Is Botox Safe for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
By James White | Published on February 3, 2011 | 0 Comments
Although Botox is safe for men and women of all ages, it should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. According to Dr. James White of Advanced Surgical Concepts in Chattanooga, TN, patients who get regular Botox injections should think carefully about continuing with their treatments during pregnancy.
The main reason why Dr. White and other cosmetic surgeons advise against getting Botox injections during pregnancy is because little is known about the potential effects on the unborn child. Due to the lack of research on this topic, most physicians are advising against it at the current time.
Once a woman has given birth and stopped breastfeeding, however, she is free to resume getting Botox injections as frequently as she wishes. In Chattanooga, Dr. White says that most of his female patients who come in for regular Botox injections get treated twice a year.
Despite what some people think, Dr. White says that Botox does not become less effective over time. In fact, it actually becomes more effective the more a person uses it – even if the person takes a nine month break during pregnancy. This happens in large part because the muscles that are weakened due to the Botox injections don’t necessarily turn right back on after the four or five month mark when the Botox injection wears out. This gives some women a residual effect that can last for a number of months.
At Dr. White’s office in Chattanooga, the number of patients asking for Botox injections tends to spike each October. Dr. White believes that this is the case because so many people are getting ready for the busy holiday season, which can include family get-togethers and company parties. The second busiest time of year in Dr. White’s office is April and May, when many are gearing up for the summer.
When used appropriately and by the manufacturer’s recommendations, Botox is completely safe and effective for the treatment of wrinkles and other conditions. Currently, Dr. White says, there are no guidelines in place for the minimum or maximum age of a Botox patient. However, he advises that people with nerve problems avoid getting Botox injections.
Thankfully, Dr. White runs through his list of precautions and conditions that could make a person ineligible for Botox during each patient’s initial consultation. Only once a patient has passed this clearance and evaluation is he or she ready for an actual Botox injection with one of Tennessee’s best cosmetic surgeons.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.