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Does Botox Cause Birth Defects?

I ran across a story today from australia that said botox is believed to be responsible for birth defects. have you read this? do you think it's something to be worried about? concerned!

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (0)

Botox injection

There are no studies on the relationship between Botox and pregnant women. Knowing that you should not take the chance to get Botox if you think you are pregnant, are pregnant, breast feeding or trying to concieve.

Botox and birth defects

I know of no data that suggests a causal relationship of botox and birth defects. But, I would not recommend using it if your are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

No data to suggest that Botox can cause birth Defects

There is no data to suggest that Botox has been shown (or even suspected of) causing birth defects. With that said, it is our policy not to inject Botox during pregnancy or lactation. For us, this is simply a cautionary procedure taken for all injectable and laser treatments. Botox has been shown to have a better safety profile than the common aspirin.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

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There is no causal relationship, but why take chances?

Dear Concerned, There is no established causal relationship between Botox Cosmetic and birth defects. However, why take chances? If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, then refrain from Botox during that time. However, if you recently had Botox and then find out that you are pregnant, there really is no cause for concern. Additionally, there is no evidence that previous Botox would have any effect on future pregnancies.

One case does not make it so but who wants any risks?

BOTOX has an amazing track record for safety. However, its safety during human pregnancy is not something we are likely to ever have a definitive answer for. Animal studies do not support a conclusion that it causes birth defects. If you had BOTOX and two weeks later discovered that you were pregnant at the time of the treatment, there is absolutely no evidence that this will make any difference to your pregnancy. However we strongly advise against having cosmetic service including... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

9 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Does Botox Cause Birth Defects?

Hi Concerned, There have not been any studies showing that Botox is responsible for birth defects. The Australian article is about a single unfortunate case of a child being born deaf and blind. Its mother had received Dysport injections (a form of Botox) during her first month of pregnancy. With the millions of women who have received Botox injections, it stands to reason that many have received treatment in the first week or two of their pregnancy before they were aware that they were... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Botox should be avoided during pregnancy.

The report indicated a possible link between Botox and birth defects. While a link does not prove that Botox causes birth defects, the stakes are too high. I would certainly advise against Botox for women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy within 3-4 months, or breast feeding.

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