Is It Safe To Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant
Whether it’s on your legs, arms, back, or face, laser hair removal is a terrific option. Is laser hair removal during pregnancy safe?
Indeed, that is the case. The potential for laser-related problems makes laser hair removal during pregnancy a no-go. As long as you follow your doctor’s and/or aesthetician’s orders, you can go forward with laser hair removal if you need it for medical reasons like alopecia or pregnancy-related issues (like growing out your mustache).
Despite the increasing popularity of laser hair removal, there have been few studies done to evaluate its safety during pregnancy. Laser hair removal consists of using pulses of light energy to remove unwanted hair. It is a common procedure used in women and men who have unwanted hair on their face, neck, or other parts of the body. Read on to learn more about brazilian laser hair removal while pregnant/laser hair removal early pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant
Although laser hair removal is generally considered a safe procedure, doctors and dermatologists usually advise women to avoid the procedure because no studies have been done to prove that it’s safe for mothers and babies. In the absence of research, doctors err on the side of caution.
our belly, face, neck, breasts, and arms. The good news is that this hair growth is quite common, and it generally goes away on its own after the baby arrives.
Pregnancy hormones not only affect where hair suddenly sprouts and how much of it you have to deal with, they also change the growth cycle of your hair.
The hairs on your head and your body all have an active growth phase called anagen. When the hair is fully grown, it enters a resting state called telogen, after which it falls out.
Pregnancy hormones delay the “falling out” phase, which might be why you notice thicker, fuller hair. Your body simply isn’t letting go of the usual amount of hair.
About three to six months after the baby arrives and your hormones normalize, the extra hair will fall out. This sudden loss of hair is called telogen effluvium.
The estrogen-induced hair growth, combined with the increasing difficulty of reaching some parts of your body as your belly grows, may have you wondering whether you should schedule an appointment for laser hair removal as an alternative to shaving, waxing, or using depilatory creams.
The main reason to wait: No safety studies
The International Journal of Women’s DermatologyTrusted Source published a review in 2017 on the safety of cosmetic procedures for pregnant women.
The reviewers said that while lasers have been safely used to treat medical conditions like kidney stones and genital warts in pregnant women, there’s no safety data available to support using lasers for cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal.
The lack of research on this subject probably won’t change soon, because scientists don’t want to risk harming mothers and babies by intentionally exposing them to potentially harmful products and procedures.
Although laser hair removal is generally considered a safe procedure, doctors and dermatologists usually advise women to avoid the procedure because no studies have been done to prove that it’s safe for mothers and babies. In the absence of research, doctors err on the side of caution.
Dr. Kelly Jago, an OB-GYN in St. Augustine, Florida, advises patients to take a cautious approach.
“My best advice would be that if one could hold off on this elective procedure until after the pregnancy, I would recommend doing so,” she says.
Other reasons to wait until you’re postpartum
One of the more common changes that can happen during pregnancy is darkening of your skin — a condition called hyperpigmentation.
According to doctors at Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal is most effective when there’s a contrast between the color of your skin and the color of your hair. If hyperpigmentation has made the skin on your target zone closer to the color of your hair, treatment might be less effective.
In addition, pregnancy disrupts your normal hair growth cycle. For laser hair removal to be effective, you could need as many as six treatments. Ideally, these treatments would take place during the active growth phase of the cycle. But because pregnancy hormones can change the duration of some phases, you could end up having the procedure done in the wrong phase.
Then there’s the question of skin sensitivity. Pregnancy increases the blood supply throughout your body. It also stretches out the skin on your abdomen and breasts. Having laser hair removal treatments while your skin is in this tender state may be uncomfortable.
Can laser hair removal affect getting pregnant?
There’s no evidence that laser hair removal affects your chances of becoming pregnant. If you’re trying to get pregnant, check with your doctor before beginning laser hair removal treatments.
For most people, successful reduction of hair growth takes several treatments spaced out over a period of up to nine months. It’s possible you could undergo a treatment before you realize you are pregnant, exposing you to the risks associated with the procedure, including:
- skin irritation
- changes to your skin’s color
- blistering
- scarring
- excessive hair regrowth, in rare cases
Laser hair removal alternatives
Temporary methods like shaving, waxing, threading, and tweezing are generally considered safe during pregnancy. As your body’s shape and size change, you may need help reaching some areas to remove unwanted hair.
If you decide to get help from an aesthetician or a dermatologist, be sure that the facility is clean and the technician licensed to perform the service you want.
While depilatory creams have historically been considered safe for use during pregnancy, there are no studies to prove that chemicals like barium sulfide powder and thioglycolic acid are absolutely harmless to mothers and babies.
You should also be aware that the Food and Drug AdministrationTrusted Source has received reports of painful skin reactions associated with these creams and lotions. Since there’s little research on possible effects, this might be a good topic to discuss with a doctor before you begin.
