By LIV Clinic · Medically reviewed by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D. · Published September 30, 2026

Almost nothing here is proven dangerous. Almost nothing is proven safe either — and for an elective treatment, that settles it.

Which aesthetic treatments are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Elective injectables such as Botox and dermal filler are generally deferred during pregnancy because safety data is lacking, and most clinics also defer during breastfeeding; gentle facials and pregnancy-appropriate skincare are usually considered fine, but every decision should be made with your own doctor or midwife.

The underlying principle

Absence of data, not evidence of harm

Most aesthetic treatments have not been studied in pregnancy, because such studies would be unethical. MotherToBaby notes Botox has not been studied specifically for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Why that settles it

For an elective cosmetic treatment with no medical urgency, waiting costs you months and risks nothing — which is why deferring is the standard position.

Injectables: generally deferred

Botox

Elective botulinum toxin is generally postponed during pregnancy. MotherToBaby notes it is a large molecule and unlikely to enter breast milk or cross the placenta, but that it has not been specifically studied in these groups.

Dermal filler

Filler is also deferred. Beyond the data question, pregnancy hormones can make results unpredictable and increase swelling, so the outcome would be unreliable anyway.

Breastfeeding: a more nuanced picture

Lower theoretical risk

The InfantRisk Center states current evidence suggests the risk of Botox entering breast milk and affecting a breastfed baby is extremely low, and that the decision should be made with your healthcare provider.

Most clinics still wait

Many practitioners take a conservative approach and prefer to wait until you have finished breastfeeding — a reasonable position for an elective treatment.

What is usually considered fine

Generally regarded as lower concern, with your doctor’s agreement:

• Gentle hydrating facials and cleansing
• Pregnancy-appropriate skincare and moisturisers
• Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen
• Massage and non-invasive relaxation treatments
• Shaving or threading for hair removal

What to avoid or defer

General guidance only — follow your own doctor or midwife.

Laser and energy treatments

Also generally deferred

The American Pregnancy Association notes there are no studies evaluating the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy, and that many healthcare providers recommend avoiding it — see laser hair removal and pregnancy.

Hormonal changes complicate results

Pregnancy commonly increases hair growth and changes pigmentation, so results would be unreliable even if treatment proceeded.

Skincare ingredients to avoid

The main ones

Retinoids, hydroquinone and higher concentrations of certain acids are generally avoided in pregnancy. Your obstetrician or midwife can confirm what suits you.

Sun protection still matters

Pregnancy increases the tendency to pigmentation, so daily broad-spectrum protection is more important than usual — mineral formulas are often preferred.

If you had treatment before you knew

Do not panic

Many people have injectables early in a pregnancy before knowing. Tell your doctor, but understand that deferral is a precaution based on absent data, not evidence of harm.

Pause the course

If you are mid-course, tell the clinic. Courses can be paused and resumed, and a good clinic will hold remaining sessions.

How to handle treatment during this time

A sensible approach:

1. Tell your clinic immediately if you are or may be pregnant.
2. Pause any ongoing treatment course rather than continuing.
3. Discuss anything you are considering with your own doctor or midwife.
4. Switch to pregnancy-appropriate skincare and mineral sunscreen.
5. Focus on gentle facials and non-invasive care meanwhile.
6. Resume elective treatments after birth, or after breastfeeding, as you prefer.

Honest advice at LIV Clinic Koh Samui

At LIV Clinic, Dr. Narathai will advise on timing around pregnancy and breastfeeding, and will defer treatment where that is the right call. Book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Safety and consultation

Aesthetic treatment is a medical procedure and, like any aesthetic treatment, carries some risk — common temporary effects can include redness, swelling, bruising or tenderness, and less common reactions are possible. Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be promised. This article is general information, not medical advice.

At LIV Clinic, every treatment begins with an in-person assessment by Dr. Narathai Vichienkalayarut, M.D., who reviews your skin, medical history and goals before recommending a personalized plan. Book a consultation to find out whether this treatment suits you.