Botox During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Botox, one of the most well known aesthetic treatments across the globe, has become recognized for reducing facial wrinkles with little of the downtime of other cosmetic procedures. But if you’re already pregnant, or you have plans to become so in the not-too-distant future, Botox is probably not a good idea. And with no hard evidence of harm, there aren’t enough reliable data to show that’s it’s absolutely safe to use during pregnancy. However, the standard response for most doctors and medi-spas is to play it safe and recommend putting laser hair removal off until after the pregnancy. If you’ve had Botox without realizing your were pregnant, here’s what you need to know based on available information and clinical guidelines.

 

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for a purified version of botulinum toxin type A, a substance that temporarily paralyzes the muscles beneath the skin and prevents them from contracting. It is used in aesthetic medicine to treat expression lines and wrinkles and in particular in the treatment of forehead lines and lines in the glabella and periocular region.

While botulinum toxin may sound hazardous, Botox is actually administered in tiny, regulated doses. It is FDA approved and over two decades has been used for both cosmetic and medical purposes like migraines or excessive sweating.

 

How Does Botox Work?

When Botox is injected into a specific muscle, it blocks it from contracting. Lines on the face that form from repeated muscle movement — such as frown lines or crow’s feet — begin to soften as the muscle becomes relaxed. Used regularly over time, Botox can also prevent deeper wrinkles from developing.

Botox injections for cosmetic application are usually superficial and are intended to stay in the treatment area. That being said, what people are most concerned about when it comes to pregnancy has nothing to do with how Botox works, it’s whether or not the body reacts to it in different biological circumstances.

 

Is Botox Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

At this time no scientific evidence of whether Botox is harmful or is completely safe at the time of pregnancy. It is the lack of clinical trials among pregnant patients. Due to ethical concerns, pregnant women are typically excluded from the majority of clinical trials, and therefore very limited safety data exists regarding this population.

It is not recommended that Botox be given to pregnant women, even though in real life most aesthetic clinics and doctors do not inject Botox on pregnant patients. This cautious approach is rooted in the medical maxim of “do no harm” — particularly when safe substitutes and timing options are available after pregnancy.

 

What If I Had Botox Before I Knew I Was Pregnant?

This is a very common question, and one that frequently comes up in early pregnancy. Women that use Botox often will sometimes only find out they are pregnant after they’ve received a Botox treatment. Naturally, that causes questions and worry.

Here’s what the latest medical guidance says:

• Minimal systemic absorption: Botox is injected into the muscle and designed to stay there. Little or no trace of the hormone goes into the blood.
• No confirmed harm: To date, no clinical reports have indicated harm to babies born to pregnant women who previously used Botox.
• Inform your care provider: You should still talk to your care provider about this during your antenatal visits so it can be noted on your file as part of your maternity care.

If you had Botox very early in pregnancy when the placenta hasn’t fully formed yet, the risk appears to be vanishingly low. You won’t find many medical professionals who will suggest any intervention unless you are experiencing issues or are concerned about something that is not a direct result of your treatment.

 

Why Botox Is Avoided During Pregnancy

The reasons for the Botox during pregnancy warning include the following:

• Unpredictable immune response: Pregnancy modifies the immune system, which can in turn affect how your body responds to Botox. Although rare, allergic or inflammatory reactions could also be more likely.
• Lack of long-term data: While there isn’t evidence of harm, we don’t have long term studies in the effects of cosmetic botox on a developing baby.
• Precautionary principle: With unborn children, most clinicians err on the side of caution, no matter how seemingly speculative the risk seems to be.

Because cosmetic treatments are elective, there’s no urgent reason to assume a risk, however tiny it is.

 

When Can You Resume Botox After Pregnancy?

Once you give birth, the next question is whether Botox is safe while breastfeeding. As with pregnancy, there is very little evidence around studies in this region. Some clinics may accommodate treatment after giving birth and while you’re still breastfeeding, but they’ll likely advise against it, and tell you to make your appointment once you have finished breastfeeding entirely.

There is no evidence that Botox is excreted into breastmilk, but general guidance is to wait until the body has returned to its normal hormonal balance. Consult with your doctor or practitioner to determine what is right for you.

Most patients resume their typical Botox routine a few months after giving birth. Be sure to have a comprehensive consultation prior to the first session back.

 

Are There Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to Botox?

If you want to keep your skin looking its best while you’re pregnant and you opt out of fillers and injectables, there are a handful of non-invasive maternal-friendly options to consider:

• Hydrating facials: When deep hydration is what you need, these treatments are experts at plumping skin and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—without any harsh elements.
• LED light therapy: Specific wavelengths of LED light can aid in stimulating collagen and minimizing inflammation. Ensure that your clinic follows a pregnancy-safe protocol.
• Topical skincare: As long as you don’t have active skin inflammation, consider hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide, which are generally safe and can help texture and brightness. Just stay away from the retinoids or the strong acids, unless your dermatologist gives them the go-ahead.
• Lymphatic facial massage: It can helps reduce puffiness and encourages blood flow which is great specially when you are pregnant and have all the water retention happening.

These treatments won’t have the same long-term muscle-relaxing effect as Botox, but they can still improve skin appearance and texture safely.

 

What Should You Do If You Had Botox While Pregnant?

If you’ve received Botox and then learned of a pregnancy, you need to follow these steps:

• Stay calm: There are no data that suggest harm from the administration of Botox while the pregnancy was not confirmed.
• Let your midwife or GP know: If you take it, you should have it noted in your medical records, just as you should be advised to do with any other treatment or supplement you take.
• Avoid further treatments: Don’t do anything else cosmetic until you’ve had a full conversation with your health care team.
• Monitor your pregnancy as usual: In general, you don’t need any extra tests or screenings just because you had Botox.

Final Thoughts on Botox During Pregnancy

While Botox isn’t known to be dangerous during pregnancy, it isn’t known to be safe either. Without persuasive data in favor of either strategy, most experts recommend against using injectable treatments before, during or immediately after a pregnancy and the following breastfeeding period.

The upside is that most cosmetic concerns can wait — and your skin might even thank you during pregnancy with a collagen boost, improved circulation, and much-adulted “pregnancy glow.” When your baby is finally born and your hormones have calmed down, Botox can be safely reintroduced to your skincare routine.

 

FAQs

• Can I get Botox while breastfeeding?

There are no definitive data that anyone has presented to show Botox is safe in breast-feeding. Some clinics may provide it if you’re no longer exclusively breastfeeding, while others may advise waiting until weaning occurs. How you should decide depends on your individual circumstances and the policy of your provider.

• I had Botox before I knew I was pregnant. Should I be worried?

In most cases, no Even if the Botox was administered before you even knew you were pregnant, Botox should not be harmful to the baby. Always tell your care provider, but no further treatment or testing is usually necessary.

• Can I get fillers instead of Botox during pregnancy?

No. As with Botox, dermal fillers are also not recommended for use while pregnant. They also don’t have safety data in pregnant people, and most of the same cautionary rules apply. You’re better off avoiding all injectables until you have delivered.

• Is there a way to keep my skin looking fresh without injectables?

Yes. When it comes to skincare, safe pregnancy facials, plenty of hydration, SPF protection, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and brightening vitamin C will help keep your skin feeling and looking great. Alternatively, you can speak to a dermatologist for a customized pregnancy-friendly routine.