Laser Hair Removal Pregnancy Concerns

Should You Have Laser Treatments Done When You're Pregnant?

Although this method is very safe, there are a few laser hair removal pregnancy concerns that you should consider if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding your baby.

During pregnancy, your body experiences a lot of changes. Your hormones go wild, causing mood swings, fatigue, and the growth of unsightly hair on places that are supposed to be soft and smooth. Suddenly, "peach fuzz" becomes thick and coarse, and you are sprouting hairs faster than you can shave or pluck.

While you may find it frustrating, it really is a normal part of pregnancy. Hormone changes cause an increase in hair growth, and unfortunately, it usually appears in those places where it is least wanted - your face, abdomen, and even your breasts.

The good news is that everything will return to normal once your baby is born and your body has time to restore its usual hormone balance. Of course, nine months is a long time to feel hairy and unattractive, so many women consider more permanent options, including laser hair removal.

But, is it recommended during pregnancy?

Laser treatment is becoming more popular because it is a safe and effective hair reduction method, but most doctors and clinicians suggest that this procedure be avoided if you are pregnant.

At this point, there is very little information about the effects it may have on the fetus, so it is best to prevent any possible risks by postponing the treatment until after delivery.

While no research has proven that laser hair removal is dangerous to the health of the baby, longer studies are needed to rule out any long-term effects. Since there are no conclusive reports or findings, some clinics will still treat pregnant patients but may avoid the abdominal, breast, or bikini area; however, most reputable clinics choose to err on the side of caution and will tell their clients to wait.

If you are considering this method, you should think about the possible laser hair removal pregnancy concerns before making your final decision.

Laser Hair Removal Pregnancy Facts and Concerns

• Laser treatment uses non-ionizing radiation, which produces intense heat to destroy unwanted hair at the roots without causing cell mutation. Laser light beams only penetrate into the skin a few millimetres, however, non-ionizing radiation can be absorbed by surrounding tissue. While it has been proven to have no negative effects on the patient, doctors are not sure about how it could impact the fetus.

• For some people, laser hair removal can be slightly painful so some clinics will use a numbing cream. Of course, since the body absorbs anything applied to the skin, it is not recommended that you use this cream if you are pregnant. This can make the procedure unpleasant, and may be a good reason to wait until after the baby is born.

• Skin can become more sensitive during pregnancy, so you may be more likely to experience pain, redness, or irritation.

• The number of treatments required, and the length of time between re-treatments, depends on the duration of your hair's growth cycle. Since hormone changes associated with pregnancy can stimulate the maturation of dormant hair follicles, or shorten the growth cycle, some women find that re-growth appears much more quickly when they are pregnant. Since laser hair removal can be costly, why not wait until your hormones have returned to normal before undergoing treatment?

• Laser hair removal can be awkward and uncomfortable in the later stages of pregnancy, especially on sensitive breasts or the bikini area (which should be avoided anyway). Since it usually takes between 6-12 months to achieve complete results, you should consider the length of this commitment before beginning. Doctors do not know if the risk to the baby increases with the number of treatments, so it is best to wait and begin a program after delivery.

• Stopping treatment when you become pregnant will not hinder progress. If you have already started a series of treatments and then discover that you are pregnant, it is recommended that you postpone the rest of your sessions until post-delivery. Although you will be putting the process "on hold", you will not ruin the progress achieved during the first treatments.

Laser treatment is a great cosmetic procedure that can be both effective and long-term. But, there are too many unanswered laser hair removal pregnancy questions regarding the risk of this method on the health of an unborn baby.

So, if you are pregnant, you can call a reputable clinic and book a post-delivery appointment. Imagine how much you'll enjoy and appreciate that first post pregnancy laser treatment after having to revert to alternative methods of hair removal for several months.