Fillers And Breastfeeding
Are you a new or expecting mother who plans to breastfeed? If you've been getting fillers, you may have questions about the safety of dermal fillers while breastfeeding. This important topic deserves careful consideration to ensure both your well-being and your baby's.
The Safety Concern
When it comes to dermal fillers and breastfeeding, medical professionals generally advise a cautious approach. While there isn't extensive research on how injectable fillers might affect breast milk, most doctors recommend avoiding cosmetic injections during both pregnancy and breastfeeding periods.
Why Wait?
Limited Research: There's insufficient data about how fillers might transfer through breast milk to infants, simply because conducting research on breastfeeding mothers is ethically complex, as researchers want to avoid any potential risks to infants. Most major aesthetic medicine organizations and professional societies recommend avoiding elective cosmetic procedures during breastfeeding.
Contraindication: The majority of dermal filler manufacturers list breastfeeding as a contraindication in their product guidelines The safety of these procedures during lactation remains largely unstudied.
Natural Body Changes: Pregnancy and postpartum periods bring significant hormonal fluctuations that affect your skin and tissues. Getting fillers during this time might not provide predictable or lasting results.
Focus on Recovery: The postpartum period is a time for healing and bonding with your baby. Cosmetic procedures can wait until your body has fully recovered.
Timing Your Treatments
If you're planning to get dermal fillers, consider:
- Waiting until you've finished breastfeeding completely
- Planning treatments for when your hormones have stabilized post-breastfeeding
Alternative Options
While waiting to get fillers, you can maintain your skin's appearance through:
- Proper hydration
- Healthy diet rich in collagen-supporting nutrients
- Gentle skincare routine
- Adequate sleep (when possible with a new baby!)
The Bottom Line
Your baby's health and safety should always come first. While it might feel challenging to put aesthetic goals on hold, remember that this breastfeeding period is temporary. Once you've completed your breastfeeding journey, you can safely explore cosmetic treatments with your healthcare provider's guidance.