The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Laser hair removal is a safe procedure for both mothers and their children. There are several important factors to keep in mind when considering laser hair removal while breastfeeding, but it is possible to have the procedure without putting your child at risk.
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to target and destroy the roots of unwanted hair, which means that it is not recommended for people with light-colored skin or blonde hair. However, if you meet these criteria, you can still have laser hair removal while breastfeeding—just be sure that your doctor knows what they are doing and has experience with this type of procedure on pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. In this guide, we review the following: Can I do laser hair removal while breastfeeding, risks of laser hair removal while breastfeeding, when can i do laser hair removal after giving birth, and can you use ipl while breastfeeding.
How Do I Know If My Doctor Is Experienced With This Procedure?
Your doctor should be able to provide you with proof that they have performed this type of procedure successfully before on pregnant women who were also breastfeeding at the time. If they cannot provide this information, then it is best not to proceed with treatment until after your child’s birth when you are no longer breastfeeding because it would be too risky for both yourself and your baby if something went wrong during treatment.
Can You Get Laser on Face While Breastfeeding
It’s been four months since the birth of your baby. You’re doing well, and so is he! You’re getting into a rhythm, and life is starting to feel a bit normal. You even have time for some self-care – maybe some visits to the gym, maybe an occasional massage, maybe a shower! But you’re wondering if it’s okay to have laser hair removal while breastfeeding.
Good luck. There’s no evidence to confirm that laser hair removal while breastfeeding poses any particular risks for the woman or her baby. Yet, most laser hair removal centers refuse the procedure to a breastfeeding woman. Those that will do the procedure usually ask for a doctor’s note.
So what are they thinking? What’s the harm of having it done while breastfeeding? Let’s back up and look at the big picture.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removalselective photothermolysis
Certainly, the light spectrum can be absorbed by the hair follicles and the skin. That might be uncomfortable for you – it’s a similar effect to a sunburn – but it doesn’t pose a risk to your baby. (And no one would ask you to get a doctor’s note before your trip to the beach, in spite of your exposure to light!)
Is breastfeeding a contraindication of laser therapy?
There are some contraindications to breastfeeding. Certain antibiotics and other drugs can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and laser light, hyperpigmentation (including suntan), hypopigmentation, and possibly other skin-related issues. (For example, having a suntan may increase the risk of blistering and pigment change.) But I’ve looked at several leading expert sources, and breastfeeding is never mentioned as a contraindication.
Are there any studies about laser hair removal and breastfeeding?
No, there are no studies about laser hair removal and breastfeeding infants. Why would there be? There are no studies on the effects of a mother’s trip to a sunny beach on her breastfeeding infant, or – to think of another close-encounter of the mother’s skin with light – on blowing out the candles on a birthday cake! Yet two experiences/events are just as likely to cause harm to the breastfeeding baby as the laser treatment!
So what’s the hype?
Hyperpigmentation—During the childbearing cycle, hormones are more likely to cause hyperpigmentation of the skin (melasma). Hyperpigmentation may be an undesired effect in itself, but it also may cause some otherwise-invisible scarring to show.
Hair regrowth—It’s also possible that the hormones may cause the removed hair to grow back more quickly. It may be that it’s just not worth your while until you’re done breastfeeding.
Anesthetic—The other concern I’ve heard has to do with the topical anesthetic that is used in conjunction with laser therapy. There’s a chance that it may cause an allergic reaction for you, or for your baby.
The bottom line on laser hair removal while breastfeeding
There are no studies showing a risk of having laser hair removal while breastfeeding. The hype is more about the possible risks, or the waste of time and money. Want to get this done, anyway? Talk with your doctor.
hair removal cream breastfeeding
Being a mom is the biggest responsibility. When you have a small life in your arms, you have to be very careful about each and everything you do. Many mothers are skeptical about the use hair removal creams while breastfeeding. It’s vital to inform here that there are no side effects of using hair removal cream while you breastfeed your baby, you can safely use hair removal creams.
Topical products (including hair removal creams) that are applied to the skin don’t end up in breastmilk. It is safe to use hair removal creams unless you apply them near the breasts or nipples. There are no such evidence that hair removal cream affected any breastfeeding lady or breastfeed baby.
Hair removing creams usually contain a product called thioglycolic acid. The concentration of this chemical in the hair removal cream is low and time for which it is applied to the skin is short. It is not thus expected to be harmful in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The cream also contains low level of chemicals sodium and calcium hydroxide. These chemicals form a normal dietary intake and their use on the skin is not expected to cause any change in the body. These chemicals work only on the external part of your skin. The cream cause the hair to breakdown from the pores of the skin and help separate it from the skin.
Fragrance and essence used in hair removal creams can irritate the skin and can cause allergic reactions. However, there is no research in breastfeeding mothers evident to the same. Thus, hair removal creams may be safe to use while breastfeeding.
Woman’s skin tends to be sensitive even after pregnancy, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before using hair removal cream. Just to ensure your skin does not react to the cream, you can perform a quick patch test before applying the cream.
It is often advised the room you’re in is well ventilated before you use the cream. Hair removal creams tend to carry strong odor, which can cause nausea in some females. When you have applied, avoid leaving the cream on your skin for time longer than prescribed.
