health

Tixel is a cutting-edge treatment that can significantly benefit those struggling with acne and seeking overall skin health improvements. Many bodybuilders experience acne due to several factors related to their lifestyle and activities. Intense weightlifting for instance can increase testosterone levels, which may contribute to acne. This coupled with the use of PEDs can lead to acne in about 50% of athletes.

Here’s how Tixel can help:

• Acne Treatment: Tixel uses thermo-mechanical ablation technology to heat and slow the production of oil glands, which are often implicated in the development of acne. It also removes the outer layers of dead skin cells that can clog pores, leading to fewer breakouts and less severe acne when they do occur.
• Skin Rejuvenation: By creating micro-wounds, Tixel triggers the skin’s natural healing process, which includes the production of collagen. This results in tighter, smoother skin with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. It’s particularly effective for fading acne scars, age spots, and melasma.
• Minimal Downtime: Compared to conventional fractional laser treatments, Tixel requires less recovery time, allowing for a quicker return to daily activities with minimal discomfort.
• Safety and Versatility: Tixel is safe for all skin types, including dark skin, and can address a variety of skin concerns using just one device. It’s effective for skin tightening, pigmentation issues, and scarring.

For optimal results, it’s important to follow pre- and post-treatment care instructions, such as extensive sun avoidance, to ensure the skin heals properly and benefits fully from the treatment.

Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions about Botox

I personally know that there are still many stereotypes and misconceptions when it comes to Botox. I asked Dr. Chris to address some common stereotypes and why it’s essential to challenge them:

1. “Botox freezes facial expressions”: This misconception suggests that Botox results in a stiff or unnatural appearance. However, when administered by a skilled professional, Botox is carefully injected into specific muscles, allowing for subtle and natural-looking results.
2. “Women who get Botox are vain”: This stereotype unfairly judges women who choose Botox. It’s crucial to understand the motivations behind their decisions, such as self-perception, body image, and societal beauty standards. Empathy and knowledge can help combat stigma.
3. “Too much Botox is better”: Some believe that excessive Botox leads to better results. However, moderation is key. Overuse can result in an unnatural appearance and potential complications.
4. “Botox is only for older people”: Botox is effective for both prevention and treatment. Younger individuals use it to prevent wrinkles, while older ones seek to reduce existing lines.
5. “Botox is dangerous”: When administered by a qualified professional, Botox is safe. Understanding its origins and how it works dispels fears based on misinformation.

By challenging these stereotypes, we promote informed discussions and empower individuals to make well-informed choices about Botox treatments. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if any of these treatment options are right for your specific skin concerns.

Whether you've been fighting wrinkles for decades or you're only a few decades old and want to avoid wrinkles for as long as possible, you have a safe, more affordable choice than ever before, and if you don't think others are already doing it, well, they are. For any further questions related to this subject matter, reach out to @drchrissulowski or @rakowskinicole over Instagram.

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