Pregnancy has an enormous effect on the body. Hormone fluctuations can cause breakouts, redness, or even hyperpigmentation. Because of these side effects many women are interested in using wrinkle smoother injections like BOTOX® or Nuceiva and dermal fillers to solve their skin issues. But is it safe for Burlington, Hamilton, and Oakville patients to seek out injectables like Botox and dermal fillers while they’re pregnant?
While it’s not “illegal” to receive injectable treatments during pregnancy, the decision is somewhat complicated. In this blog post, we’ll explain why pregnant women should always choose the safest possible option for themselves and their unborn children.
How Injectables Work
To better understand how injectables and pregnancy interact, it’s important to know how injectables work in the first place. It’s true that BOTOX, Nucieva and dermal fillers are administered in similar ways. But the active ingredients within them are slightly different.
- BOTOX/ Nuceiva: Contains botulinum toxin A, a neurotoxin. This ingredient relaxes muscles and prevents them from contracting and creating wrinkles on the skin. Typically it is used to soften wrinkles around the eyes, brows, and forehead, but can also be used to smooth out the chin, neck lines and vertical lip lines.
- Dermal fillers: Contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and is used to fill in fine lines and add youthful volume. Our treatment plans start by restoring volume loss in the mid face and then we work our way down to smooth smile lines , areas around the mouth, lips, chin and jawline. This allows your face to read more rested, youthful and confident.
What the Studies Say
Few extensive studies have been performed regarding injectables and pregnancy. This is due to the nature of performing tests that could affect the well-being of a baby. Some groups have collected data from doctors who admitted to performing injectable treatments on women who are pregnant. While no direct correlations were found between injectables and fetal health, the study concluded that it was best to “carefully consider the risks and benefits” and to follow the instruction of your provider.
Because these studies had small sample sizes and the results were inconclusive, we do not recommend using BOTOX , Nuceiva or any dermal fillers during pregnancy. Potent active ingredients, especially neuromodulators, should be used carefully and with discretion.
Patience & Safety Are Key
We understand that pregnant women may miss their injectable treatments. Pregnancy is a tiring process and can leave women feeling not quite themselves. However, it is best to wait until after pregnancy to resume any injectable treatments. No cosmetic benefit is worth potentially putting your unborn child at risk.
Our practice is always thoughtful and careful when utilizing injectable treatments—and this is especially the case with pregnant patients. Patients may also enjoy more consistent results by waiting until their hormones have stabilized. After you’ve had your baby, our staff will be happy to create a treatment plan to help you feel your best in no time.
If you would like to learn more about your BOTOX or dermal filler options in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or the surrounding area, request a consultation online. You can also contact the practice by phone at (905) 631-6288.
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