Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
If you have been ticking off items on your list of things you have decided to start doing postpartum, and getting Botox is one of them, then we would like you to read this blog once before checking off the box.
Since feeding anything into your system influences the quality and quantity of your breast milk and can potentially affect your baby’s health, we will urge you to spare a few minutes to find out if it is safe to get Botox while breastfeeding.
What Is Botox?
Botox is the brand under which a toxin called on botulinum toxin A is sold. Yes, it is extracted from the bacteria that cause fatal food poisoning, and botulism; but Botox is FDA approved and is used in cosmetic procedures aimed at smoothing wrinkles on the face. No, it doesn’t kill because the required dose is significantly lesser than the amount that causes intoxication.
It is basically a neuromodulator that interferes with the exchange of chemical signals between nerves and muscles, preventing muscle contraction. Botox relaxes the muscles it is injected into, contouring and preventing fine lines in that area. Its effect is localized and temporary. To retain the relaxed state of muscle, periodic retreatment is required.
The use of Botox spans beyond cosmetic purposes. Because of its effect on muscle movement, it is used to treat an array of physiological conditions that result from abnormal muscle contractions. Some such conditions include hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating), lazy eyes, cervical dystonia, chronic migraine, eye twitching, and bladder dysfunction.
Botox Side Effects
Botox should always be administered by an experienced doctor. That lowers the chances of risk. However, there can be certain Botox side effects that users can experience.
The symptoms vary based on the location of the injection. When Botox is used as a cosmetic procedure, the most commonly reported side effects include swelling, droopy eyelids, headache, and flu-like symptoms.
However, there is a possibility of systemic spread of the toxin. That can be identified by signs like muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty in swallowing, loss of bladder control, etc. if any of these signs appear after getting a Botox, rush to your doctor without a minute’s delay.
Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?
The safety of getting botox while breastfeeding is contingent on the presence of Botox in breast milk. Not enough research has been conducted on the use of Botox by breastfeeding mothers.
However, according to a study, a nursing mother afflicted with botulism breastfed her baby through the disease without affecting the infant in any way. It means that botox is unlikely to pass into breast milk.
This might seem like a green signal to get Botox while breastfeeding. However, that would be like taking a leap in the dark. Due to a lack of research, the possible consequences of taking Botox while breastfeeding are still unclear. We are uncertain about when we can get a concrete answer to the question since testing on such vulnerable demography is too risky.
Therefore, even the FDA recommends against botox use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Though the possibility of finding Botox in breast milk is negligible as of now, you will be skating on thin ice if you resume botox treatment while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
What Doctors Say
Physicians also have mixed opinions when it comes to nursing mothers getting Botox. While some will advise you to completely abstain from it while breastfeeding, some might allow you to get back on botox six months after delivery. Some doctors might suggest you pump and dump for a day or two while getting Botox while breastfeeding.
If you don’t know what pump and dump are, we are here to tell you. It just refers to pumping and discarding your breastmilk until a few after taking medication to clear it out from your system and prevent your breastfed infant from ingesting it through your breast milk.
Botox Alternatives Safe For Breastfeeding
If you don’t want to tread murky waters by getting botox while breastfeeding, it doesn’t mean that you will have to see lines and wrinkles cloud the glow on your face.
There are safe Botox alternatives that can produce similar results for your skin. It might take these alternatives a little longer than botox to cast their spell on your face, but they will not disappoint you.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is the queen of skincare regimens. HA loves water and hence helps the skin retain moisture. It brings about a skin-tightening effect by filling up skin cells with moisture.
As a result, your skin looks plump and youthful. In about 8 to 9 weeks of regular use of HA serum, you can see your wrinkles disappearing. However, it just 15 minutes for hyaluronic acid to improve your skin’s hydration and impart a fresh and glowing look to your face.
Argireline
Argireline’s mechanism of work resembles that of Botox. It blocks chemical signals that nerves send to the muscles causing them to contract. Therefore, it produces a similar effect on the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
However, Argireline is a topical solution and can be used as serums, creams, and lotions. Since it doesn’t have to be injected, it cannot get into your system and impact your breastfed infant.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can do wonders for your skin. To experience similar benefits of botox, drink lots of fluids and add copious amounts of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Increase your vitamin C intake to facilitate collagen production. Acupuncture and facial exercises from certified professionals can also surprise you with their results.
Conclusion
It’s a bit tricky to say with confidence if you can get Botox while breastfeeding or not. However, we wager that you wouldn’t want to risk your little one’s health. Therefore, it is best to be on the safe side and leverage the alternatives discussed above till your baby is completely off breast milk.
A few lines on the face are definitely not powerful enough to dampen the beauty of a gorgeous momma like you. So let your war with wrinkles rest for a while. In case you consider getting botox while breastfeeding, then run it by your doctor and abide by their words.