Botox Q&A
64%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
854 Reviews
Botoxbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Botox Cost: $425

Learn about Botox

3,016 people and 923 doctors are talking about Botox

Get Free Email Updates

Does Botox Cause Birth Defects?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by David A. F. Ellis, MD
Question viewed 2,051 times
Tags: female, birth defect, risk

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!

Editor note: We believe this is the article referred to in this question

7 answers to Does Botox Cause Birth Defects?

+1

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

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

+1

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.  
David A. F. Ellis, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

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

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

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.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

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

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

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

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

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.
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist

Ask a question