They say that pregnancy makes you glow with beauty, but that “glow” may only boil down to bigger breasts and a massive belly. On the other hand, your skin might look tired, as if it has seen better days. So, when pregnancy takes a toll on you, you might be looking for something that can enhance your beauty and make you look and feel more confident. That’s where BOTOX® Cosmetic comes in.
But can pregnant women get BOTOX® Cosmetic? Is it safe, and are there any precautions that you need to keep in mind? Thankfully, you don’t have to let go of your beauty standards when you become pregnant, but there are a couple of things to be careful of. In this blog, we will address the safety of BOTOX® Cosmetic for women who are bringing new life into the world.
What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injectable product made with botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. When injected into the problem area, the substance restricts muscle movement temporarily, and since your facial muscles will no longer be able to perform wrinkle-causing movements, the wrinkles’ appearance will be reduced.
BOTOX® Cosmetic interferes with nerves that allow specific muscle movements. However, it is still considered a “drug,” which raises questions for pregnant women. However, not every drug or cosmetic treatment is dangerous during pregnancy, so a consultation with Dr. Patrick Moore will establish whether you are a candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic or not.
BOTOX® Cosmetic While Pregnant: What Does Research Say?
There is little official research that we have on BOTOX® Cosmetic for pregnant women. The FDA labeled the substance as a Category C drug. According to research, Category C drugs hold the potential for adverse effects on the fetus, which is why caution is required. That being said, not every substance from this category can have the same effect.
There are no big studies involving the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic on pregnant women to provide an official conclusion. However, there were smaller studies conducted on women in different pregnancy stages. These women were closely monitored throughout their pregnancy, and it showed that the babies were delivered safely to term.
In the end, while there may only be a few studies on the matter, it seems that BOTOX® Cosmetic is a substance that can be safely administered during pregnancy. However, doctors still advise caution until more research is conducted
Possible Complications of BOTOX® Cosmetic During Pregnancy
Since there are very few studies on BOTOX® Cosmetic during pregnancy, it can be difficult to pinpoint what the complications may be. Sometimes, adverse reactions may arise when BOTOX® Cosmetic spreads past the injection site, leading to botulism, a condition that may be associated with muscle weakness, trouble breathing, or blurred vision.
Fetal malformations were not typically reported, but minor birth defects may still occur. It is not known yet whether the complications were caused by using BOTOX® Cosmetic during pregnancy, as only a few isolated incidents were depicted. Since 1 in 33 babies are born with birth defects every year, the causes can vary from one woman to another.
Adverse reactions are very rare if the pregnant woman is otherwise healthy, but if you are at risk of a complicated birth, Dr. Patrick Moore may suggest that you wait until after you give birth. This will prevent any complications altogether.
Verdict: Is BOTOX® Cosmetic Safe During Pregnancy?
There is little research to show that BOTOX® Cosmetic is safe to use. That’s why some healthcare providers recommend that you wait until after the pregnancy is over to reduce risks to zero. Others consider that the risks are too minimal to count. In the end, it all depends on your health status during pregnancy, and after a thorough consultation, Dr. Patrick Moore can establish whether you should use BOTOX® Cosmetic during pregnancy or not. Book your appointment now!
For more information about BOTOX® and its potential use during pregnancy, you can contact SoCal Cool Body at 951-397-0530 for our Murrieta office and 760-298-8078 for our Palm Desert location. We will answer all your questions. You may also use our online contact form to find out more details on the matter.
