Laser Hair Removal During Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can be responsible for an increase in hair growth, not only on the head, but everywhere on the female body. With a belly that continues to grow larger each day, it can become quite difficult to complete even a mundane task like shaving. Because of this, some pregnant women opt for other forms of hair removal during their pregnancies, such as laser hair removal treatments.

The Facts

Laser hair removal is the medical procedure of removing hair by the use of a light that is at a specified wavelength and is delivered from a handheld device to the skin. It targets a dark material, which is usually the pigment in the hair, and is intended to cause thermal and/or mechanical damage to a hair follicle. Some people who have undergone laser hair removal treatments have had permanent hair reduction but limited studies have been conducted on how long the reduction in hair lasts and how much hair reduction is typical.

Time Frame

Laser hair removal can extend the hair-free period to several months or even several years, depending on the number of treatments received. With multiple treatments, long-term hair removal can be a possibility. Initially, it is common to undergo six to eight treatment sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart to achieve significant reduction of hair and to slow regrowth. After completing the initial laser treatments, it is necessary to schedule periodic treatments for maintained hair reduction.

Considerations

There have been no studies to evaluate the safety or to determine any side effects of laser hair removal during pregnancy. Many health care professionals recommend avoiding laser treatments while pregnant because of the lack of information on the potential side effects to the fetus. Some doctors who perform laser hair removal may require a statement providing authorization for treatment from the health care professional seen regularly during pregnancy. In general, laser hair removal is not as effective on gray, red, or blond hair and should be used cautiously on women with darker skin tones.

Benefits

Laser hair removal can provide long-lasting or even permanent hair reduction in some instances. For those whose hair returns, it may regrow finer in texture and lighter in color making hair removal needed less often. It can be especially useful during pregnancy when the belly makes it difficult to reach areas on the body that are usually easy to see and access, such as the bikini area and legs. It is also excellent for large or commonly hard to reach areas, such as the back.

Warning

Consulting with a health care professional before having any laser hair removal treatment sessions during pregnancy is recommended. If possible, laser hair removal in the last trimester should be avoided, especially on the breasts if there are plans to breastfeed. In addition, the abdomen should be avoided in the final weeks of pregnancy due to its high sensitivity. Improper treatment can result in burns, lesions, skin discolorations lasting several months or patchy regrowth.

References

• Hair Facts
• American Pregnancy Association
• The Mayo Clinic