Botox in Cary, NC, is a prescription medication created from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The toxins produced by the bacteria are called neurotoxins and are the same toxins that lead to the severe illness known as botulism. Botox is utilized in many medical procedures, primarily by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Botox is used for many reasons, from smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles to treating cerebral palsy, chronic migraines, and excessive sweating.
Botox is injected directly into the muscle and then blocks nerve activity in that area, causing temporary paralysis of that muscle. When a woman who is breastfeeding is interested in Botox injections or wants to resume them from before the pregnancy, there are a few things to consider.
What We Know about Botox while Breastfeeding
- Only a small amount of the botulinum toxin is within each injection.
- Since the medication goes directly into the muscle, there is currently no evidence that the toxin will move through the body or pass into the breast milk.
- The use of Botox injections during breastfeeding is unlikely to cause any harm to the baby.
- It is recommended that the mother breastfeed before the injection, then wait a few hours before feeding again. This can further reduce any chance of passing the medication on to the baby.
Is Botox Safe While Breastfeeding?
Though there is not much research or information on the subject at this time, all current evidence points to mothers successfully receiving Botox injections with no adverse implications on the baby. When in doubt, always trust your instinct. If you are not comfortable receiving the injections based on the information available, speak with your doctor to determine the best possible alternative solution for you and baby.