Should You Get a Botox Treatment While Pregnant?

Should You Get a Botox Treatment While Pregnant?

The decision to have a cosmetic treatment while pregnant can be difficult, especially when it involves injectable products.. You want to look as good as ever and firm up wrinkles while you're at it, but you also want to take care of yourself and your little being inside. While procedures like Botox in Boston clinics are relatively safe, you’re probably thinking to yourself: “But what about the chemicals?”

There has been a lot of research done about the safety of people who receive Botox treatments during pregnancy. While there is no guarantee it's completely safe, a lot rests on your healthcare provider's experience and knowledge of the gestational cycle's hormonal biology for a successful pregnancy skincare routine.

Looking at the pros and cons of whether it’s safe to get Botox in Boston while pregnant, we put together a list of when to get it done and when to consider other options. And how you can still get the skin-tightening treatment without stressing out about potentially harming your baby.

What is Botox?

Botox is a purified protein injected into specific muscles to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. Botox for cosmetic or medical reasons works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected facial muscles.

This relaxing effect reduces muscle contractions that cause moderate to severe lines and wrinkles. Like a natural facelift in a syringe, Botox has been helping people look younger and feel better about themselves for nearly two decades. It has been approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective form of treatment for:

  • Chronic migraines
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Overactive bladder
  • Eyelid spasms (blepharospasm)
  • Cervical dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions.
  • Crow's feet
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Forehead lines

Can I Get Botox While Pregnant?

With Botox, pregnancy presents a conundrum. Research suggests that the neurotoxin—which is classified as a pregnancy Category C drug, means there’s not enough research on its possible risks to humans.

But a growing body of evidence points to the troubling possibility that it could affect your child’s development that may lead to birth defects. There are pros and cons to each decision. The right choice will likely depend on your own unique experience with Botox.

The wise approach is to educate yourself before making a choice you won’t regret. Your board-certified dermatologist will likely strongly discourage you from getting Botox injections while pregnant, says Michelle Cory, a registered nurse.

Why You Should Not Use Botox While Pregnant?

As we learned, the effectiveness of Botox is still under debate, but overall the consensus seems to be that it is not likely to harm your baby while pregnant. Still, it's best to err on caution and only resume treatments after your baby has been born. That way, you can benefit from its wrinkle-fighting, skin-smoothing magic.

You can find the real scoop about any procedure or treatment by consulting a professional who will know how your Botox regimen stacks up against your other priorities—and challenges—as a parent.

Risks of Using Botox While Pregnant

Botox for cosmetic purposes is not recommended for use during pregnancy. There are no official guidelines on the use of Botox, or similar products such as Dysport or Xeomin, during pregnancy. However, all of these medications contain botulinum toxin type A, linked to botulism.

Botulism is an illness that can cause paralysis and even death. It’s caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although the risk for an infant is low, no one knows whether Botox could pose a risk to a developing fetus. Therefore, it may be best to avoid using Botox while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

There are, however, certain side effects associated with using Botox, hours after the procedure but would also settle down. Some of these include:

  • Difficulty forming words
  • Blurred vision or double vision
  • Muscle weakness
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Trouble swallowing

When Can I Resume Using Botox?

After giving birth, your body has undergone some significant changes. You may be feeling great, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to strap on those heels yet. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are significant life events that necessitate extra consideration when receiving botulinum toxin injections.

As any botulinum toxin expert will tell you, women should wait until after pregnancy or breastfeeding to resume Botox treatments. But don’t worry too much, once this time has elapsed, you can resume your previous regimen without any issues.

Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?

It’s far from clear what effects Botox has on breastfeeding mothers and their infants—but that also means it’s a non-issue if you don’t want it to be. If you resume the use of Botox after your child is weaned from breast milk, there’s probably no risk whatsoever.

Keep in mind the possibility of rare side effects, especially in children. And always check with a professional before injecting anything anywhere.

What are Botox Pregnancy Safe Alternatives?

Finding non-injectable Botox alternatives may be a frightening concept when you are pregnant. But don't worry, there are, and they will give you the same desired results without injections. Here is an overview of the best and most popular Botox alternatives during pregnancy.

Facials

How and where you get facial treatments during pregnancy depends on the facial type. You'll want to avoid facials that use ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid. Fruit acids and alpha hydroxy acids used in fruit-based peels and microdermabrasion are safe in moderation.

Also, steam extractions are usually fine as long as they are performed by a trained professional who knows how to conduct safe procedures on pregnant women.

Exfoliating Scrubs

Take advantage of exfoliating scrubs during human pregnancy that use sugar, salt, lactic acid, or glycolic acid to give you a renewed vitality. A beautiful glow may not be what others expect from a pregnant woman, but it's your body and your unborn baby, so why shouldn't you feel and look great?

Moisturizers

Mornings can be tough while pregnant, and adding a moisturizer to your morning routine may seem like a chore. However, keeping your skin hydrated is crucial, as your skin may become drier during pregnancy. Our moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid or coconut oil and are gentle on sensitive skin.

Learn More Today!

When pregnant, you’ve got enough on your mind, and you shouldn't be worrying whether it’s safe to do Botox injections. Our team of skin professionals can help you learn which cosmetic procedures are safe for expecting mothers.

We know that pregnancy takes a toll on your skin, hair, and nails—and can leave you feeling less beautiful than before. That's why we offer a variety of treatments to make you feel great about yourself again.

At Skin Deep Med Spa Boston, we are committed to excellence in Cosmetic Medicine and Skin Care. We will help you look beautiful and treat your skin with the utmost care. Our highly trained staff offers a variety of services.Let us help you take charge of your beauty routine, contact us at 617-890-7552 at Skin Deep Med Spa in Boston today!

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To book online now, please click HERE or call us at (617) 944-5112.
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