Can You Have Botox Injections When You Are Pregnant?

When you learn you’re expecting a baby, it’s natural to think about everything you’re putting into or onto your body, even aspects of your skin care routine. You’ve scoured the pregnancy manuals, talked to friends with children, and learned to avoid foods like sushi and lunchmeat. But you may still find yourself lacking information about whether cosmetic procedures like Botox and other injectable treatments are safe to continue during pregnancy.

Two top board-certified plastic surgeons in Central Texas, Dr. Ashley Gordon and Dr. Dustin Reid, are here to answer all your aesthetic concerns so you can navigate your pregnancy and maintain your youthful radiance. Read on to learn more about Botox treatments and if they can continue while pregnant.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a neuromodulator that prevents communication between nerves and facial muscles. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Austin, TX, with millions of people choosing to undergo treatment every year. Due to its high safety levels and stunning results, Botox remains in the lead over all other non-invasive treatments.

Botox derives from purified botulinum toxin. It has received FDA approval for treating three types of wrinkles – crow’s feet, glabellar lines, and forehead furrows. Since it’s been around for over 20 years, doctors and researchers know quite a bit about its long-term effects. However, it’s not ethical to do studies on how Botox might affect pregnant people, so there’s a lack of evidence on whether Botox injections have any adverse effects on a growing fetus.

Is Botox Safe While Pregnant?

If you’ve been a Botox devotee for years, you probably don’t give it much thought anymore. On the other hand, a positive pregnancy test poses a lot of new questions and concerns.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer to whether Botox is safe to use during pregnancy because there isn’t enough research to make a confident recommendation. However, there have been cases of women getting Botox injections before knowing they were pregnant, with no effect on the growing fetus. The amount of Botox necessary for treating wrinkles is far less than it would take to be harmful to humans, and skilled injectors only introduce the product into the muscles, not the bloodstream.

However, there still isn’t enough evidence to know if Botox injections will affect a fetus in later trimesters.

Other Safe, Non-Invasive Alternatives to Botox

Alternative treatments are available for those who want to maintain their smooth, youthful skin during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but who do not want to risk any potential side effects of Botox.

Restora Austin offers safe, minimally invasive laser and light devices that can successfully treat fine lines and wrinkles. BBL, Halo, and other laser procedures at our office can help eliminate common flaws and stimulate natural collagen production. Some lasers also address melasma, a common skin pigmentation issue for some women during pregnancy.

Ask a Board-Certified Plastic Surgery if Botox Is Safe for You During Pregnancy

Ultimately, the decision to undergo Botox while pregnant should be between you and your plastic surgeon. Drs. Gordon and Reid have been offering their knowledge and incredible skills for many years now. Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more ways to safely rejuvenate your skin while pregnant or breastfeeding.