Botox injections in armpits and getting pregnant?

Question

I am so upset I am making myself sick. My husband and I are trying to conceive and I got Botox injections in my armpits for hyperhydrosis. My dermatologist has injected me before for this. She reccomended to delay getting pregnant for 2 months. So this is the end of march so I would not try again until June. Is that reasonable? We are 29 so we are wanting to get pregnant before December. Please any advice?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry that this has caused you to worry.  There are no studies evaluating the safety of Botox in pregnancy or Botox effects on a developing fetus.  To that end most plastic surgeons will avoid injecting a woman who is actively pregnant but will administer treatment if she is not.  There have been many women to carry a child without ill effects while their Botox is active but it is wise to discuss with your Ob/gyn.  Hope this helps.

Rajat Gupta, MD, MS, DNB · Answer

Since you have still not conceived there is no such problem with Botox for future pregnancy as the effects of Botox will start to subside in 2-3 months for the effects. If you are still hesitant, wait for 4-6 months before planning a child.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Botox is not proven to be safe to have for pregnant woman.  As long as you are not pregnant you can have botox.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In general, I recommend that patients avoid elective treatments like Botox or fillers while pregnant, nursing, or trying to get pregnant. While there is no evidence to show harm to the fetus/infant/child with these treatments, there is also very little if any data to show that they are safe. As these are elective cosmetic treatments, they should be avoided until no longer pregnant/nursing/trying to get pregnant.

Julia Ann Sullivan Miller, MD · Answer

Although there have been no definitive studies on the safety of Botox during pregnancy, I would agree that it is best to avoid any unnecessary cosmetic treatments while trying to get pregnant.  In addition, after a treatment like Botox I would wait at least 3 months before attempting to get pregnant.

Lillian Overman, MD · Answer

Your plan to delay conception until the effect of the Botox has worn off is prudent. We have no reason to suspect that having Botox treatment would harm your future baby, but we also don't know that it won't. In such a situation, it is always best to be cautious. 
Make an appointment with your obstetrician and discuss your concerns. This will put your mind at ease and allow your doctor to explain what you can do to maximize the chance that your baby will be healthy.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Jeffrey R. Raval, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

I would recommend checking with your OB and see if they agree with what your dermatologist has said. I would always err on the side of caution and give yourself a bit more time as buffer. But definitely consult your OB who would be more aware of the risks to fetal development. Good luck!

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

I am going to have to disagree slightly with my colleagues and recommend that you do NOT have Botox while you are trying to get pregnant.  While I do not feel that there is any risk to the developing fetus, I have no science nor studies to back this up.  As such, I take the very conservative approach with all of my patients that they do not use Botox Cosmetic if they are or are trying to get pregnant.I hope that helps!~Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonAllergan Certified MASTER Facial Injectables Trainer

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Almost immediately the botox is fixed in the tissues and not free floating.  I do not believe there is a shred of evidence that you should wait two months.  Many, many women have had botox services and then discovered that they were in fact pregnant when they got service with no evidence that this had any bearing on getting pregnant or the developing fetus.  Women do get botox for medical reasons and there is a tiny study of women getting botox while pregnant.  The study is small so no one is saying this is a definitive study.  Our best medical advice is avoid botox if you know you are pregnant unless these is a very good medical reason for getting botox.  If you are still nervous about this, consider consulting a fertility specialist or your personal gynecologists rather than a dermatologist.  I think this recommendation was made for the sake of the dermatologist and it is not based on real medical evidence.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are no studies that show Botox for hyperhidrosis negatively impacts your ability to get pregnant or pregnancy. However, I recommend you follow up with your ob/gyn to discuss your treatment, concerns and timeline. Best, Dr. Emer

Botox injections in armpits and getting pregnant?

Answers (20)

More Botox Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (20)

More Botox Questions

Is it normal not to be able to lift your head off the floor when lying down flat after having Botox in the neck bands?

3 days after Botox injection to the masseter to slim the jaw, I don't see any effect, should I go back to the doctor?

I was injected botox incorrectly when it will gradually wear off?

2 weeks after Botox top up, both feet are still completely numb and painful, could this be permanent nerve damage?

I have a small "dent" in my cheek right beside my nose that is very evident when I smile. How can a "dent" be treated?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS