Women experience routine everyday situations quite differently during pregnancy. Hair removal is one of them. Common hair removal methods like waxing and shaving may become a challenge due to an increased intolerance to pain and the expectant mother’s growing belly.
For this reason, some women might be tempted to try laser hair removal, which is more comfortable and yields longer-lasting results.
But is laser hair removal safe during pregnancy?
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
Laser hair removal is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Most doctors agree it’s best to postpone the procedure until after giving birth. Due to hormonal changes and sensitivity that occur during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid any product or procedure that isn’t proven to be completely harmless to the mother and the fetus.
Reasons to Postpone Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Doctors cite several reasons for avoiding laser hair removal during pregnancy. The most important is the lack of data that would show that the procedure is either safe or unsafe.
1. No Safety Studies
To date, there have been no studies that verify the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy. This doesn’t mean the treatment is unsafe, but without definitive proof, doctors recommend waiting until the mother’s hormonal balance is restored. This usually takes three to six months following childbirth.
2. Sensitive Skin
During pregnancy, the woman’s body and skin are highly sensitive due to increased hormone levels and blood supply. As the baby grows, the mother’s skin also stretches, becoming tender and more susceptible to pain. Laser hair removal experts often apply a numbing cream on the treated area, but during pregnancy this may not provide sufficient pain relief.
3. Hyperpigmentation
Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy increase the risk of hyperpigmentation that can occur with laser treatments. It is recommended to wait at least 6 months after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding to allow hormones to return to normal levels before laser therapy.
4. Hormones Disrupt the Hair Growth Cycle
The hair has three different stages of growth. During laser hair removal, the laser device ideally targets the hair in its active growth stage. However, not all hairs are in the same stage at the same time. A patient needs several laser hair removal treatments administered in carefully timed intervals to effectively remove all hairs during their active phase.
However, hormonal changes during pregnancy disrupt hair growth cycles, making them unpredictable. Adequate timing of laser hair removal treatments becomes difficult, and the treatments are less effective.
5. Scarring and Blistering
Laser hair removal is considered safe for the general population, but like most cosmetic procedures it may cause side effects. Scarring and blistering are rare laser hair removal side effects that typically occur when an inexperienced, non-licensed provider administers the treatment.
It’s best to postpone the procedure until after childbirth to avoid the unnecessary risk of scarring and blistering during pregnancy.
To avoid the risk of severe side effects altogether, choose a licensed laser hair removal professional who will assess your medical history and current state of health to determine whether the procedure is right for you.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Hair Growth?
Women experience significant hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and these can cause increased hair growth. Although thicker hair looks good on the head, some women find it unattractive on the legs and arms. Higher levels of estrogen and androgens may also cause hair growth in unexpected places: the belly, chin, and even breasts.
As tempting as laser hair removal sounds, enough indicators show it’s not a good idea during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life when, apart from the joy of bringing a child into the world, she can experience unwelcome bodily changes. Many pregnant women battle increased hair growth and long for a painless, comfortable solution.
Though laser hair removal sounds like a better option than shaving or waxing, doctors agree that pregnancy is not the optimal time to have the procedure. Be patient, focus on your and the baby’s safety, and know that your hair troubles will be over soon after childbirth.
