Pregnancy and hormone changes can affect your skin, and many women feel tired and unattractive during this unsettled time. Pregnant patients may seek out cosmetic procedures to help them feel more youthful and appear more rested. And those who routinely receive BOTOX® often ask if they can continue treatment throughout their pregnancy.
The issue of pregnant women using BOTOX or dermal fillers is complicated. As a Dallas dermatologist, I encourage our patients to weigh the risks versus the rewards when considering injectables during this unique time.
How Injectables Work
To understand how pregnancy and injectables might potentially interact, it is important to know the science behind these popular treatments.
- BOTOX: Made of botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin. This active ingredient relaxes muscles to prevent them from contracting and forming wrinkles in the skin. This helps soften facial expressions and smooths out the skin around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. You can learn more about BOTOX and read answers to common questions in our related blog post.
- Dermal fillers: Typically contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Hyaluronic acid helps fill in lines and wrinkles that can form with age and skin damage. Treatment provides volume and fullness to the skin and can be used to plump up lips, fill in hollowed cheeks, etc.
Is it safe to get BOTOX while pregnant? Are dermal fillers safe while pregnant?
Few extensive studies have been performed surrounding injectables and pregnancy. Part of this is due to the nature of performing tests that could impact the well-being of an unborn child. One study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry collected data from 12 physicians whose pregnant patients had BOTOX injections, but it concluded that further research and data are needed. It also recommended that “physicians and patients carefully consider the risks and benefits.”
Following this line of thinking, we do not recommend using BOTOX or dermal fillers during any stage of pregnancy. Injections, especially ones such as BOTOX that involve a neurotoxin, should be approached wisely and with respect.
Patients should carefully consider their options with their doctor before requesting an injectable treatment while pregnant. The worry of potential harm to the baby outweighs the benefit of temporary cosmetic improvement.
The Bottom Line: Patience Is Key
As the science is inconclusive regarding pregnant women and injectables, it is better to err on the side of caution and wait to resume treatment until after childbirth. Your weight and fluid balance can also change significantly during pregnancy. So those seeking consistent, high-quality results should wait until hormones have stabilized.
Many women get a “natural glow” during pregnancy–so take a moment to embrace your natural beauty! You can resume treatment after your baby is born. In the meantime, enjoy this special time in your life.
If you want to learn more about your best treatment options from a dermatologist in our Dallas practice, browse our before-and-after gallery to see results from real patients. If you have any other questions, please request a consultation online or call our office at (214) 631-7546.
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