Botox While Breastfeeding: The Latest Research (April 2025)
As more people seek cosmetic and medical treatments while breastfeeding, questions about the safety of Botox injections during lactation are increasingly common. Here’s a summary of the latest research as of April 2025, so you can make an informed decision in partnership with your healthcare provider.
What Is Botox?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a purified neurotoxin widely used for cosmetic purposes (like reducing facial wrinkles) and medical conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to muscles, reducing unwanted activity1.
What Does the Latest Research Say?
Risk of Botox in Breast Milk
Recent studies have specifically examined whether Botox, when injected for cosmetic purposes, passes into breast milk and poses a risk to breastfed infants. Here’s what’s been found:
Extremely Low Risk of Transfer: Multiple studies, including a 2024 pilot study, found that Botox is either undetectable or present only in extremely low amounts in breast milk after maternal injections [1][3][4][5].
Measured Levels Far Below Harmful Dose: When Botox was detected, concentrations ranged from 34 to 747 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL), which is orders of magnitude below the estimated toxic dose for infants [1][4][5].
No Reported Adverse Effects: In all published cases, no adverse effects were observed in breastfed infants, even when mothers received therapeutic or cosmetic doses of Botox [1][3][6].
Short Duration in Milk: Studies show that if any Botox enters breast milk, it is present only for a short period and typically undetectable after five days post-injection [5].
Expert and Regulatory Guidance
Cautious Endorsement: Leading sources, including the InfantRisk Center and Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), conclude that the risk to breastfed infants is extremely low, especially for healthy, full-term babies [1][6].
Special Caution for Vulnerable Infants: For premature babies or those under 10 pounds, caution is advised, as their relative exposure could be higher [5].
FDA and Official Recommendations: The FDA continues to recommend caution due to limited data, but recent studies support that routine interruption of breastfeeding after cosmetic Botox is unnecessary for most mothers [2][3][5].
Key Takeaways for Breastfeeding Parents
Botox injections for cosmetic or medical reasons appear to pose a very low risk to healthy, full-term breastfed infants.
If you are breastfeeding a premature or very young infant, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before proceeding.
Monitor your baby for any unusual symptoms and report concerns to your healthcare team.
More research is needed, but current evidence is reassuring for most breastfeeding parents.
References
Recent studies published in 2024–2025, including pilot trials analysing breast milk after Botox injections [1][3][4][5].
Expert guidance from the InfantRisk Center, LactMed, and regulatory agencies [1][6].
In summary: The latest research as of April 2025 suggests that Botox injections are unlikely to harm breastfed infants, with only trace amounts (if any) appearing in breast milk and no reported adverse effects. However, always consult your healthcare provider to make the best decision for you and your baby.
Citations:
https://infantrisk.com/content/botox-injections-and-breastfeeding
https://lacted.org/questions/botox-treatment-during-lactation/
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/cosmetic-procedures-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor, lactation consultant, or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about Botox or any other treatments while breastfeeding. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
