Ask a doctor

Why Not Restylane or Juvederm While Pregnant?

I'm wondering if hyaluronic fillers can harm my unborn child? If so, how? From what I know about Restylane/Juvederm they are very natural and they stay in place in the area where they are injected. I have had treatment with Juvederm 3 times before, and I would really like to have another one on 1 ml while I'm pregnant. I know it's not recommended with any unecessary medications on pregnant women, but how could such fillers hurt my baby?

Doctor Answers (7)

Why Not Restylane or Juvederm While Pregnant?

November 11th, 2013
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Although there aren't any actual studies that show fillers would harm your baby, it isn't recommended having cosmetic procedures while pregnant or nursing,

Kenneth B. Hughes, MD


Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 256 reviews

Restylane and Juvederm during pregnancy

October 15th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You are correct to say that Restylane and Juvederm stay in place once they are injected. They do not migrate throughout the body. There are no documented studies that demonstrate how filler may affect one's pregnancy. That being said, it is better to play it safe and avoid them for the time being. You can always have a touch-up after your baby is born, and for now I would recommend waiting. I hope this helps answer your question, and I wish you well for the remainder of your pregnancy!

Web reference: http://www.carolinafacialplasticsurgery.com/facial-fillers/

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD
Charlotte Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 28 reviews

Restylane/Juvederm injections are not recommended during pregnancy

September 29th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

injections of cosmetic hyaluronic acid are not recommended during pregnancy.  There are no studies to show that it will affect the pregnancy but there is no reason to take a risk to your baby.  You will be glowing from being pregnant and should wait until after you have the baby.  You don't want to run the risk of getting an infection or a bleed or anything else that might impact your pregnancy.

Michele S. Green, MD

Michele S. Green, MD
New York Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 38 reviews

There is no evidence that hyaluronic acid injections will harm your baby.

September 12th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

There is no evidence that hyaluronic acid injections will harm your baby. However, you cannot get botulinum toxin injections during pregnancy.

David Goldberg, MD

David Goldberg, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon
3.5 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

Restylane or Juvederm during pregnancy

September 11th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Because there are no published studies establishing the safety of these elective cosmetic procedures during pregnancy, it is recommended that you avoid them during your pregnancy and also if you decide to breastfeed.

Sam Naficy, MD

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 152 reviews

No elective procedures during pregnancy.

September 10th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is usually recommended to avoid "elective procedures" during pregnancy.  There is probably very little risk to the baby, however, any form of stress can result in premature labor.  Kinda want to avoid such a thing.  Best of luck with the pregnancy!

Curt Samlaska, MD

Curt Samlaska, MD
Las Vegas Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 2 reviews

Fillers during pregnancy?

September 9th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Cosmetic procedures, including neurotoxins, fillers, and lasers should not be performed during pregnancy. There are no studies to establish safety of these procedures during pregnancy. Since these are elective (not necessary) procedures, it is not worth the possible risk of harming the baby. 

Donna Bilu Martin, MD

Donna Bilu Martin, MD
Aventura Dermatologist

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.