Botox While Breastfeeding: What Experts Recommend

Becoming a mother is an honor that comes with many changes and responsibilities. You have less free time and become more responsible for yourself to ensure that you don’t harm the baby in any way. You become more involved in diaper-changing than in your skincare routine, which can impact your lifestyle and schedule. 

Additionally, you might also consider seeking treatment, but you might be skeptical about undergoing any treatment while breastfeeding to avoid any potential side effects on the baby. In this blog, we will discuss Botox while breastfeeding and what experts recommend.

Botox and Breastfeeding

Botox, derived from botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, was originally approved for medical purposes but is now widely known for its cosmetic use in combating aging signs by temporarily inhibiting muscle contractions. While generally considered safe for most individuals when administered in small, carefully processed doses, Botox is also used to treat medical conditions like migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. 

Despite its popularity, it is recommended to take precautions, as Botox contains neurotoxins that can be harmful in large amounts or for those with allergies. Although, there have been no such reports that suggest the transmission of chemicals or side effects from mother to the baby, but its high dose can be harmful, so it is advised to consult an expert provider first.

Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?

The safety of using Botox while breastfeeding remains uncertain due to limited scientific data. There is a theoretical risk of the toxin spreading beyond the intended area and entering breast milk, although Botox is a large protein molecule and is not believed to pass into breast milk in significant quantities. Despite this, the potential risks to the nursing baby are not well-documented, leading to a general recommendation to avoid Botox injections while breastfeeding, especially for purely cosmetic purposes. Most licensed professionals might recommend avoiding it while breastfeeding.

Botox While Nursing

The FDA issues strong warnings called black box warnings for medicines with serious, potentially life-threatening risks. Botox carries one of these warnings because its effects can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, leading to severe issues like difficulty in swallowing or breathing, and even death. 

If considering Botox while breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider to discuss this warning and assess potential risks, to make an informed and safe decision.

Botox Alternatives while Breastfeeding

As discussed, Botox can carry potential harm while breastfeeding, are there any alternatives to Botox that can be used while breastfeeding? Let’s discuss.

– Fillers While breastfeeding

Dermal fillers, like Botox, are a popular cosmetic treatment used to improve skin appearance and combat aging, but they work differently by adding volume and smoothing wrinkles under the skin’s surface. These fillers typically contain substances like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid. While there isn’t much scientific data on the safety of getting fillers while breastfeeding, it’s not expected that they will pass into breast milk. However, the potential impact on breast milk composition and the nursing infant is not well-discovered yet, so it’s necessary to discuss this with your healthcare provider before deciding.

– Dysport While Breastfeeding

Dysport, a medication similar to Botox, is also discouraged. Because it can cause localized muscle weakness when it’s injected, and there’s a chance of experiencing unexpected side effects like overall weakness throughout the body. This means that it might affect not only the intended area but also other muscles, potentially leading to a general sense of weakness. As a precaution, it’s generally advised to avoid using Dysport while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of both the mother and the nursing baby.

Conclusion

If you want to get Botox while you’re breastfeeding, you can consult Dr Syra Hanif in NYC. If it’s for a medical reason, you might decide it’s okay, but if it’s just for looks, you might want to wait. Mother’s health and wellbeing is necessary for a baby. For more detailed advice Dr Syra Hanif is waiting for you at her Med Spa in Manhattan. Book your appointment today!