Many new mothers are eager to resume laser hair removal treatments once they have given birth, especially if they experienced increased hair growth during pregnancy. However, for breastfeeding mothers the question remains: is it safe to have laser hair removal done while breastfeeding?
The short answer is yes, laser hair removal treatments can be safely resumed for breastfeeding mothers, with some precautions
Here is what you need to know:
Understanding Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Before we dive into the topic of laser hair removal and breastfeeding, it’s important to understand how hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact hair growth. During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can cause hair to stay in the growth phase longer. This can lead to thicker, fuller hair. However, after giving birth, hormone levels can drop rapidly, which can cause hair to fall out at a higher rate than usual. This is known as postpartum hair loss.
Breastfeeding can also impact hair growth. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, can affect hair growth by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. This can result in thicker, fuller hair during breastfeeding. However, once breastfeeding stops, hormone levels will return to normal and hair growth patterns will likely go back to how they were before.
Laser Hair Removal and Breastfeeding
Now that we have a better understanding of how hormones can impact hair growth during pregnancy and breastfeeding, let’s discuss laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that uses a laser to target the hair follicle, destroying it and preventing future hair growth. While the treatment is generally considered safe, many women who are breastfeeding may wonder if it’s safe for them to undergo the treatment.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, laser hair removal during breastfeeding is generally safe as long as the treatment is not done on the areola or breast tissue. This is because there is a risk of the laser interfering with milk production or damaging the milk ducts. However, if the treatment is done on other areas of the body, such as the legs or underarms, it should not impact breastfeeding.
It’s important to note that while laser hair removal is generally safe during breastfeeding, there is still a small risk of adverse effects. Some women may experience skin irritation or discoloration after the treatment. It’s also possible that the treatment may not be as effective due to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding.
Safety Precautions for Breastfeeding Mothers
Though laser hair removal poses no direct risk to breast milk or the baby, as an added safety precaution you may want to pump and discard breast milk from the breast receiving treatment for up to 24 hours after. Some minor redness is normal and will not harm the baby, but check with your doctor if you have any concerns. They may also wish to test your hormone levels to ensure they have balanced out from pregnancy before clearing you to resume laser hair removal.
When to Consider Laser Hair Removal
If you’re a breastfeeding mother who is considering laser hair removal, it’s important to wait until after the birth of your baby to begin or continue treatments. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can impact hair growth, and waiting until after the birth of your baby will not affect the results of the treatment. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with a healthcare provider before undergoing the treatment.
It’s also important to keep in mind that laser hair removal is not a one-time treatment. Most people require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. This means that if you’re a breastfeeding mother who is considering laser hair removal, you may need to wait until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to complete all of your sessions.
Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal
If you’re a breastfeeding mother who is not comfortable undergoing laser hair removal, there are other hair removal options available. Shaving, waxing, and threading are all safe and effective options that can be done during breastfeeding. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these methods are not permanent and will require regular maintenance.
Conclusion
In summary, laser hair removal treatments are considered safe for most breastfeeding mothers as long as some basic precautions are followed and treatments are not performed directly on the breast or nipple area. Waiting until 6-12 weeks postpartum allows hormone levels to stabilize and safeguards baby’s health, though traditional shaving can be used in the meantime with proper care and hygiene. Always check with your doctor for their recommendation based on your own situation before resuming cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal after pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The risks are minimal, but better safe than sorry – your baby’s health and safety should come before unwanted hair growth. With some patience, your pre-baby body will return in due time!