If you ask most injectors of all experiences, the common pattern is that we avoid injecting pregnant or breastfeeding patients. However, is this backed by science? Are Botox and other similar neurotoxins safe for these patients? The short answer is actually “yes.”
Based on the data we have, getting Botox treatments while pregnant or breastfeeding is almost certainly safe. However, for most cosmetic cases, this is an elective procedure. Meaning it is not “necessary.” So, most providers tend to NOT inject pregnant or breastfeeding patients for this reason, even if the risk is immeasurably small.
As a reminder, this is in no way a video advocating for Botox use while pregnant or breastfeeding, but merely a review of the current data and overall risk if you were to be treated with neurotoxin for cosmetic purposes without knowing you were in fact pregnant. As always, this is a discussion you should have with your own injector.
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Citations:
-Brin MF, Kirby RS, Slavotinek A, et al. Pregnancy outcomes following exposure to onabotulinumtoxinA. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2016;25(2):179-187.
-Dhaked RK, Singh MK, Singh P, Gupta P. Botulinum toxin: Bioweapon & magic drug. Indian J Med Res. 2010;132(5):489-503.
-Orasanu B, Mahajan ST. The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. Indian J Urol. 2013;29(1):2-11.
-Trivedi MK, Kroumpouzos G, Murase JE. A review of the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(1):6-10.