One important note
Doctors recommend not to shave your pubic area immediately before going to the hospital to deliver your baby, especially if you’re planning a cesarean delivery. Shaving can cause tiny nicks and scrapes that could lead to infection in or around the wound site.
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How soon after delivery can you schedule laser hair removal?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says you should think of postpartum care as a long-term process, rather than just one appointment. During your first few months after delivery, talk with your obstetrician regularly to discuss all the ways your body is changing.
Your doctor is the best person to help you decide when your hormones have gotten back to normal and your skin is ready to receive laser treatments. These conversations will be especially important if you have wounds or incisions from an episiotomy or a cesarean delivery.
Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant: Is It Safe?
When carrying a child, pregnant women’s bodies go through a lot of changes. And one of those hormonal changes is unwanted hair growth. Whether you’re seeing hairs sprout in new places, or your belly is so big you can’t shave your legs, you might consider laser hair removal.
But is laser hair removal safe while pregnant? What effects can laser treatment have on the body and, more importantly, the baby?
How Does Pregnancy Affect Hair Growth?
When you’re pregnant, it’s easy to feel like you are not yourself. Some women glow with excitement and glee for nine months, while others aren’t so happy with the changes their body is going through.
During pregnancy, your hormones are pumping at an all-time high, which affects your normal hair growth cycle. During those nine months, many women start to see hair growth in unwanted places like the face, neck, belly, and breasts.
Learn more about facial hair removal methods.
To understand how pregnancy affects hair growth, it’s essential to know how the hair growth cycle works.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair goes through three stages.
- In the growth stage, the hair follicle begins the process and creates the hair.
- In the intermediate phase, the hair continues to grow.
- And in the final phase, which is sometimes called the resting phase, the hair sheds or falls out.
Pregnancy hormones delay the final phase, meaning that hair doesn’t fall out as quickly. So many women notice thicker, fuller growth or new hairs appearing in places where they didn’t appear before.
It’s easy to see why many pregnant women may be attracted to laser hair removal. After all, when you’re not feeling great for nine months, a little grooming or pampering can go a long way to making you feel better.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Pregnant Women?
Many healthcare providers advise that you do not get laser hair removal while you’re pregnant.
Laser hair removal is safe, but are currently no long-term studies that analyze the effects of laser hair treatment on unborn children. For this reason, it is best to play it safe.
Wait until after you’ve given birth to begin laser hair removal treatments.
Related: Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
So what are you supposed to do with all that hair? When you’re pregnant, it’s best to err on the side of caution and stick to shaving. Waxing, depilatory creams, and other unconventional hair removal methods are also not recommended for pregnant women. If you’re concerned about hair growth, consult with your doctor before using any method other than shaving.
We’re not saying that laser procedures are unsafe for pregnant women. There simply isn’t enough research to make a determination.
If you’re seeing thicker hair growth or have hair growing in new places, don’t worry. Once the pregnancy hormones subside, your hair should return to your normal growth cycle about six months after giving birth.
Is It Safe To Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?
Medical professionals generally accept that laser hair removal is safe while breastfeeding, but some experts advise against getting the procedure on your chest.
Before you undergo laser hair removal while breastfeeding, consult with your physician.
Except for Pregnant Women, Laser Hair Removal Is Safe
Pregnant women aside, laser hair removal is safe. Most people do not experience any long-term side effects. Temporary side effects are common and can include redness, swelling, and irritation of the treated area. Any skin irritation is minor and short-lived.
But not all laser hair removal procedures are the same. Different technicians use different lasers and various methods of cooling and soothing the skin. If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, make sure to have a licensed and certified laser technician perform the procedure.
It’s also important to find a technician that uses a state-of-the-art laser, as well as an effective cooling system. These two elements combined make the treatments more comfortable and the process more effective. At LaserAll, we trust the Astanza ReSmooth laser and the Zimmer Cryo cooling device.
To find a certified laser technician near you, check online ratings, and read the reviews of what other customers have to say. If you know people who have had hair removal treatment in the past, ask them for references to help you find a laser clinic that you can trust. Don’t assume that just because a spa or clinic advertises hair removal services that they have the proper credentials.
The bottom line? Laser hair removal IS safe when performed by experienced, licensed, and certified technicians. Just don’t do it while you’re pregnant.
When you’re pregnant, your primary focus should be on the health of yourself and your baby.
Give birth to that happy, healthy baby first. Focus on getting through those first few months of sleepless nights and constant feeding sessions. When all of that is behind you, you’ll be ready to schedule your laser hair removal treatment as a well-deserved reward!
Brazilian Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant
You may notice downy excess body hair growing during your pregnancy but don’t be alarmed, this is quite normal and will typically go away around six months post-partum. However, what about using laser hair removal treatments during your pregnancy?
