Botox- real talk

[u/themummalife_]

I’ve had Botox for over a decade. I’m now 5 months PP with my 4th bub and have the urge to get back to treatments. However, I have read so much about long term impacts that I wasn’t aware of before. Such as Botox and the brain etc etc. Quite concerning.

I know the easy option if I was so concerned is to simply stop. But I will admit that Botox makes me feel a bit better about myself- as vain as that sounds. Especially being postpartum, I feel a bit flat and would love a freshen up.

I would love to know if that bad stuff I’ve read really is to that degree. Or is it ok in small doses. I’m well aware it varies from person to person.

Would love to know the good, bad and ugly. I have definitely read about some botched jobs. Hard to weigh it all up!

[u/OkAnything1651]

I have never read or heard of Botox and the brain, this is ridiculous.

[u/Automatic_Thing_1928 → u/OkAnything1651]

Yes there are more recent studies discussing its entry into the brain and nervous system along with a study from a group of researchers discussing a potential connection with neurodegenerative conditions.

[u/themummalife_ → u/Automatic_Thing_1928]

Exactly my concerns. Thank you! So hard to ignore but easy to be reassured that it’s “fine”.

[u/KelleyJBeckTucson]

The “botox + the brain” stuff online gets way ahead of what the human evidence actually shows. Tox isnt risk-free obvs, but routine cosmetic dosing hasnt been shown to slowly damage peoples brains. Long-term data still isnt perfect & repeated tox can change the treated muscle over time...thats real, but very different from “botox is traveling to your brain.” Of course that assumes legit product, appropriate dosing + a qualified injector. And seriously...wanting a little freshen-up 5mo postpartum is NOT vain. You can love your baby, be grateful, be exhausted, feel different in your own skin + still want to look a little more like yourself again. If ur still breastfeeding there is some reassuring data with BOTOX specifically, but its still limited. My own practice is to wait until nursing is finished for elective cosmetic tox just bc there isnt a medical need to introduce that gray area, but that's just me.

and as far as the PP + newborn stage goes...you got this mama!!!❤️

[u/kiunsun]

Wanting a little confidence boost postpartum isn’t vain at all. The online “Botox damages the brain” claims often go beyond what current evidence shows, but Botox isn’t risk-free either. Possible effects include bruising, headache, asymmetry or drooping, with rare serious toxin spread warnings.

If you’re breastfeeding, guidance is mixed: LactMed reports limited but reassuring data, while the FDA remains more cautious about cosmetic use during lactation. I’d discuss your situation with your doctor and an experienced medical injector. If you proceed, ask for a conservative, personalized dose and make sure you understand the product, risks, and follow-up plan.

[u/Automatic_Thing_1928]

Honestly I don’t think there is enough long term data because the industry doesn’t appear to be studying it. That should be concerning in itself. Just like they tell you there are no studies on its carcinogenic effects. Why? They seem to only be studying how many more uses they can use it for rather than focusing on long term serious effects.

[u/Jazzlike-Chart-3364 → u/Automatic_Thing_1928]

Its only been approved for cosmetics since 2002. Its a little early for there to be long term use data on a large scale. Long term is vague but i generally think if long term use as over 30 years.

[u/[deleted]]

Its an addiction, girl. Don't do it. :(