Can You Get Botox When Pregnant?

Botox is one of the best ways to restore a youthful look and age gracefully. But are you able to enjoy its benefits when pregnant? Get all your answers here.

Everyone wants to put their best face forward. To many people, this often means turning to cosmetic procedures, with some being more invasive than others. In many cases, Botox comes to the top of the mind. This drug has been in use for a couple of years now, having assisted millions in maintaining their youthful looks and concealing signs of aging. 

Almost anyone can become a good candidate for Botox, as long as you are healthy and of age. But what about when pregnant? Can Botox still be a viable option for you?

Let’s delve deeper into this issue to help you determine if Botox is ideal when pregnant or breastfeeding. 

What is Botox?

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of Botox and pregnancy, it would be prudent first to get a recap of what exactly this is. Botox is a drug used for both cosmetic and medical reasons. It is a brand name of a product containing a neurotoxin from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Botox is administered by professional dermatologists or plastic surgeons in very tiny amounts to temporarily paralyze muscles. This makes the muscles relax.

The use of Botox can be traced back to the late 80s when it was approved for use as a treatment for lazy eye and uncontrolled blinking. Later on, Botox would be used for other purposes such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraines, and smoothing away facial wrinkles and creases. 

Is it safe to get Botox while pregnant?

Although the FDA approved it in the late 80s, much research is still needed to understand Botox. There is still a medical black hole regarding the use of Botox with pregnant women as there hasn’t really been much research channeled during this period. However, there have been a few studies done that have not identified the link between Botox and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Much of the research has been done on animals with a good success rate, concluding that there wasn’t any negative impact on the mother or the fetus. However, not a single research has been conducted on humans. 

This means that you may have to be more careful before taking on Botox when pregnant. Moreover, some renowned surgeons like Dr. Tarek do not approve Botox for use during pregnancy.

However, the FDA has categorized various drugs for use during pregnancy, labeling them from Category A through X. Category A drugs are very safe for use while those in Category X are known and proven to be fatal. 

Botox falls under a different category known as Category C. The drugs in this category are not very recommended for use during pregnancy, but yet, no conclusive research has been done on their risks. 

Generally, all Category C drugs should only be administered if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. A good example would be using Botox to treat conditions like migraines, uncontrollable blinking, and excessive sweating. The best plastic surgeons in Dubai will rule you out of using Botox for cosmetic purposes in a bid to boost your physical appearance. 

Pregnancy has a way of changing our priorities in life. From the moment that you find out that you are pregnant, it no longer becomes all about your desires. All your attention shifts to your new unborn baby, and as natural instincts would have it, you will hold off anything that might pose a potential risk to the child. 

In this case, holding off Botox would be a good idea when pregnant. 

Why you should not use Botox while pregnant

Generally, the risks outweigh the benefits. There is still much to explore in the field of medicine, and no substantive research has validated the use of Botox for pregnant women. There is no point in using something that may potentially harm your unborn child. 

Hold off the wrinkle-fighting and smoothing for now, or better yet, try alternative options. Some of the best plastic surgeons in Dubai will assist you in choosing the best alternatives to delay the signs of aging during your pregnancy journey.

What about Botox when breastfeeding?

Like millions of other new mothers, you could wonder if the time is nigh for you to get your face to appear more brilliant and youthful again. If you’re thinking about using Botox just after giving birth and are breastfeeding, you may also want to hold that off for a little longer. 

Just like in the case of pregnancy, we still lack much research into this field and whether Botox can affect breast milk. Although some research has been done pointing towards its safety, it has never been conclusive. 

The best way forward would be to wait a little longer until after you’re no longer breastfeeding to get Botox — or at least after there is more safety information out there. Alternatively, you can discuss this with your doctor or child doctor to get their expert advice. 

Dr. Tarek Bayazid, the leading plastic surgeon at Dr. Tarek Aesthetics, has been helping many people achieve their goals through Botox. However, Dr. Tarek Aesthetics strongly advises against Botox during pregnancy.

When can you resume Botox after pregnancy?

There isn’t quite a standard formula to help you determine when the perfect time for Botox after pregnancy should be. Although you can use Botox while pregnant and breastfeeding (as there isn’t much research for or against it), it would be best to hold it off. This means that the best time for Botox would be after you are done breastfeeding. 

The Takeaway

Botox is a useful treatment, but due to the lack of conclusive medical research linking it with pregnancy, it would be a good idea to hold it off. However, as per the guidelines of the FDA, Botox can be administered after getting medical clearance from a qualified doctor and if the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. 

Nevertheless, it would be prudent to consult with an experienced medical doctor to assist you in determining if Botox would be ideal for you. 

Having been one of the leading Botox providers in Dubai, Dr. Tarek Aesthetics is the best place for you to contact with any Botox concerns. Reach out to the team today and book your consultation.