Botox also is known as onabotulinumtoxin A, which is obtained from the Clostridium botulinum A bacteria. Therefore, Botox contains small quantities of botulinum toxins, which is considered dangerous for the body, and it can even be life-threatening.
When these toxins create an adverse reaction in the body, the disease is called botulism.
Botox is widely used in a variety of situations. Most often, this substance is used by dermatologists as well as plastic surgeons to reduce wrinkles.
In more severe situations, Botox is used to treat conditions such as cerebral palsy, migraines, neck spasms, and even strabismus. However, can you use Botox while breastfeeding?
Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
There are no studies that show botox might generate side effects for nursing mothers.
Despite the severe side effects that could be caused by botulinum, one injection of botox contains very little amount of this toxin.
Because botulinum is found in such little quantities in botox, usually, it will not pass into the breastmilk as per National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies.
Even if the botox you use does get to your baby, if you administrate it often, it will not give them any side effects. But even so, there are specific recommendations that you should follow if you consider pursuing a botox treatment as a nursing mother.
- It is recommended to breastfeed your baby and express milk for future meals before your Botox injection. Once you had the botox injections skip breastfeeding or pumping milk for a few hours, around 4 to 5 hours should be enough.
- Even if it is unlikely for the botulinum toxins to get in the breastmilk, you should always stay on the safe side as there are not many studies to certify that yet. Considering the severe side effects of these toxins, you don't want to take any risks that are not necessary.
- Do not administrate your own botox injection or trust anyone with this task, which is not a professional. This is essential for both your safety and your baby's safety. A doctor will know exactly how much botox you should get in one injection, and they will consider your nursing condition as well. Injecting botox is also essential as the doctor can't miss the muscle. So, it is a matter of proper technique as well, which is why you need a licensed specialist to administrate your shot.
- If you use fake botox injections or too much quantity of it (which you should never consider doing), you expose yourself to the following side effects: swelling, permanent muscle damage, breathing difficulty, blurred vision, allergic reactions, and even death. It is crucial to use only the botox recommended by your trusted doctor and take into account the side effects of this procedure!
- When it comes to botox used as a treatment to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, there are alternatives that you can consider. You can use skincare products rich in hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, for instance.
- Hyaluronic acid is considered safe during nursing, and it is just as efficient as botox. Having a good skincare routine can keep you away from botox during the breastfeeding months.
If you want to use botox just for aesthetic reasons, you should consider if it is worth taking the risks that come with it for both you and your baby.
However, if you need to follow a Botox treatment as part of a more serious medical condition, talk to your doctor and go through all the aspects of this treatment before starting it.
If such a treatment is not needed for your health, you might want to skip it until you are done nursing. There are no studies that show a Botox treatment done right can affect the baby, but that doesn't mean there are no risks attached to it!
Key References
- "Botulin A - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - NCBI Bookshelf". Accessed March 18, 2020. Link.
- "Botox and breast-feeding safety: All you need to know". Accessed March 18, 2020. Link.
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