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What Happens if You Get BOTOX While Pregnant?7 min read

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Being able to welcome a new member into your family is one of the most exciting experiences you will ever have. With this comes lots of joy and excitement, but pregnancy difficulties are also part of this process. Some of these difficulties can be anticipated, but sometimes, others can’t. 

During pregnancy, women often experience complications from medications they did not anticipate. As a result, certain medications that may have been OK are suddenly shelved and locked away until after giving birth. There are many women who wonder, as a result of this, if BOTOX is one of these medications. Does BOTOX work during pregnancy?

What Is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that paralyzes muscles when injected. Besides BOTOX, other facial fillers such as Dysport, Jeauveau, and Xeomin, also contain this toxin. 

By paralyzing the muscles, BOTOX minimizes muscle movement. As a result, it prevents the skin from wrinkles and causes forehead lines and other undesirable signs of aging as a result of the application.

What Is BOTOX Used For?

In addition to treating cosmetic imperfections, Botox can also be used to treat a number of medical conditions, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Eyelid twitching;
  • Spasticity;
  • Migraines;
  • Overactive bladder;
  • Urinary incontinence;
  • Excessive sweating.

However, BOTOX is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, which is why it has become so popular. In both men and women, BOTOX is used to reduce wrinkles, lift brows and eyelids, or even prevent lines from forming in the future by using injections. 

The question remains, however, whether pregnant women can enjoy the medical and cosmetic advantages of BOTOX during their pregnancy.

What Are the Effects of BOTOX Injections on Pregnant Women?

An important factor in understanding how BOTOX interacts with your body during pregnancy is its FDA approval rating. Various medications and drugs are categorized by the FDA as being safe for pregnant women from A to X, with A being completely safe and X being dangerous. 

Despite documented cases of BOTOX affecting pregnancies, the FDA places BOTOX in category X as a precaution, since there is not enough research on BOTOX’s effects during pregnancy. 

Animal studies are the only source of information physicians have about BOTOX and pregnancy. According to some animal experiments, BOTOX did not cross the placenta of the mother or harm the unborn child. Other studies, however, have had less encouraging results. Rats and rabbits, for instance, suffered from fetal abnormalities, abortions, premature births, low birth weights, and bone deficiencies in clinical studies. 

Although the results are inconclusive and the clinical trials were not even conducted on human babies, BOTOX should still be avoided during pregnancy. As a parent, you should place the highest priority on your baby’s development during this time.

What if I Need BOTOX for a Medical Condition?

There are, of course, some women who get BOTOX for medical reasons rather than cosmetic ones. It is best to consult your physician in such cases. Occasionally, if the benefits of BOTOX injections outweigh the risks to the baby, your doctor may approve the procedure. BOTOX risks are inconclusive at best if this describes your situation. Nevertheless, in a few years, and after more peer-reviewed studies have been conducted, there may be a time when BOTOX will be considered a safe injection for pregnant women.

What if I've Already Had BOTOX During Pregnancy?

If you find yourself reading this after having gotten BOTOX during pregnancy, there is still no reason to worry. Fortunately, the amount of botulinum toxin type A in BOTOX injections is minimal. Therefore, the chance that this could escape its injection site and enter the bloodstream is negligible.

Does BOTOX Affect the Quality of Breast Milk?

In the same way that the data are inconclusive about whether or not BOTOX actually affects the fetus, the data are also inconclusive about whether or not BOTOX actually enters the bloodstream and is found in breast milk in the mother. It is possible for BOTOX to escape its treatment area and spread to other parts of the body where it is not intended. It is, however, a relatively rare occurrence. 

The best thing you can do if you want to get BOTOX while breastfeeding is to pump and dump for 24 hours after getting the injection if this is what you choose to do. The use of BOTOX during pregnancy should only be done for medical purposes. Consequently, pumping and dumping are not sufficient protections for cosmetic BOTOX treatments.

How Long Should I Wait Until Resuming BOTOX Injections?

The majority of physicians advise waiting until you are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding, although medical reasons or other factors during your pregnancy could influence your decision.

What Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives Do I Have?

Pregnant women who want glowing skin can choose from a wide range of pregnancy-safe options. In spite of the fact that none of these treatments completely mimic BOTOX, plastic surgeons and dermatologists have found that they are successful at making some improvements similar to those made by BOTOX. Additionally, the options below are safe for you and your baby during pregnancy!

  • HydraFacial is a product designed to boost your skin’s complexion. It does this through exfoliating, cleansing, and nourishing your face. It is also known to help with hormonal acne.
  • Chemical peels are a well-known facial treatment option for pregnant people. While it’s important to choose gentler peels, glycolic and lactic acid are both excellent options.
  • Vitamin C is a standby in any health-conscious woman’s repertoire. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps your skin repair and prevent sun damage. 
  • Glycolic acid is another option for pregnant women. If you feel nervous about a chemical peel, this treatment has similar effects without the potential stress of the peel. Glycolic acid treats sun damage, smoothes lines and wrinkles, and fills your skin out.
  • Hyaluronic acid fights wrinkles by hydrating your skin. It is a good product for pregnant women with sensitive skin because it is derived naturally from human bodies.
  • Argireline functions similarly to BOTOX in that it interferes with your neurotransmitters and facial muscles. It does not work as effectively as BOTOX, but this may be the best option for people looking to stick within the same wheelhouse.
  • Physicians typically recommend FACEtite for women wanting to improve their facial appearance right after giving birth. 
  • Facials like steam, collagen, fruit acid peels and extractions are also healthy options, as long as they are free of retinoids and salicylic acid. 
  • Exfoliating scrubs like sugar, salt, lactic, or glycolic acid are also highly recommended to remove dead skin and freshen up your appearance.
  • Moisturizing is also a good standby. Even just starting with a light lotion or cream can greatly improve your skin’s texture and complexion.

Drinking water, eating healthily, and protecting themselves from the sun will also help pregnant women maintain their youthful appearance. Women who add moisturizing and exfoliating to their pregnancy skincare routines will benefit greatly. Even though BOTOX during pregnancy may not be as safe as one might hope, especially when used for cosmetic purposes, pregnant women will find there are many ways to rejuvenate their skin both on the go and at home.

Consult With Dr. Chang Today!

Come meet with us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure! If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process, from beginning to end! Also, don’t forget to check out our blog and social media for more information on plastic surgery and plastic surgery trends!

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