Can You Get BOTOX® While Breastfeeding? What New Moms Need To Know

After months of disrupted sleep, round-the-clock feedings, and the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, it’s natural to want a little refresh. Many new moms are eager to restore a more rested look, and BOTOX Cosmetic often tops the list of go-to treatments. But can you get BOTOX® while breastfeeding?

As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, this is a question I hear often, and understandably so. At Primera Plastic Surgery, your safety is always our priority, and that includes helping you make well-informed decisions about your timing and treatment options.

Why New Moms Consider BOTOX

BOTOX is a popular choice for softening dynamic wrinkles, especially the frown lines between the brows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet. After sleepless nights and the stress of caring for a newborn, these lines can appear more prominent. Because treatment is quick, effective, and minimally invasive, BOTOX is often appealing to women who don’t have the time (or energy) for more intensive procedures.

Still, it’s important to weigh the benefits against any potential risks, particularly when you’re breastfeeding.

What We Know About BOTOX and Breastfeeding

One of the most common questions new mothers have is whether BOTOX is safe while breastfeeding. While the product works by relaxing muscles at the injection site—and doesn’t typically circulate throughout the body—there have been no large-scale, controlled studies evaluating its safety for nursing mothers.

This absence of data makes it difficult to provide a definitive yes or no answer. While the likelihood of BOTOX affecting your breast milk is considered low, it’s not entirely risk-free, and that’s where careful consideration comes in.

What Are the Potential Risks?

While complications from cosmetic BOTOX are rare, nursing mothers deserve full transparency about what we do and don’t know. Here are a few points to consider before undergoing treatment:

• Lack of data: There are very few published studies that show whether BOTOX passes into breast milk.
• Neurotoxin concerns: Even though the dose used in cosmetic procedures is very small, BOTOX is still a form of botulinum toxin.
• Provider caution: Most medical professionals—including myself—recommend postponing treatment while breastfeeding out of an abundance of caution.
• Ethical limitations: Because clinical trials rarely include breastfeeding women, there’s no established safety profile for this group.

For most of my patients, it simply comes down to playing it safe. Until we have more conclusive research, I generally advise waiting until breastfeeding has ended before resuming BOTOX.

Alternatives To Consider While Nursing

If you’re not ready for BOTOX but still want to care for your skin, there are safe, effective ways to refresh your appearance during the postpartum period.

Some options include:

• Medical-grade skincare: Products formulated with antioxidants, growth factors, and retinol alternatives can help improve skin tone and texture without injectables.
• Professional facials: Treatments such as DiamondGlow® may be appropriate for nursing mothers and can give your skin an instant boost.
• Hydration and sleep: Easier said than done—but both play a major role in skin health and radiance.
• Sun protection: A quality broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent further damage while supporting your skin’s natural recovery.

Many of my patients choose to focus on supportive skincare during this time and revisit BOTOX later with a plan in place.

Speak With Your Provider

Every patient—and every postpartum journey—is different. If you’re unsure about the timing of cosmetic treatments or have questions about what’s safe during breastfeeding, a personal consultation is always the best place to start. I’m here to guide you through your options, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about whatever comes next.

Whether you’re considering BOTOX during breastfeeding, exploring alternatives, or simply planning ahead, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

What’s Next?

If you’re thinking about BOTOX but still nursing, let’s talk. At Primera Plastic Surgery, we’re here to support your confidence every step of the way—safely and with care.

I invite you to call Primera Plastic Surgery at (407) 333-3040 or request a consultation online. Together, we’ll explore your goals and take the first step toward results you’ll love.