It is well said, being a mother is not easy; even after pregnancy there are many hormonal changes in the body, especially at the time of breastfeeding hormones fluctuate drastically. Therefore, the hair grows back even after treatments like laser, waxing, shaving etc.
To remove unwanted hair, you can go for hair removing creams which are safe and easy to use. In very less time, you will get rid of those hair temporarily. These hair removal creams are completely safe, just keep it away from your baby as it has strong chemicals which can react with your newborn’s skin.
Experts believe, generally, there are not harmful chemicals or ingredients in the hair removal cream that may affect your breasts or breastmilk. A lactating mother can use hair removal cream and groom herself well without a second thought.
risks of laser hair removal while breastfeeding
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.
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.
A reputable laser centers will allow their clients to pick up where they left off after the birth of the baby or when breast feeding is finished. Most importantly, enjoy pregnancy and breastfeeding; you will have time after to think about laser treatments.
when can i do laser hair removal after giving birth
Pregnancy is a beautiful time; a time during which a woman’s body undergoes many changes. Some of these changes are welcome – such as stronger nails and ‘glowing’ skin – and some of these changes are not so welcome.
It is common for pregnant women to experience excess hair growth in unwanted areas, and understandably want it removed. Although the pain of waxing might not be something you’d jump at while enduring some of the other aches and pains associated with pregnancy, at MySkin Clinics we do recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding to start or re-commence Laser Hair Removal treatments.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser Hair Removal targets hair follicles in areas where hair growth is unwanted. During treatment, an intense pulse light is focused on the follicle in order to incur damage that will prevent future hair growth.
In the rare event that a patient experiences an uncomfortable amount of pain during Laser Hair Removal, our laser technicians will apply numbing agents to the affected areas. These medications do travel through the skin to the blood supply, and could potentially contaminate breast milk.
Although Laser Hair Removal is not a dangerous procedure and the application of pulse lasers has not been shown to affect more than the top layers of skin, our MySkin Clinics technicians do not like to take chances with the well-being of clients. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend putting your Laser Hair Removal treatments on hold.
Will Laser Hair Removal Affect My Baby?
While there is no link connecting Laser Hair Removal to negative effects on pregnant or lactating women, there is likewise no evidence to guarantee it is a safe treatment method during this time.
This vital lack of information regarding the effects of Laser Hair Removal on the foetus should beget caution. Because we cannot guarantee your total safety – nor that of your child – we will not perform Laser Hair Removal while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are troubled by excess hair growth during pregnancy, we recommend more temporary hair removal solutions such as waxing and shaving. Once you have given birth and finished breastfeeding, we are happy to re-commence your Laser Hair Removal sessions where we left off.
can you use iPL while breastfeeding
It’s been four months since the birth of your baby. You’re doing well, and so is he! You’re getting into a rhythm, and life is starting to feel a bit normal. You even have time for some self-care – maybe some visits to the gym, maybe an occasional massage, maybe a shower! But you’re wondering if it’s okay to have laser hair removal while breastfeeding.
Good luck. There’s no evidence to confirm that laser hair removal while breastfeeding poses any particular risks for the woman or her baby. Yet, most laser hair removal centers refuse the procedure to a breastfeeding woman. Those that will do the procedure usually ask for a doctor’s note.
So what are they thinking? What’s the harm of having it done while breastfeeding? Let’s back up and look at the big picture.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removalselective photothermolysis
Certainly, the light spectrum can be absorbed by the hair follicles and the skin. That might be uncomfortable for you – it’s a similar effect to a sunburn – but it doesn’t pose a risk to your baby. (And no one would ask you to get a doctor’s note before your trip to the beach, in spite of your exposure to light!)
Is breastfeeding a contraindication of laser therapy?
There are some contraindications to breastfeeding. Certain antibiotics and other drugs can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and laser light, hyperpigmentation (including suntan), hypopigmentation, and possibly other skin-related issues. (For example, having a suntan may increase the risk of blistering and pigment change.) But I’ve looked at several leading expert sources, and breastfeeding is never mentioned as a contraindication.
Are there any studies about laser hair removal and breastfeeding?
No, there are no studies about laser hair removal and breastfeeding infants. Why would there be? There are no studies on the effects of a mother’s trip to a sunny beach on her breastfeeding infant, or – to think of another close-encounter of the mother’s skin with light – on blowing out the candles on a birthday cake! Yet two experiences/events are just as likely to cause harm to the breastfeeding baby as the laser treatment!
So what’s the hype?
Hyperpigmentation—During the childbearing cycle, hormones are more likely to cause hyperpigmentation of the skin (melasma). Hyperpigmentation may be an undesired effect in itself, but it also may cause some otherwise-invisible scarring to show.
Hair regrowth—It’s also possible that the hormones may cause the removed hair to grow back more quickly. It may be that it’s just not worth your while until you’re done breastfeeding.
Anesthetic—The other concern I’ve heard has to do with the topical anesthetic that is used in conjunction with laser therapy. There’s a chance that it may cause an allergic reaction for you, or for your baby.
