Written by Meghan Roche Browne, UK midwife and IBCLC (lactation consultant)
“Can I have Botox while I’m breastfeeding?”
I get asked this ALL the time. And most of you have already been told no by a clinic, with no real explanation.
So I went through the research properly. Here’s what it actually says, so you can make your own decision. No judgement here, ever.
The short answer
There isn’t much research. That’s the honest truth, and it’s why lots of clinics say no to breastfeeding mums.
But the research we do have is reassuring. Two small studies have tested breast milk after facial Botox. Both found either no Botox at all, or tiny traces, far below anything thought to be harmful to a baby.
Why so little Botox is expected to reach your milk
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a very large molecule. It’s injected into a muscle in tiny doses, and it’s meant to stay in that muscle.
Very little is expected to get into your bloodstream. And for something to get into your milk, it has to get into your blood first.
That’s the theory. Here’s what happened when researchers actually tested it.
The 2024 study: 4 mums, 16 milk samples
In 2024, researchers in the US tested the breast milk of 4 women after cosmetic Botox injections to the face (40 to 92 units). They collected milk 2 hours after the injections, then on days 1, 3 and 5.
- 8 of the 16 milk samples had NO Botox detected at all.
- Two of the women had none in any sample, and they were the two who had the highest doses.
- The other two women had tiny traces, highest on day 3 or day 5.
Every level they found was well below the amount thought to be harmful to a baby. The researchers concluded that facial Botox doesn’t need to mean stopping breastfeeding.
One thing worth knowing: the women in this study weren’t feeding their babies with their milk at the time. So the study measured the milk itself, not any effect on babies.
The 2025 study: even smaller amounts
A second study, published in 2025, tested milk from 3 women after facial Botox (64 units).
- The highest level found was 167 picograms per ml, 4 days after the injection. A picogram is a millionth of a millionth of a gram. TINY.
- The researchers worked out that a baby would need to drink around 21 litres of that milk to get anywhere near a dangerous amount.
- They concluded that every level they found was likely to be safe for babies.
Both studies are small, and neither looked at the babies directly. That’s why you’ll still hear “we can’t say for sure”. That’s fair, and it’s honest.
What about Botox for medical reasons?
Botox is also used to treat things like chronic migraine. The NIH’s LactMed database says international guidelines consider Botox acceptable for breastfeeding women with chronic migraine.
Higher doses, used for some other conditions, haven’t been studied in breastfeeding. If that’s you, talk it through with your doctor.
What about fillers?
Fillers (like hyaluronic acid) are injected into the skin and are designed to stay where they’re put.
But here’s the honest bit: there’s no published research on fillers and breastfeeding. Dr Wendy Jones, the UK pharmacist who specialises in breastfeeding and medication, says she simply can’t say whether they’re safe or unsafe, because the evidence isn’t there.
So with fillers, it really is a “we don’t know”.
If you decide to go ahead
- Licensed product only. Unlicensed or fake Botox is the real risk. The UK Health Security Agency has warned about cases of botulism linked to unlicensed cosmetic Botox.
- A qualified, medically trained practitioner.
- Tell them you’re breastfeeding.
- See a doctor straight away if you notice side effects like a droopy eyelid, blurred vision, or trouble swallowing or breathing.
Some practitioners will still say no while you’re feeding. That’s their call.
And if you’d rather wait?
That’s completely fine too!! Lots of mums wait until they’ve finished feeding, and that’s a great choice as well.
Your body, your choice ❤️
Meghan xoxo
More from Can I Have That?
Sources
- Hudson C, et al. (2024). Analysis of breast milk samples in lactating women after undergoing botulinum toxin injections for facial rejuvenation: a pilot study. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpsam.2023.0326
- Gu H, et al. (2025). Detection of nontoxic BoNT/A levels in post-facial Botox injection breastmilk. Frontiers in Drug Safety and Regulation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12443105/
- LactMed, US National Library of Medicine: Botulinum toxins, therapeutic. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK616387/
- Dr Wendy Jones, Breastfeeding and Medication: Botox and fillers and breastfeeding. https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/fact-sheet/botox-and-fillers-and-breastfeeding
- InfantRisk Center: Botox injections and breastfeeding. https://infantrisk.com/content/botox-injections-and-breastfeeding
- UK Health Security Agency: UKHSA issues warning over botulism. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-issues-warning-over-botulism
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you’re unsure, speak to your GP, pharmacist or health visitor.
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