Some cosmetic procedures require surgery; these are a type of plastic surgery. Examples include liposuction, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty (nose). These types of cosmetic surgeries are best avoided while pregnant. But what about less invasive procedures? Let’s look at some commonly asked about treatments:

Botox

Botox is an injectable form of botulinum toxin. When used cosmetically, Botox is typically injected in the face or neck to help smooth out wrinkles or fine lines in the skin by temporarily paralyzing or relaxing the muscles. Botox is expected to stay in the area where it is administered and not enter the bloodstream. Because of this, it is unlikely to enter breast milk or to cross the placenta where it could reach a developing baby. However, it is important to note that Botox hasn’t been studied specifically for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is also a risk for infection at the injection site, and the possibility that the toxin could spread beyond the area where it was administered. Read more about Botox here: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/botox-baby-what-we-know-about-the-risks-during-pregnancy-breastfeeding/

Semi-Permanent Makeup & Microblading

Semi-permanent makeup is achieved by tattooing areas of the face to highlight natural features and typically lasts for a few years before fading. This might include eye liner, lips, or eyebrows. Microblading is another form of tattooing used on the eyebrows. When it comes to the ink used in semi-permanent makeup, it isn’t clear how much of the pigment in the ink is able to enter the blood stream, cross the placenta, or how much is able to reach the baby. For folks who are breastfeeding, it also isn’t clear how much of the pigment might pass into breast milk. This makes it difficult to know if the pigment itself might cause a risk. We do know that with any tattoo, there is a possibility of infection if the equipment is not sterilized properly. There can be a risk for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and other infections like staph. There is also a possibility of infection during the healing process. If you do choose to get semi-permanent makeup while pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to go somewhere that is practicing good hygiene. Also be sure to contact your healthcare provider if the tattooed area seems like it isn’t healing correctly.

Teeth Whitening

Many people are also interested in brightening up their pearly whites. Some common teeth whitening products include whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, at home Blue (LED) Light Therapy, and professional whitening procedures administered by a dental hygienist or dentist. For the most part, these products are not expected to increase risks to a pregnancy or a breastfeeding baby. For more details about specific ingredients in teeth whitening products see: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/whitening-teeth-during-pregnancy-or-breastfeeding-lets-bite-into-the-subject/

Chemical Peels

There are a few different types of cosmetic chemical peels that are used to address uneven skin tones, wrinkles, acne scarring, or sun damage by applying a product on the skin (topically) that then removes part of the upper layers of the skin. This usually involves a type of acid – it might be a combination of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid and other ingredients. Light chemical peels involve the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Deep chemical peels can penetrate a bit further into the layers of your skin. Because the chemicals in each peel can vary, it can be a good idea to ask ahead of time for an ingredient list. A MotherToBaby specialist can talk with you about the active ingredients in the specific chemical peel you are considering. Read more about your skin & skin care here: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/whats-the-skinny-on-skin-care

Lip Fillers & Dermal Fillers

Lip and dermal (or face) fillers are injected substances that are used to fill in lines and wrinkles or add volume to areas in the face or lips. There are currently four types of fillers that are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common. Hyaluronic acid, along with Calcium hydroxylapatite and Polylactic acid fillers are considered temporary – these will eventually be broken down and absorbed by the body. Polymethylmethacrylate is not absorbed by the body – this filler is made up of small round plastic beads suspended in collagen. So what do we know about the use of fillers during pregnancy or breastfeeding? The answer is not much. There is limited research on these substances when administered during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it may be best to pause any injections until a later date. There is also a potential risk for infection at the injection site. The FDA advises anyone interested in fillers to get them from a licensed healthcare provider and to discuss the risks and benefits with them before the procedure.           

So, what did Erin do about their appointment for dermal fillers?

When it comes to cosmetic procedures while pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consider what is known about a procedure and weigh any potential risks. In Erin’s case, they decided it would be best to wait to reschedule their next dermal filler appointment until after their child was born. They ended our call by telling me, “I think it will give me more peace of mind to cancel my appointment and wait until after my pregnancy now that I know there isn’t much research. I’ll talk to my dermatologist about other skin care options in the meantime.” 

Do you have a question about a cosmetic procedure during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Speak with a MotherToBaby specialist via phone, text, chat, or email.

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