Botox While Breastfeeding: The Latest Research (April 2025)
Many breastfeeding parents want to return to their usual cosmetic or medical treatments, and Botox injections are one of the most common questions I’m asked about. While research in this area is still emerging, the last two years have given us clearer guidance to support decision-making in partnership with your healthcare provider.
This article summarises what we know so far and what it means for you and your baby.
What Is Botox?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a purified form of botulinum neurotoxin used for both cosmetic and medical treatments, including reducing facial wrinkles, managing chronic migraines, treating muscle spasms and supporting conditions like excessive sweating.
It works by blocking nerve signals to specific muscles, which temporarily reduces their activity.
What Does the Latest Research Say?
Does Botox Enter Breast Milk?
Recent research has specifically examined milk samples from breastfeeding mothers after cosmetic Botox injections. Across studies, the findings have been consistent:
1. Extremely Low or Undetectable Levels
Most participants had no detectable Botox in their breast milk, or only trace levels in the picogram range (pg/mL) — far below what would be considered harmful to an infant.
2. Measured Levels Are Far Below Toxicity Thresholds
When detected, concentrations ranged from 34 to 747 pg/mL, which are thousands of times lower than the estimated toxic dose for infants.
3. No Reported Infant Harm
Across all published studies and case reports, no adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants, even when mothers have received therapeutic doses for conditions like migraine.
4. Short Duration in Milk
Where trace amounts were detected, they typically became undetectable by day five after injection.
Expert Guidance and Clinical Consensus
Cautious but Reassuring
Reputable sources - including the InfantRisk Center, LactMed, and recent pharmacology reviews - conclude that the risk to healthy, full-term breastfed infants is extremely low.
More Caution for Vulnerable Infants
If your baby was born premature or weighs under 4.5kg/10 pounds, your clinician may recommend a more individualised assessment, as their relative exposure could be higher.
What About Pumping and Dumping?
Based on current evidence, routine pumping and discarding milk after Botox is not recommended or necessary for most mothers.
Why Is the Risk So Low?
A few key reasons:
Botox is injected into muscle, not the bloodstream.
Systemic absorption is minimal to very low.
The molecule is large and unlikely to transfer into milk.
Even if swallowed, purified botulinum toxin is broken down in the stomach and gut, making it extremely unlikely to enter an infant’s bloodstream.
This is very different from botulism illness, which involves ingesting live spores (e.g., from honey) that can germinate in an infant’s gut. Botox contains no spores, no bacteria, and no active toxin-producing components.
Key Takeaways for Breastfeeding Parents
Botox injections appear to pose a very low risk to healthy, full-term breastfed babies.
No routine breastfeeding interruption is advised based on current evidence.
If your baby is premature, medically fragile, or very small, seek personalised advice.
Monitor your baby for unusual lethargy, weak suck, droopy eyelids, or swallowing difficulties, and seek prompt medical care if concerned (even though these symptoms have not been reported in connection with maternal Botox use).
Continue breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.
As of April 2025, the available research suggests that Botox injections used for cosmetic or medical reasons are unlikely to cause harm to breastfed infants. Trace amounts found in breast milk appear far below levels known to cause toxicity, and no infant harm has been reported.
Still, every situation is unique. The safest approach is to discuss your treatment with your doctor, dermatologist, or lactation consultant so you can make a decision that aligns with your comfort, your health needs, and the wellbeing of your baby.
Further reading…
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.
