Is it Safe to Get Botox While Pregnant? Consult Dr. Brian Evans

Let's skip formal introductions and get straight to the basics: when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take any risks against the health of your child. We have no evidence that the combination of Botox and pregnancy will harm you or your child, and given the safe nature of Botox it probably won't, but why would you take any risk at all when Botox is an optional cosmetic treatment? While we have no evidence that Botox during pregnancy will cause any harm, we simply do not have enough evidence to justify such a practice. We likely never will, as ethical implications make it problematic to study an elective treatment that is not necessary to your health during pregnancy.

Is Botox Dangerous in General?

Generally speaking, Botox is not dangerous, but it's important to recognize that there is always at least a small risk with any medical practice. We consider a procedure safe when the associated risks are very low and tend to be mild. Such is the case with cosmetic Botox and Dysport. Problems with Botox are usually limited to disappointing cosmetic results such as the forehead or "Botox freeze," which can usually be avoided by choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic facial procedures and has performed hundreds of Botox treatments. In turn, you must listen to your doctor's advice and not ask him or her to give you more treatment than recommended. Since Botox results are temporary, this is not a major problem, and it is one that can be avoided with a qualified specialist physician.

There is a concern about a rare but potentially serious complication if Botox is used to treat small children with cerebral palsy, but this has never been observed with cosmetic applications where smaller doses are used and the FDA's own Dr. Unger has stated that this risk may be zero.

So where does that leave us? We have seen that Botox is remarkably safe and effective, making it an ideal treatment option for many people with problems like forehead lines and overactive facial muscles. But does this mean we condone Botox for pregnant women? Absolutely not! While we have no evidence that Botox will harm either you or your child, we simply do not have evidence to confidently say that it does not. Before we can do that, we will need hard scientific data from controlled research studies, but we likely will never have that, because conducting such a study is unethical.

Please Wait to Get Botox Treatment

We do not condone any unproven treatment, including Botox during breastfeeding or pregnancy, because we don't want to find out if there is a risk. Wait until you are no longer pregnant and are finished breastfeeding to seek treatment with Botox or really any cosmetic service. Please by an adult about this and "conveniently forgetting" to tell your doctor that you might be pregnant just because it's "probably okay." This is irresponsible and believe it or not, some would argue that it is a reckless act tantamount to child endangerment. You will not be pregnant forever, so please wait until you know that there is absolutely no risk of hurting your child before you get Botox. Botox can dramatically enhance your appearance under the right circumstances, so it is something to keep in the back of your mind to consider after you have given birth and are no longer breastfeeding. At that time ethical practitioners will be happy to help.

Dr. Brian Evans is a board certified doctor with expert training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, so he understands the complex anatomy and needs of the face. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and San Joaquin Community Hospital.
Dr. Brian Evans provides a thorough first consultation to understand the requirements of patients.
Visit him here: http://www.drbrianevansplasticsurgery.com/meet-dr-evans.html