Doctors Answer: Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding?

There are a lot of skincare treatments that are off the table when you’re pregnant, making plenty of women eager to dive back in once baby arrives. So it’s fair to wonder: Can you get Botox while breastfeeding?

I faced this very question after welcoming my fourth child. I’d never had Botox before, and was annoyed that the “11s” on my forehead seemed to pop up overnight. I made an appointment with a dermatologist—but then hastily canceled while answering a pre-visit questionnaire. I saw a question about breastfeeding and instantly panicked. It never even occurred to me that Botox might not be compatible with my nursing routine.

I’m still breastfeeding, which means I’ve continued to push off that Botox appointment. And, after talking to my doctor, I feel good about this choice. It turns out, Botox while breastfeeding is tricky territory. There’s no definitive answer about its safety, which means most providers advise against it. (Sorry, ladies!)

Still dreaming about your next derm appointment? Here’s what to know if you’re considering taking the Botox plunge while breastfeeding.

Key Takeaways

• Safety is uncertain: Because clinical studies on breastfeeding women are difficult to conduct, there’s no definitive proof that Botox is 100 percent safe for nursing moms.
• Minimal absorption: While doctors believe it’s unlikely that large amounts of the Botox molecule enter breast milk from a localized injection, small quantities have been detected in some research for up to a year post-treatment.
• Risk vs. reward: The primary medical concern—though rare—is botulism, a serious condition that can lead to paralysis. Most experts recommend a “better safe than sorry” approach, advising parents to wait until they’ve finished breastfeeding to resume Botox injections.
• Consult your provider: If you are considering Botox for medical reasons (like migraines) or cosmetic ones, it’s important to have a risk-benefit discussion with your medical providers.
• Consider alternatives: If you’re looking for a postpartum glow-up, surface-level treatments like lasers, microneedling and glycolic peels are generally considered safer alternatives with less systemic absorption.

What Is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for onabutolinumtoxin A. “It’s derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum,” says Cindy Wassef, MD, a dermatologist at Premier Health Associates in Randolph, New Jersey.

Botox is an injectable medication that temporarily blocks nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax, explains Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This is commonly used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines,” he says. “Botox is the most [popular] cosmetic procedure worldwide, and it enjoys the distinction of being the highest-satisfaction cosmetic procedure.”

While Botox injections are most often used for cosmetic purposes, they can also be used to curb migraines or stop spastic muscles and sweating, Wassef notes.

Is It Safe to Get Botox While Breastfeeding?

It’s not a definitive no. But it’s also not a yes. Basically, it’s complicated. On the official Botox website, women are urged to tell their doctors if they’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, as it’s not currently known whether Botox passes into breast milk.

Still, even your doctor may not know what to recommend. “Nobody is going to say it’s 100 percent safe because the bottom line is we truly have never done the studies,” says Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

In general, most doctors think that large amounts of the Botox molecule wouldn’t get into breast milk, but Wassef says that it’s still not recommended for breastfeeding women. There’s too much that remains unknown.

Does Botox Get Into Breast Milk?

Some research has found that there are low levels of Botox in breast milk after injections, but it’s unclear how this impacts baby, if at all. One study of three women found that the amount of Botox in breast milk peaked around four days after a facial injection. It also determined that small quantities of Botox can be detected in breast milk a year after injection. However, the researchers said that the amount of Botox detected is likely to be safe for infants.

Potential Risk of Getting Botox While Breastfeeding

The big concern is the potential for botulism, a rare but serious condition that can lead to paralysis and death, Fisher says. “Even tiny ingested amounts can lead to botulism,” she says.

Again, this hasn’t been studied and it’s unlikely to ever be researched. After all, researchers won’t actively test on real moms and babies.

What to Consider If You Opt for Botox While Breastfeeding

Fisher advises running your own risk-benefit analysis. “This should involve a discussion with your physician injector, reviewing all the risks and benefits of the procedure,” Wassef says. In any case, Goldenberg recommends holding off. “I’d say just don’t do it… Wait until you are done nursing to resume or start injections.”

Alternative to Botox to Consider

Botox has a unique ability to erase wrinkles with a single injection, making it hard to find an exact swap. Fillers fall into a similar category—there isn’t a robust body of data to determine whether or not they’re safe during breastfeeding.

However, Fisher says you’re likely okay to get laser treatments and microneedling while nursing. “None of these cause as much systemic absorption because they’re on the skin’s surface,” she says. “But you should always let the clinician know that you’re breastfeeding to be safe.”

To Sum It Up

It’s tempting to get Botox while breastfeeding. After all, you’re in the throes of postpartum. You’re tired and likely feeling a little worse for the wear. But doctors recommend holding off on Botox until baby has fully weaned. The data just isn’t there to prove it’s safe to get Botox when you’re breastfeeding—and it’s just not worth the risk. Talk to your doctor about alternatives, and try to be kind to yourself. Parenting is stressful and those lines on your forehead will deepen. But it’s all worth it to see baby looking up at you with that gummy smile. And, don’t worry, you can get back on the Botox bandwagon soon enough.

About the author: Korin Miller knows a thing or two about pregnancy. As a mom of four, the health, lifestyle and commerce writer has done her fair share of real-life research in the baby and breastfeeding departments. (She even considered getting Botox while breastfeeding—but ultimately decided to wait!) Korin started her career at The Washington Post, before working for magazines like Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health. She has gone on to write for Prevention, Yahoo News, Self and more. When she’s not writing, Korin spends her time chasing her littles around.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.