Many women find out they’re pregnant after they’ve started a course of laser hair removal and are keen to know if it’s safe to continue. We discuss the important considerations below.
HAIR GROWTH DURING PREGNANCY
If you notice hair growing on your body in some unusual places, such as your stomach, you needn’t worry about it! In fact, it’s very common to find downy, light hair growing in some unexpected places during this exciting time of your life.
This condition is known as Hirutism and many women may experience it during their pregnancy because they have higher than normal levels of androgen in their bodies, which can trigger Hirutism.
You might even notice your body hair getting darker too because this can happen due to heightened levels of melanin. This is the pigment in our bodies that is responsible for our natural colouring.
The excess body hair is typically found around the stomach, nipples and the face among other unusual areas and it can also cause your hair and nails to grow too. But, don’t despair – the good news is that this extra hair won’t stay forever and will typically disappear around six months after your delivery. However, if it doesn’t go away or is getting thicker or darker past this point, it’s a good idea to follow up with your doctor.
However, if you are concerned about the appearance of this excess hair and would like to remove it then waxing, shaving, plucking or threading are usually safe hair removal options for pregnant women.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WHEN GETTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL DURING PREGNANCY?
Most doctors and health care professionals usually don’t recommend the use of laser hair removal treatments during pregnancy, not because of concerns about the safety to the unborn baby, but because it poses a slight risk of permanent pigmentation damage to the skin. This is because, during pregnancy, the skin’s pigmentation can change due to the androgen hormones in your body.
However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, there is no clear guidance as to whether laser hair removal beauty treatments are safe to have during pregnancy. This lack of scientific and medical research into the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy means that we can’t say for certain how this treatment could impact on the health and development of a foetus.
CAN YOU CONTINUE LASER HAIR REMOVAL WHEN PREGNANT?
Some women become concerned about their excessive hair growth during their pregnancy and seek to use laser hair removal to remove it. Others have already started a course of laser hair removal before they realise, they’re pregnant and wonder if it’s safe to continue the treatment.
It will depend on the individual beauty spa’s insurance and internal policies for offering laser hair removal treatments, as to whether they decide to continue with a course of treatment when their patient is pregnant. In some cases, they may decide to postpone or delay the course of laser hair removal until the baby is born, just to be on the safe side.
At Primas Medispa London, we are more than happy to discuss your specific requirements should you find that you fall pregnant during a course of laser hair removal treatment at our spa. Contact our friendly team today to find out more about booking one of our laser hair removal packages.
Laser Hair Removal Early Pregnancy
Laser hair removal and electrolysis aren’t safe during pregnancy. It’s best to wait until after your baby is born to start these treatments.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding hair growth and skin changes are common. Increased amounts of hormones are the culprit for the annoying skin and hair problems. Because of these changes, women often desire laser hair removal or skin treatments during these times.
As your baby bump grows, you may notice that it gradually gets more difficult to move around or bend over—especially in your third trimester. Activities that are quite literally as easy as tying your shoes gradually become more challenging and may require multiple heave-ho attempts.
Shaving your legs easily falls into this category. Because of this, many people have considered a more long-term fix while pregnant, like laser hair removal. But with all the dos and don’ts you have to follow during pregnancy, it’s easy to wonder if it’s safe to get laser hair removal while pregnant—on your legs, or anywhere, for that matter.
To find out, we tapped two board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on the topic. Read on to learn all about laser hair removal, including if it’s safe to have done while pregnant. We’re even sharing some hair removal tips for people who are pregnant or planning to be.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is exactly what it sounds like—removing hair with a laser. Most commonly, people get this noninvasive treatment on their face, armpits, legs, pubic area, and trunk.1 And it’s pretty popular. Prior to the pandemic, over one million people got laser hair removal in 2019. (That number dropped slightly due to nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns that occurred in 2020.)2 It works by using highly concentrated light, or lasers, to remove hair.1
“The pigment in the [hair] follicle is targeted,” says Mary P. Lupo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Lupo Center for Aesthetic & General Dermatology in New Orleans. ”When it absorbs the laser’s energy, it generates heat that permanently reduces the follicle.” This inhibits hair from growing, decreasing or eliminating it in the treated area.
However, it’s not a one-and-done kind of treatment. It only affects hairs that are in an active stage of growth. Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC explains, “It requires multiple treatments, and works best on darker, thicker hairs.” When the hair grows back, it will be lighter, thinner, and sparser.
