Is It Safe To Get Botox While Pregnant?

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Also known as botulinum toxin type A, Botox is a cosmetic injection that works by temporarily freezing the muscles in your face to smooth out creases, fine lines, and wrinkles (via Healthline). Botox injections can also be used to treat some medical conditions such as headaches and excessive sweating. Although Botox is relatively safe for most people, it does not come without risks.

While there is no evidence to suggest that it is unsafe to get Botox while pregnant, it is generally not recommended. Since little research has been conducted on the subject, it is uncertain whether or not Botox can lead to pregnancy complications. Medical experts at Healthline advise that there are general procedural risks to be aware of. Should the toxin used in the injection to paralyze the muscle spread to other areas of the body, it can result in symptoms such as difficultly breathing, muscle weakness, loss of bladder control, trouble swallowing, blurred or double vision, hoarseness, and difficulty forming words. However, these potential side effects are not specific to pregnant people.

Despite the lack of evidence, most dermatologists advise against getting Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe alternatives to Botox that can help yield the same desired results. For instance, chemical peels and glycolic acid peels are effective cosmetic treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy (via Byrdie). Glycolic acid and chemical peels are both exfoliating treatments that work by getting rid of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin in order to make way for the smoother and clearer skin underneath.

Bakuchiol is also recommended by experts as another safe and effective alternative to Botox. Bakuchiol is an anti-aging serum that can help reduce wrinkles, redness, and inflammation. Furthermore, you can also help maintain and improve your complexion during pregnancy by getting a HydraFacial. The HydraFacial is a patented skin treatment that can help treat acne, wrinkles, and dryness by exfoliating and hydrating skin.