Most mothers-to-be know the basic dos and don’ts of pregnancy: Get plenty of rest, no smoking and no drinking – but what about aesthetic procedures like Botox? 

Botox, also called botulinum toxin type A, is made from the bacteria that causes botulism. When botulinum toxin is injected beneath the skin, it blocks nerve activity in the muscles or paralyzes them, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity, lessening the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. The effects of Botox last about 3-4 months. 

Despite little research to determine what, if any, effect Botox could have on pregnant women and their unborn children, obstetricians and cosmetic doctors overwhelmingly recommend that their pregnant patients should not get injections of the popular drug. 

Part of the reason there is so little research about certain procedures during pregnancy is that in order to weigh the effects of the process, doctors and scientists would have to perform the procedures on pregnant women and there is no medical justification for Botox during pregnancy. The risk is just not worth the possible results. Natural skin changes during pregnancy, caused by the combination of hormones and increased blood flow, will make your face “glow” anyway. 

During pregnancy, it is a good idea to avoid any non-essential services or procedures. In medicine, there are many unknowns and you don’t have 100% certainty as to all the interactions between drugs and the body. So why take the chance? It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to pregnancy and the unborn child. 

If you are considering Botox in Phoenix and would like more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy, please contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website today.