Can I have wrinkle-relaxing treatments during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Maria Rountree
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
TL;DR
Wrinkle-relaxing treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. At The Aesthetic Medic, we do not perform these treatments while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is based on current safety guidance, limited research, and a precautionary clinical approach (TGA, 2023; Royal Women’s Hospital, 2022).
Why are treatments not recommended?
Wrinkle-relaxing treatments involve prescription-only medicines that act on muscle activity. While widely used in aesthetic medicine, their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not considered essential, and safety data is limited.
According to Australian product information and regulatory guidance, these medicines are not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, due to limited human safety data and potential risks (TGA, 2023)
Similarly, guidance from the Royal Women’s Hospital Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medicines Guide recommends considering alternative options during pregnancy and breastfeeding, reflecting a cautious clinical approach (Royal Women’s Hospital, 2022)
Pregnancy considerations
During pregnancy, the priority is always the safety of both mother and baby.
There is limited research in pregnant patients
Animal studies have shown potential risks
These treatments are not medically necessary
For this reason, Australian guidance recommends avoiding elective cosmetic procedures during pregnancy (Pregnancy Birth & Baby, 2024)
Even though the medicine is thought to remain localised, the absence of strong safety data means a precautionary approach is taken.
Breastfeeding considerations
Research into use during breastfeeding is still evolving.
Some studies suggest very small or undetectable levels may transfer into breast milk, and risk to healthy infants appears low (LactMed, 2026)
However:
Data is still limited
Long-term effects are not well established
Guidance remains cautious
Because of this, many Australian clinical guidelines recommend deferring treatment until after breastfeeding is complete, particularly for elective aesthetic procedures (Royal Women’s Hospital, 2022)
Our approach at The Aesthetic Medic
At The Aesthetic Medic, patient safety comes first.
For this reason:
We do not perform wrinkle-relaxing treatments during pregnancy
We do not perform treatments while breastfeeding
This aligns with current Australian guidance and reflects a conservative, patient-first approach.
When can I consider treatment?
You may consider treatment once:
Pregnancy has concluded
Breastfeeding has ceased
You have had a full consultation
At this stage, we can safely assess your goals and create a personalised treatment plan.
Final thoughts
While wrinkle-relaxing treatments are widely used, pregnancy and breastfeeding require a more cautious approach. Delaying treatment ensures decisions are made with safety, evidence, and long-term wellbeing in mind.
Book a consultation
If you’re planning treatment after pregnancy or breastfeeding, you’re welcome to book a consultation. This is a relaxed, informative session where we discuss your goals and create a tailored plan—no treatment is performed on the day.
References
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (2023) Product Information: Botulinum Toxin Type A. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au (Accessed: 2026).
Royal Women’s Hospital (2022) Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medicines Guide: Botulinum Toxin Type A. Available at: https://thewomenspbmg.org.au (Accessed: 2026).
National Library of Medicine (2026) Botulinum Toxins – Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (Accessed: 2026).
Pregnancy Birth & Baby (2024) Cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Available at: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au (Accessed: 2026).
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