“Can I get Botox while pregnant?” It’s a fairly common question here at VIDA, where we are committed to providing the best, most effective, and safest solutions for your skin concerns. Botox is so common that it’s fallen into the category of caffeine and workouts during pregnancy. So, whether or not you should get Botox while pregnant comes down to this: Maybe and maybe not. It’s complicated. Ultimately, most experts recommend stopping Botox during pregnancy. The FDA reports that Botox is a category C drug during pregnancy, which means there just aren’t enough studies to show whether it’s safe or not during this time.
There is insufficient evidence showing that Botox can harm a fetus, but there’s also nothing saying that it won’t. If you want to play it safe, avoid Botox while pregnant and while nursing. Botox is perfectly safe for most non-pregnant people, but remember that it works by injecting a tiny amount of neurotoxins into the body. Most parents-to-be prefer to take a break from Botox while pregnant and immediately post-partum. You can always come back to it. Another option is upgrading your topicals to medical-grade serums that can help reduce lines and wrinkles from the outside-in.
Additional Contraindications
Those with certain neurological disorders, an active respiratory infection, nerve or muscle disorders, and breathing issues may not be suitable for Botox injections. If you are uncertain and considering Botox for the first time, a complimentary consultation with one of our experts can help you make a safe and informed decision. The vast majority of people are perfectly fine with Botox injections—and even use this treatment to address issues beyond lines and wrinkles.
For instance, the lip flip exclusively uses Botox. It works by injecting a very small amount of Botox along the upper line of the lip. This “flips” the upper lip out to hide a gummy smile and provide a more voluminous look. However, Botox wears off quickly in this area, so you’ll need lip flips every three months. It also does not work on the bottom lip. If you are looking for a longer-term solution for fuller lips, lip fillers are usually a better choice.
The Diversity of Botox
Botox is also routinely used to stop excessive sweating and migraines. These are off-label uses, but indicative of just how diverse Botox uses can be. For those concerned with aesthetic issues, you can also use Botox to provide a slight arch of the brow. It’s like a subtle brow lift with results that last up to six months, on average. Those considering a brow lift in the future can get a sneak peek of what to expect.
Finally, younger people are using Botox for pre-juvenation. Consider how Botox works: it weakens targeted muscles that cause frown lines and wrinkles. If you weaken these muscles early on, you can train them to be weak and not create lines and wrinkles in the first place. This will not last forever, but may be effective in delaying the onset of signs of aging. Plus, it allows younger patients to “build up” to more common units so they don’t have to go in hard when lines and wrinkles do occur.
Botox and You
You can have Botox injected virtually anywhere, but the most common areas are between the brows, around the eyes, and on the forehead. You start to see results of Botox in one to two weeks, so if you’re preparing for a big event, schedule your appointment accordingly. Results can last for a few months, depending on the injection site and how many units are used.
Botox is often one of the first minimally invasive procedures a person considers. It’s quick, easy, effective, and millions of people have used it. As long as you’re a good candidate, it can be a great part of your skin care routine. Find out more by booking your consult or appointment with VIDA today. Call us during business hours or complete the online contact form now.
