Laser hair removal for expectant mothers and new mothers
One of the most curious issues of expectant mothers who complain about the increase in hair due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding is whether laser hair removal is harmful during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The problem of hair density and darkening in hair color, which is experienced in parallel with the increase in melanin pigment caused by hormonal changes, passes when hormones return to normal after the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Although laser epilation during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not a threat to the health of mother and baby, the common decision of experts is not to have it done during pregnancy. Since the breastfeeding period is taken into consideration, the procedure can be performed if the mother’s doctor approves.
Laser hair removal during pregnancy
Since the lights used in laser hair removal do not make any progress in the tissue, there is no evidence or case that it harms the baby during pregnancy. However, since pregnancy causes various hormonal changes, it is better not to have laser hair removal and other dermotocosmetic applications during pregnancy.
Although it is known that laser epilation lights do not harm the mother and baby, it is not recommended by specialist physicians and it is recommended not to be performed during pregnancy. Emphasizing that laser sessions started before pregnancy should be interrupted during pregnancy, experts do not consider it appropriate and ethical to contact with laser during pregnancy.
Another epilation method, electrolysis (needle epilation), which is applied by applying electric current to the hair follicle with needles, is not a recommended application for expectant mothers during pregnancy. Although electrolysis applied to the chest and abdomen in the last 3 months of pregnancy is not harmful for the baby, it is not recommended especially for expectant mothers who want to breastfeed due to excessive skin sensitivity.
Laser hair removal during breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a process that cannot be separated from pregnancy. The pain threshold is lower and the skin is more sensitive during breastfeeding, when the mother continues her hormonal changes due to milk production. Breastfeeding mothers may experience an increase in melanin pigment due to hormonal changes, which may reduce the effect of laser epilation.
The light emitted from laser hair removal devices is an amplified form of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, just as the sun’s rays do not harm the mother during breastfeeding, laser hair removal does not cause any harm, laser hair removal lights do not mix with milk or blood. Mothers who want to have laser epilation during breastfeeding, when the skin is more prone to spots and the pain threshold is lower, should definitely consult a specialist doctor.