Pregnant women often ask if it is safe to receive injectables such as Botox or dermal fillers during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple one. The FDA has not approved these treatments for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is generally discouraged to use them during this time. However, if you received Botox or dermal fillers in the early first trimester before you knew you were pregnant, it is highly unlikely that these cosmetic treatments will affect you or your baby in any way.
At Parson Skin Center, we understand that being pregnant can be exhausting and you may want a little lift with Botox or fillers. While both are absolutely safe when not pregnant or breastfeeding, we should use common sense when answering: “Are Botox and fillers safe during pregnancy?” We know that the side effects of both are minimal and include redness, swelling, and some bruising, but serious risks are rare. Unfortunately, no studies have been conducted on the safety of Botox and fillers in unborn babies, so we cannot definitively answer this question. In addition, many pregnant women already have enlarged lips, so opting for dermal fillers is usually not a good idea, especially if you prefer fillers that are durable.
Dermal fillers tend to last 6 to 12 months, but dissolving the filler before that time is also an option. More than 3.4 million Americans receive padding each year, but if you're pregnant, you should not be among these patients. Again, there is no definitive data to support or refute the safety of injectable dermal fillers during pregnancy, nor is there a law prohibiting the use of fillers during pregnancy. Considering safe beauty, we generally recommend that patients refrain from injectables during pregnancy. While injectable-related side effects have not been proven, this is the safest course for women who want to protect their babies.
