Is Laser Hair Removal safe during Pregnancy?

In Pregnancy, belly is getting bigger and you can barely see your legs, also alone shave is very difficult.

Because of the changes in hormones during pregnancy, you may find more hair growth around the belly, nipples, or other unwanted places. If you don’t tweeze or shave, the excess hair will usually fall off after pregnancy.

Is It Safe To Undergo Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?

Generally, laser hair removal is not conducted on women while pregnant, there are several reasons to avoid laser hair removal during pregnancy.

In the absence of research and due to the non-availability of information on the negative consequences of a pregnant woman and her growing baby, most doctors, and clinicians suggest postponing laser hair removal procedures until after the delivery. It is not good to be on the wrong side of caution, especially during pregnancy.  

Laser hair removal treatment uses non-ionizing radiation. This technique produces intense heat in order to remove the unwanted hair from its roots. It does not cause any cell mutation. The laser light beams penetrate into your skin for only a few millimeters. However, the non-iodizing radiation can be absorbed by the surrounding tissue in the area. Doctors are not sure about how this may affect your unborn baby.

• For some pregnant women, laser hair treatment can cause mild pain, so medical professionals use numbing creams. This cream is not recommended during pregnancy as your body can absorb anything applied to the skin. 
• Your skin gets very sensitive while you are pregnant. The laser hair removal treatment may cause pain, redness or irritation, leading to further skin problems.
• The length and number of treatment sessions depend on your hair growth cycle. But the change in hormonal levels during pregnancy can sometimes shorten the hair growth cycle or stimulate dormant hair follicles. Therefore some women can experience quick hair re-growth while they are pregnant.
• First of all the body hormonal changes can cause changes to melanin production, causing the treatments to be more painful and less effective.
• The second reason is that the laser zapping can cause cramps, especially when done on lower abdominal and thighs.

The treatment is uncomfortable when performed on sensitive breasts and bikini area in the later stages of pregnancy. Also, the skin is usually very sensitive during pregnancy, and you are likely to experience irritation, redness, or pain in the skin.

Should You Postpone Laser Hair Removal Sessions Till Completion Of Pregnancy?

 If you are already in the middle of laser hair treatment when you conceive, it is good to postpone the procedure until after delivery. You could always opt for alternative hair removal methods. Even if you keep the procedure on hold, it will not hinder the progress achieved in the initial sessions.

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 such as electrolysis, waxing, and shaving.

For more knowledge and skincare during pregnancy, you may contact Dr. Manju Keshari at KEMPS Skin Clinic. , Vaishali, Sec-4 Ghaziabad.