Laser hair removal also slows down hair growth, but it’s not necessarily a permanent solution. Some people require maintenance treatments periodically.1
Is it Safe to Get Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, the question of whether or not something is safe may be a frequent flyer in your mind. And just like the murky, pregnancy-safe waters where things like tea tree oil reside, when it comes to getting laser hair removal while pregnant, there’s just not enough research to definitively confirm its safety one way or the other.3
Whenever you’re faced with a conundrum such as this, the best course of action is usually to practice an abundance of caution—just in case—and speak with your healthcare provider.
Every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about getting laser hair removal while pregnant.
Why You Should Not Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
The most important things to keep top of mind while you’re pregnant are you and your little one’s health and safety. When we said there hasn’t been enough research on getting laser hair removal while pregnant, we admit, we were being generous. In fact, there have been no studies on the topic—zilch.3
It may not have any effect on your baby. But, then again, it might. No one knows. And, just like you wouldn’t walk around blindfolded while pregnant, nor should you venture into a treatment when the science behind it lives in the dark.
Risks of Getting Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant
Although there’s no research into getting laser hair removal specifically while pregnant, there are potential risks that being pregnant can make you more susceptible to. Dr. Nazarian lets us in on why it is strongly discouraged.
“There are risks of complications, specifically skin burns, and given the altered hormonal state in pregnancy, this risk may be theoretically increased,” she shares. “There is also potential for the laser treatments to be less effective during pregnancy.” She stresses that the benefits are far outweighed by the risk of complications.
Other reasons to avoid getting laser hair removal while pregnant also involve the aforementioned pregnancy hormones. “If a burn occurs, you heal slower when pregnant and are more likely to hyper-pigment,” cautions Dr. Lupo. The latter makes sense seeing as how conditions like melasma (a.k.a. the pregnancy mask) tend to arise in pregnant people, as well as those who get hormone replacement therapy or take birth control pills.4
The additional hormones flowing through their systems cause telltale signs of melasma to appear—grayish-brown or brown patches on the face.5 And anything that irritates your skin, like lasers or even harsh skincare products, can also leave dark marks.4
If a burn occurs, you heal slower when pregnant and are more likely to hyper-pigment.
When Can I Resume Getting Laser Hair Removal?
Whether you’ve gotten laser hair removal in the past or are a newbie, it’s best to wait until you’re no longer pregnant and your hormones right themselves.
“Laser hair treatments can safely resume three months after delivery, when most hormone levels have normalized,” Dr. Nazarian advises. Even though, to you, you’re no longer pregnant immediately after giving birth, it takes your body a little longer to accept that fact and gradually reset itself.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives
Alternatives to laser hair removal while pregnant are fairly simple—back to the basic tried-and-true techniques that have been around for millennia. Both Dr. Lupo and Dr. Nazarian recommend shaving, waxing, or plucking as your go-tos to get rid of unwanted hair.
If you’re still in the pregnancy-planning phase, however, you could try this proactive, strategic approach. “[People] should consider initiation of laser treatment before pregnancy to make grooming and styling habits easier when they’re pregnant.”
Get ahead of the pregnancy curve and start laser hair removal before you become pregnant, if you can. Just remember to give plenty of leeway as you’ll need multiple sessions. The time you need between each one varies on the area being treated, but it is generally a four-to-six week period.6 So, give yourself a healthy buffer, and start a few months before you expect to become pregnant.
Laser for hair removal and skin treatments have been approved by the FDA since the late 1990’s. Since this time no studies have proven that laser hair or skin procedures are unsafe for pregnant or non pregnant women.
There have been studies on pregnant rats that have shown negative effects, but incidental human exposure to laser procedures during pregnancy has not proven harmful. However, because there are no long-term studies and due to the delicate nature of pregnancy it has been recommended by most professionals that laser hair removal be postponed until after the birth of the baby. As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) I would have to agree with this recommendation. It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and welfare of mom and baby!
Should I Do Laser Hair Removal When Pregnant?
Some may think that the suspension of the hair removal process would cause a lessened effect on hair removal but this is not necessarily so. The hair follicles that have been killed as a result of laser treatment will never grow hair again. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding do tend to increase hair growth but waiting until after the birth of the baby to begin or continue treatments will not effect the results. Laser hair removal during breast feeding is fine as long as it is not done on the areola or breast tissue.
As far as skin treatments are concerned the same is true during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Numbing agents are commonly used with laser skin treatments. These medications do travel through the skin to our blood supply and have been found in breast milk, so it is best to postpone laser skin treatments until after you have stopped breastfeeding. For optimum results postponing laser treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is recommended especially with the edema and skin changes that are associated with this time.
- Just to be cautious laser hair removal should be postponed until after pregnancy.
- More long term studies are needed in order to recommend laser use during pregnancy.
- Numbing creams or ointments should not be used for laser treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Postponing laser treatments that are already in progress will not negatively affect the outcome.
- If you have had laser treatment while pregnant do not panic, just postpone the treatment until after the baby arrives.