Botox and Breastfeeding - What are the most current research studies regarding Botox and breastfeeding? Am I okay to continue?

It is not recommended or encouraged. While the risk may be small or not, we don't know.  We don't do research on this subject and you do not want your baby exposed to botox in your breast milk. If you insist on getting botox, stop breast feeding. If you feel strongly about breast feeding your baby, stop getting botox.  I would not give your baby any of the breast milk pumped for the first few days after the botox treatment.  While there is no research on when it might be safe, the botox is rapidly absorbed and likely there is no free botox in your body after a few days.  Again that is not an endorsement for the practice you are engaged it.  For a more definitive answer, consult your treating pediatrician. 

Unfortunately there are no verified studies on the effects of BOTOX and pregnancy or breastfeeding, and as such most reputable injectors have a policy against this practice. We make a point of asking every patient of child bearing age, if there is any chance they could be pregnant or if they are breastfeeding. If the answer to either question we will NOT inject them. In our practice we will always err to the side of the best and safest treatment for our patients.I could not find any data on how long BOTOX travels in the system, but it is active in the at the target muscles for 3-4 months, that is the best answer I can safely give you. 

There hasn't been research or currently on-going research on the subject of breast feeding and/or pregnancy and administration of Botox.  The risks are therefore unknown, but not worth the risk to the baby.  If you wish to continue using Botox, I would not use the breast milk for at least a week after injection.  I personally tell my patients to avoid Botox if they are or plan to get pregnant and if they are breast feeding.  Seeking further information from your Pediatrician is also a good idea.

I recommend following up with your baby's pediatrician. There are no studies that support the use of Botox during breastfeeding or conversely a negative impact on babies, so it's difficult to advise you. I recommend waiting several days if you do resume breastfeeding. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question.  I would not recommend getting Botox while you are breastfeeding.  I would not restart Botox until you are finished breastfeeding.  

We do not recommend Botox while breastfeeding. I would wait until you are done breastfeeding before continuing with your treatment.

Hi b3xx, There are many schools of thought here, primarily because the effects of Botox is not well documented. Some experts say that you can resume breastfeeding 12 hours after Botox, specially if you don't have any systemic effects. However, it has also been established that Botox can stay for months in the system. That being said, the general consensus is that you can resume breastfeeding. All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.