This post is all about laser hair removal while breastfeeding and during pregnancy.
Laser hair removal is a popular beauty treatment, but is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women? Some experts say yes, while others are not so sure.
Here’s what you need to know about laser hair removal during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Hair Growth?
Pregnancy is an amazing time in any woman’s life. Pregnant women’s bodies are undergoing tremendous changes, and so is their hair. Many pregnant women find their hair thicker and fuller than ever before. So, how does pregnancy affect hair growth?
During pregnancy, the hormone levels in a woman’s body change dramatically. These hormonal changes can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, often leading to excess hair growth and body hair in new places.
It can take 6 months or longer for hormones to rebalance and the hair growth cycle to return to normal.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Your hair is in a constant cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. At any given time, roughly 90% of your hair is actively growing (anagen phase), 1-2% is in the transitional (catagen phase), and the other 10% is in a resting phase (telogen phase).
During pregnancy, many women experience thicker hair because of pregnancy hormones. These hormones cause the hair to stay longer in the growing phase of its cycle, so less hair falls out. Unfortunately, this applies to all the hair of the body.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses selective photothermolysis and works by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle with a laser beam. The heat from the laser light damages the follicle and prevents it from growing new hair.
The most common areas of the body for laser hair removal treatments are the face, bikini area, and underarms.
Laser therapy works best during the anagen phase of hair growth when the hair follicles are still attached to the hair. The hair’s constant cycle through phases influences how effective laser hair removal is over the course of treatments.
Most people need between 3 and 8 treatment sessions to see significant results. Although, the number of sessions you need will depend on factors like your skin type, hair colour, and the thickness of your hair.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe If I Am Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Due to body hair popping up in new places like the face, stomach and back, many pregnant and breastfeeding women wonder if it’s safe to get laser hair removal.
Unfortunately, there haven’t been any long-term studies of laser hair removal treatments on pregnant or lactating women.
During Pregnancy
Since there is not enough research on the negative effects of laser therapy on an unborn baby, most medical professionals will recommend that you wait until the birth of the baby.
While Breastfeeding
Is laser therapy safe while breastfeeding? The answer is yes, well, sort of.
“One study found that laser therapy and phototherapy are considered acceptable during breastfeeding.”
The most important thing to remember is that you should avoid using a numbing cream or other medications during these treatments as they may pass through the breast milk to the breastfeeding baby.
The good news is that laser therapy doesn’t seem to cause damage to the mammary glands or negatively affect breast milk production or quality.
RELATED POST- Dermal Fillers When Breastfeeding and Pregnant (Is It Safe?)
Side Effects
Although laser procedures are relatively safe, you may experience mild and temporary side effects. The most common side effects are redness, swelling, and itching of the treated area. These side effects typically go away within a few hours to a few days. More severe side effects, such as burns and skin discoloration, are rare but can occur.
If you experience any side effects from laser hair removal, it is essential to contact your doctor or dermatologist right away. They will be able to determine if the side effects are due to the laser treatment or something else.
Other Hair Removal Methods
For many women, dealing with hair removal during pregnancy or breastfeeding can be daunting. Using harsh chemicals or hot wax near such delicate areas makes anyone queasy. But don’t worry. Shaving is a safe option for hair removal during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Shaving is a quick and easy way to remove unwanted hair, and it’s safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. No chemicals or hot waxes are involved, so you don’t have to worry about them coming into contact with your skin. Plus, it’s gentle enough to not aggravate any existing skin conditions.
If you’re pregnant, here are some hair removal methods that should be avoided until after your baby is born:
- Depilatory creams: These hair removal creams use chemicals that dissolve the hair. They should be avoided during pregnancy because they can be absorbed through the skin and may be harmful to the developing baby.
- Electrology: This hair removal method uses an electrical current to destroy hair follicles. It should be avoided during pregnancy because it may harm the unborn baby.
- Laser hair removal: This hair removal method uses lasers to destroy hair follicles. As previously mentioned, the lack of evidence to support the safety of its use during pregnancy makes this a no go for pregnant women.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that no studies have proven the safety of laser hair removal procedures during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Because of the lack of studies, it’s best if pregnant women err on the side of caution and wait until they deliver their babies first.
For breastfeeding mamas, laser treatments don’t seem to harm their breast milk supply or their infant. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and considering laser hair removal, ensure you speak with your healthcare provider and always go to a reliable and experienced technician.
Other Posts You Might Like
- Dermal Fillers When Breastfeeding and Pregnant (Is It Safe?)
- 10 Reasons You Need To Take Probiotics While Breastfeeding
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500880/
