Laser hair reduction is not conducted on women while pregnant, there are several reasons to avoid laser hair reduction during pregnancy.
Most doctors and estheticians suggest postponing laser hair reduction procedures until after the delivery. And some well-known clinics use laser procedures on pregnant women but avoid the breast, abdominal, and bikini areas.
1. How can laser hair reduction affect pregnancy?
We do not have enough evidence and clinical studies on laser treatment during pregnancy; we cannot be sure about the effects of laser on pregnancy. However, we need to have minimum interventions and medicines during pregnancy to ensure optimum care of the mother and fetus.
2. Can we get laser hair reduction done at the bikini area while pregnant?
As mentioned above, laser treatment during pregnancy is not recommended due to its unknown effects on developing fetus and mother. It works by causing thermal damage to hair follicles and there is always a risk to affect the woman and baby theoretically, especially in sensitive zones like bikini area. That is why it is best to avoid during pregnancy.
3. Should You Postpone Laser Hair Reduction Procedure If You Become Pregnant?
If you are already in the middle of laser hair treatment when you conceive, it is good to postpone the procedure until after delivery. Your doctor can decide whether to continue or postpone the treatment during pregnancy. You should also talk to him about the safety of alternative hair removal methods.
4. Is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light System) Safe During Pregnancy?
IPL is one of the latest technologies to help remove unwanted hair completely. There is no evidence about the safety of IPL on pregnant women. Therefore, it is better to wait until your delivery to get an IPL treatment. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter the skin pigmentation, and they are unpredictable.
5. Can a Woman get laser hair reduction while breastfeeding?
Laser hair reduction is not recommended while you are breastfeeding as well. Though there is no scientific evidence showing a link between the treatment and the harm they can have on your baby, it is better not to undergo any radiation treatments during this phase. Also, some medical specialists will not allow you to go for laser hair removal procedures while breastfeeding because the nursing mother will still have a body full of hormones, which can cause side effects.
Also, the laser treatment while breastfeeding can alter the melanin production in the body and it may lead to hyper or hypo pigmentation. So it is best to postpone laser skin treatments until after you have stopped breastfeeding.
There are no scientific evidences that laser hair reduction affects pregnant women; however, we avoid avoiding the treatment during pregnancy to prevent any damage risk to you or the baby.
In case you want to start or continue with the laser treatment while you´re pregnant, Renew Esthetic asks for you to have a signed permission from your doctor in order for us to proceed.