Over the years, botox (also known as botulinum toxin) has become a popular cosmetic procedure that is known to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. If you're a new mum considering rejuvenating your look, you may be wondering if it is safe to undergo the procedure while breastfeeding.
As of now, the answer is not a straightforward yes or no. While there is still not enough research available to definitively say botox can bring harm while breastfeeding, some healthcare professionals advise to take precautions and consider possible risks that can occur. Here, we explore more about botox, its side effects, and weigh the pros and cons of other cosmetic procedures along the way.
Quick Summary:
- There are not many studies that state it is safe to receive botox while breastfeeding.
- Any cosmetic treatment involving anaesthesia or harsh chemicals are to be avoided.
- It is recommended to receive botox after breastfeeding instead of during pregnancy or soon after postpartum.
What Is Botox and What Are Its Uses?
Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by a bacterium called the Clostridium botulinum. This is injected to treat different areas of the body. While commonly known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it can be purposed for several uses to treat medical conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle stiffness.1 The benefits can last between 3 to 4 months1, which makes it a popular option for longer-lasting results.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox therapy works by blocking muscle contractions. Injecting this into your face creates signals from your nerves to cause your muscles to contract.1 When your muscles can’t contract, the dynamic wrinkles caused by facial movements relax and soften, allowing your face to look smoother, giving the appearance of a more youthful look. While this can last for several months, the body does break the protein down over time. How quickly this happens can vary depending on several factors such as your metabolic rate and your exposure to environmental toxins.
Considering that this is injected into the body, we recommend consulting with your doctor to advise if it is safe while breastfeeding and make the best decision for you and your baby!
What Are the Side Effects of Botox?
Whether or not botox is a procedure that you are sure of. It is important to stay informed about the possible side effects that can occur as the aftermath of botulinum toxin can vary from person to person. The common side effects1 include the following:
- bruising
- redness
- headache
- droopy eyelids
- muscle weakness
- flu-like symptoms
- watery or dry eyes
- swelling and discomfort at the injection site
In rare cases, it can lead to more serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking. For mums pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to note that the lack of information regarding common side effects of botox may harm the safety of your little one. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before undergoing this treatment or any other cosmetic procedure to ensure the safety of both you and your bub.
Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
The safety of receiving botox while nursing has been widely debated among medical professionals. Still, many experts advise avoiding this treatment while pregnant and breastfeeding. Although it may not be known to harm infants, the safe way to approach the matter is to err on the side of caution.
Furthermore, in the slightest possibility of botox toxins spreading through breast milk, it can lead to potential harm to the baby. It is advised to consult with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant before considering any cosmetic procedures while breastfeeding.
Related: When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier
Is Botox Safe to Get While Pregnant?
While there is limited research on the safety of getting botox during pregnancy, it is important to remember that the neurotoxin in cosmetic botox works by temporarily paralysing muscles. Undergoing these procedures does present risks for you and your little one. The effects of this on the developing foetus are not fully understood, but there is a possibility of the toxin spreading beyond the injected site.
Making informed decisions is essential to prioritise the health and well-being of both mum and the unborn child during pregnancy.
What Other Cosmetic Procedures Should You Avoid While Breastfeeding?
We have mentioned a lot about the safety of botox while breastfeeding, it is important to avoid certain treatments that could potentially harm both you and the baby.
- Injectable Fillers - Just like botox injections, injectable fillers should also be avoided, as not enough research has been done to determine their safety while breastfeeding.7
- Breast Augmentation or Reduction Surgery - Anesthesia medications can enter the breast milk and potentially affect the milk production and breastfeeding process. Moreover, the surgery itself cal lead to other issues while the healing process requires additional pain medication which can also potentially cause other side effects.8
- Liposuction - this also involves the use of anaesthesia and can potentially transfer chemicals to the breast milk.9
- Deep Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments - While light and medium chemical peels are generally safe, deep chemical peels and laser treatments are to be avoided because of the strong concentration of chemicals and anaesthesia used.3
- Any Kind of Tattooing or Body Piercing - This increases the risk of infection which can be harmful to both the mum and the little one.10
Always consult with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before considering any cosmetic treatments while breastfeeding to ensure everyone's safety.
What Are Safer Alternatives to Botox?
When it comes to botox procedures, safety of cosmetic treatments and their effects, we understand that options can feel quite limited. But don't worry, there are options available when you want to pamper yourself and feel more confident with your skin.
- Microdermabrasion - a non-invasive treatment that exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin, leaving it smoother and more youthful. An additional plus is that it is both safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mums!4
- Light and Medium Chemical Peels - Unlike deep chemical peels, light and medium chemical treatments are safe to use as they do not lead to absorption into the body and as long as the mucosal surfaces are avoided such as the mouth and eyelids.3
- Facials - Facials are a safe cosmetic treatment as long as you avoid harsh chemicals or acids. Be sure to inform your esthetician before your procedure so they can customise your facial to what your skin needs.5
FAQ
From safety to the “pump and dump technique”, we know that there are more things to be curious about when it comes to botox and breastfeeding. Here are a few common questions below.
Does Botox Pass Into Breast Milk?
There is limited research on the effects of botox passing into breast milk. It is a neurotoxin that can potentially harm an infant if ingested. Although there are no studies that claim for botox to pass into breast milk, it is generally recommended to avoid doing so while breastfeeding. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or lactation specialist for more information and guidance on the use of botox injections while breastfeeding.
Can I Get Botox While Breastfeeding if I Pump and Dump?
It is generally recommended to avoid botox injections until you are done with breastfeeding –even if you plan to apply the "pump and dump technique". The pump and dump technique2 involves expressing breast milk and discarding it after getting certain substances out of the body. However, this technique may not effectively eliminate all traces of botox from breast milk and therefore is advisable to seek guidance from your doctor before using botox to treat any part of your body.
How Long After Getting Botox Can I Breastfeed?
In the possibility that you have decided to undergo botox therapy, you might be wondering how soon you can start breastfeeding again. There are no studies to confirm when the best time may be, but some women decide to wait out a minimum of 24 hours to 48 hours after receiving treatment before breastfeeding.6
However, this does not guarantee that this will lessen the potential risk of transferring to your baby through breast milk. After feeding, be sure to observe your baby for any botox side effects such as lethargy, irritability, swallowing difficulty, breathing difficulty, and droopy eyelids. Always seek medical advice from your doctor beforehand should you have any questions or doubts.
Between Botox and Breastfeeding, Choose Safety First
Overall, there is not enough research available to clearly prove if botox poses any risks to the baby through breast milk. Some healthcare professionals advise against it as a precautionary measure, whereas others debate that the chances of the neurotoxin spreading while breastfeeding with a manual or hands-free breast pump are unlikely. Ultimately, the decision to get botox while breastfeeding should be made in consultation with your doctor so both you and your little one stay healthy.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658
- https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/pump-and-dump#meaning
- https://www.pmuhub.com/chemical-peel-while-pregnant-is-it-safe/
- https://premierdermde.com/aesthetician-services/microdermabrasion
- https://loveourlittles.com/can-you-get-a-hydrafacial-while-breastfeeding/
- https://www.infantrisk.com/content/botox-injections-and-breastfeeding
- https://www.marjanyousefi.com/breastfeeding-and-botox-or-dermal-fillers/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/can-you-breastfeed-with-implants#safety
- https://www.houstonliposuction.com/blog/how-soon-can-you-have-lipo-after-baby
- https://womenshealthtoday.blog/2017/11/10/tattoos-piercing-and-breastfeeding/
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