Did you know that laser hair removal is the most common laser therapy and the third most commonly performed procedure in the US? The longevity of the results is obviously one of the big reasons why so many people choose this hair removal method.
If you’re expecting a child, you’re probably wondering about the safety of this cosmetic procedure. Are your worries substantiated? Let’s examine how laser hair removal works and the reasons why it may or may not be a good choice for pregnant women.
How Does a Laser Hair Removal Treatment Work?
A laser hair treatment employs a light-emitting laser to target hair.
The light emitted from the laser is absorbed by the pigment in the hair (that’s why it works best on people who have light-colored skin and dark hair). The light is then converted into heat that damages the hair follicles.
The effects of laser hair removal are best observed after a couple of sessions. A few maintenance procedures may also be required to get even better results.
Many people don’t need any touch-ups for at least five years after getting the required number of laser procedures. For others, the results will be permanent. Numerous factors are at play here but whatever the longevity of the procedure, it’s one of the best choices to free you from daily or weekly hair removal rituals.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe During Pregnancy?
Obviously, pregnancy is a period linked to massive changes in just about every aspect of your body’s functioning. Pregnancy hormones affect many things, including the way skin pigmentation works. It’s one of the reasons why many women will develop dark spots (hyperpigmentation) on their skin while expecting.
Let’s start with the short answer to the question about laser hair removal. There are no standardized guidelines when it comes to the use of light energy for hair removal during the course of a pregnancy. Medical professionals and clinicians have yet to do sufficient research on if and how the laser could affect the mom-to-be and her unborn baby.
Most OBGYN professionals will advise expecting moms to postpone the use of a laser machine for hair removal to the postpartum period. There are various alternatives to laser hair removal that can be employed while expecting – waxing, hair removal creams, the use of epilation devices and shaving are all approved by medical professionals.
Managing Pregnancy Hair Growth Changes
Hormones will often be responsible for excess hair growth, including on the face. The extra hair growth is usually noticeable in the form of luscious, healthy locks. Hair during pregnancy, however, may appear more pronounced on the hands, legs, and in the genital area.
Generally speaking, laser hair removal is a safe procedure. There are pregnant women who have gotten parts of their body lasered, whether during early pregnancy or towards the final weeks of gestation. In fact, many pregnant women will seek reliable hair removal methods precisely because of the changes that may be taking place in their bodies.
If you’re seeing changes to your normal hair growth cycle and considering laser hair removal methods, discuss your options with your doctor. A gynecologist or a dermatologist can answer your questions about laser hair removal and whether you should wait to get the procedure. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on your individual circumstances and medical history.
Potential Risks
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests a couple of potential risks linked to laser hair removal. These include:
- Swelling around the hair follicles
- Skin redness and irritated skin
- Temporary skin pigmentation changes (especially among those with a darker skin tone)
- Changes in skin texture
- Temporary blistering or scabbing
For most people, these side effects are mild and will subside within a few days of getting the procedure. Pregnant women may experience increased skin sensitivity and changes in pigmentation, making the skin more prone to irritation or pigmentation changes following laser treatment.
Skin burns could also occur. While this complication is rare, it may happen. A pregnant woman who is getting laser hair removal may experience slower recovery from this kind of complication because of her altered physiological state. There is no evidence that laser hair removal causes harm to the baby.
One final thing you may want to keep in mind is that the effectiveness of laser treatments may be decreased while you’re pregnant. Pregnancy affects the hair growth cycle. Hormones impact mainly the final step of the cycle – the falling out of hairs. Simply said, the body’s holding on to the hairs that have grown, which is why it may appear that you have more hair than you usually do.
The normal hair growth cycle resumes after you give birth. This is the main reason why many women experience what looks like excessive hair falling after giving birth. That’s simply the excess hair entering its final stage. Everything will be normalized in a few months and a regular hair growth cycle will be resumed.
How to Address Unwanted Hair While Expecting
Laser hair removal sessions can be resumed about six months after you’ve given birth (or when your healthcare provider allows it). That’s when pregnancy-related hair growth will be normalized and your raging hormones will be going down to their pre-pregnancy levels.
Many changes will occur, including the darkening of your skin during pregnancy. Your body will also be growing bigger, making it more difficult to reach and target certain areas. Once you have your bundle of joy, you’ll be free to resume your cosmetic routine, including benefiting from the fast and long-lasting results of laser hair removal sessions.
If you want to get professional hair removal assistance while pregnant, consider options like waxing and threading. All other DIY and at-home methods are also fine to engage in (as long as you feel comfortable and capable of getting your body silky smooth). Just be careful about the selection of depilatory creams. Some pregnant women have reported irritation when opting for products containing chemicals like barium sulfide and thioglycolic acid.
That pregnancy glow could also be linked to a bit of embarrassing body hair. And that’s perfectly normal! Don’t rush to schedule an appointment for laser hair removal. Enjoy your pregnancy and take good care of your skin. Once you give birth, you’ll be free to address body issues in any way deemed appropriate.
