How long we need to wait to breastfeed/get pregnant after getting Botox?

Question

I did not know that I couldn't take Botox while I was nursing my 3 month old, yet the plastics surgeon did answer "it's OK" when I raised my concern before the injection of 25 units. When I got other information after the injection it's already too late and I immediately stopped breastfeeding. My question is how long should I wait to start breastfeeding again? And how long to get pregnant again? Is there any ways to help metabolise Botox faster like more sports or taking more certain food...?

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

I have never heard of a physician that was comfortable with injecting botox or any other facial aesthetic product into the face of any woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding as no comprehensive studies have been done to prove that the child will not be harmed. I also strongly doubt that the studies will ever be performed because what mother would subject her child to undue risk? To your question specifically on when it is safe to breast feed again, that one is tricky as we have no data. The product generally lasts 3-4 months my inclination would be to say that it would probably be safe sooner than that but I would not feel comfortable giving you a very specific timetable.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Whatever doctor told you that it is okay to breastfeed and get BOTOX is WRONG!  This is a known contraindication not because we have seen negative results but because this has never been proven to be safe to the child in any controlled studies.  Until we actually do these studies, an experienced injector will never use BOTOX for a patient who is either trying to get pregnant, is pregnant, or is breastfeeding. Since BOTOX hasn't been seen to travel away from the local site of injection, you're probably okay to wait a few weeks and then breastfeed but again no studies have actually looked at an effective timeframe.  As far as ways to speed up the removal of BOTOX, there really isn't anything that you can do.  I hope that information was helpful!

Gary Motykie, MD · Answer

Botox is currently not recommended in patients who are
breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to get pregnant.  Although there are no
studies to prove or disapprove this, the risks would not justify this type of
study to be performed in pregnant women.  Even if placed locally, a tiny
amount could potentially end up in the bloodstream and circulated throughout
the body.  It would just be safe to just avoid Botox injections during
breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear miraabc:The same Botox medication is used cosmetically and therapeutically. Cosmetically, Botox use is recommended against while pregnant or breast feeding. Presuming: 1. Botox effects are local, tiny and occur within an hour of injection.  The molecule is broken down soon after, and 2. Your infant has not suffered any concerns,I do not anticipate any further effects or issues to you or your baby. You should review this concern with your Obstetrician!Therapeutically, Botox is used for many medically indicated procedures with gastro-intestinal, neurological and urologic muscle spasms. Certainly, these issues arise during pregnancy or nursing. I do not know the manufacturers or FDA recommendations of Botox's therapeutic use during pregnancy or nursing but you may contact the Consumer line at Allergan Pharmaceutical at 1-800-433-8871  regarding these issues. I wish you the best!

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
there, just to let you know Botox is not recommended for women who are pregnant
or breastfeeding as it has not been
studied in that population.  Once injected, it should stay in the area
where it was injected.  Best to you.  -Dr. Coan.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Botox is believed to be safe in pregnancy/nursing, HOWEVER it really has never been studied in this population (& never will be), and so in the interest of total safety, we'd generally say not to do it if pregnant or nursing. Many people have been injected, and then soon after got pregnant, and there have never been any reports of problems. If ever unsure about something in pregnancy/nursing, call Motherrisk.

Stephen M. Becker, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for you question. Botox should stay in the area that it was injected. While it should be ok, I would not recommend getting Botox while breastfeeding. It has not been studied in that population and we can not make any definitive statements.

How long we need to wait to breastfeed/get pregnant after getting Botox?

Answers (7)

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