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The Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to the growth of excess hair around your belly, breasts, face, and other unwanted places (1). While hair can be removed in various ways, many women prefer a permanent method. Laser hair removal is something that has gained popularity, but drew flak over safety concerns. How good or bad is when you are carrying a baby?
MomJunction brings you some important information on laser hair removal during pregnancy, and to-do's and don'ts associated with it.
Is It 'sure to undergo laser hair removal While Pregnant?
Generally, Laser hair removal is not conducted on women during pregnancy, there are several reasons to avoid laser hair removal during pregnancy.
The laser procedures were studied in rats in a state of pregnancy, and the results showed side effects. These studies were published in the book Lasers in Surgery by Gunther Bastert and Diethelm WALLWIENER.
The US FDA has approved the removal and skin hair laser treatments in 190 (2). Since then, there are no research studies that show or concluding that the treatments have negative effects on pregnant or not pregnant women.
In the lack of research and because of the unavailability of information about the negative consequences of a pregnant woman and her growing baby, most doctors and clinicians suggest to postpone the hair removal laser procedures until after the birth. It is nice to be on the wrong side of caution, especially during pregnancy
[Read: And 'normal to have excess mustache during pregnancy ].
Some reputable clinics using laser procedures on pregnant women, but avoid the areas of the breast, stomach, and bikinis.
Speak doctor
1. How does laser hair removal affect pregnancy?
Since we do not have enough evidence and clinical studies on laser treatment during pregnancy, we can not be confident about the laser effects on pregnancy. One should have minimal interventions and medications during pregnancy to ensure optimal care of the mother and fetus. Studies are under way and a final declaration on the safety profile can only be given in the near future.
2. We can get laser hair removal done in bikini during pregnancy?
As mentioned above, the laser treatment during pregnancy is not recommended because of its unknown effects on the development of the fetus and the mother. It works by causing thermal damage to the hair follicles and thus there is always a likely risk for the woman and the child in theory, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini area. So, it is best to avoid during pregnancy
Answered By: Dr. Srishti Tripathi
consultant dermatologist
Paras Bliss, Panchkula
How do laser hair removal treatments?
The laser treatment uses non-ionizing radiation that emits light rays focused in your unwanted hair follicles. These powerful light rays pull down the hair follicles, thereby, the removal of excess hair (3). Light waves penetrate a few millimeters into the skin without causing any cell mutation. Although this is known to remove excess hair from the body, there is no clear evidence about side effects on pregnant women and the fetus.
What are the possible concerns of laser hair removal treatments?
- A laser hair removal treatment uses no ionizing radiation. This technique produces intense heat in order to remove unwanted hair from its roots. It does not cause any cell mutation. The beams of laser light penetrates the skin to a few millimeters. However, the radiation iodizing can not be absorbed by the surrounding tissue in the area. Doctors are not sure how this can affect your unborn baby.
- For some women who are pregnant, hair laser treatment can cause mild pain, so that medical professionals use numbing creams. This cream is not recommended during pregnancy, as your body can absorb everything applied to the skin. (4)
- Your the skin becomes very sensitive during pregnancy. The laser hair removal treatment can cause pain, redness or irritation, leading to more skin problems.
- The length and the number of treatment sessions depend on the hair growth cycle. But the change in hormonal levels during pregnancy can sometimes shorten the cycle of hair growth or stimulate dormant hair follicles. Therefore, some women may experience rapid hair regrowth, while they are pregnant
. [Read: And 'safe to use Nair depilatory cream during pregnancy ]
- First of all the body hormonal changes can cause changes in the production of melanin, causing the treatment to be more and less painful effective.
- The second reason is that the zapping laser can cause cramping, especially when done on the lower abdomen and thighs.
- The treatment is uncomfortable when run on sensitive breasts and bikini area in the later stages of pregnancy. In addition, the skin is usually very sensitive during pregnancy, and you are likely to experience irritation, redness or pain in the skin.
- You must take into account the duration of treatment before considering how it takes six to 12 months. This also means that you may need to continue treatment until the later part of pregnancy. The skin and the various parts of the body may get more sensitive in the later stages. This can make the process extremely uncomfortable. Also, lying down or sitting for these procedures can be difficult during the latter stages of pregnancy.
should return procedure laser hair removal if you are pregnant?
If you are in the middle of the hair laser treatment when it conceives, it is better to postpone the procedure until after the birth. You can always opt for alternative hair removal methods. Even if you keep the process on hold, will not hinder the progress made in the initial sessions.
The doctor can decide whether to continue or defer treatment during pregnancy. You should also talk to him about the safety of alternative hair removal methods such as electrolysis, waxing, and shaving
are other hair removal methods safe during pregnancy
electrolysis :. ?
and 'a very painful method of hair removal, and there are no studies demonstrating the safety during pregnancy. Galvanic electrolysis uses a minute electric current to destroy the hair follicles. Amniotic fluid protects your fetus may be affected as it is a good conductor of electricity. Therefore, most doctors recommend to avoid this treatment until the baby is born
[read: And 'safe to have electrolysis during pregnancy ].
Waxing:
You can go for waxing, but with caution during pregnancy. How your skin will be sensitive, waxing can lead to bruising. However, some women find this more efficient and easier than other treatments
Cream and Depilatories :.
They contain ingredients like calcium thioglycolic acid and barium sulfide powder that destroy the hair. There is no clear evidence to ensure both their safety or harmfulness. However, the strong smell of the chemicals can cause a problem during pregnancy, as it is sensitive to smells. The creams can be irritating to skin
shaving :.
Shaving is the most convenient and cheapest option of hair removal during pregnancy. There is no need for laser power, or harsh chemicals, but, however, must be careful while shaving. You could seek help of your partner as it would be difficult for you to reach the lower areas to shave.
pregnancy lasts only for nine months. You could put on hold all the procedures such as electrolysis, the use of creams, and waxing, and resort to safer methods. . Laser, electrolysis, and creams can et al, can be used after pregnancy
[Read: E 'safe wax during pregnancy]
FAQ:
1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light System) safe during pregnancy?
IPL is one of the latest technologies to help you completely remove unwanted hair. It is less effective than laser because the energy is produced by a small bulb that produces a variety of less powerful and more diffusing light waves. It is limited to use only on fairer skin.
There is no evidence about the IPL safety of pregnant women. Therefore, it is better to wait until the number to get an IPL treatment. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter the pigmentation of the skin, and are unpredictable. (5).
2. Can a woman get laser hair removal while breastfeeding?
Laser hair removal is not recommended during breastfeeding as well. Although there is no scientific evidence showing a link between the treatment and the damage they may have on your child, it is best not to undergo any radiation treatment during this phase. In addition, some medical specialists will not allow you to go for laser hair removal procedures during breastfeeding, because breastfeeding mother will still have a body full of hormones, which can cause side effects.
In addition, the laser treatment during lactation may affect the production of melanin in the body and can lead to hyper or hypo pigmentation. The numbing creams like topical anesthetics applied for pain relief after laser procedure can enter the milk through the bloodstream. So BESTT to postpone for laser skin treatments until after stopping breastfeeding.
What are your thoughts about laser hair removal during pregnancy? If you have any laser treatment do share your experience with other mothers
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