Laser hair removal is a popular treatment for many people. It’s affordable, doesn’t take long and offers great results. In this blog, we’re answering the question, can you have laser hair removal when pregnant?
What is laser hair removal?
A laser hair removal treatment involves using a small, handheld device to laser off hairs on the body. The treatment can be used on many areas of the body, including the legs and armpits.
At Therapy House, we use the revolutionary Motus Pro laser system. This treatment gently heats the dermis to remove hairs without damaging surrounding skin cells.
The handheld device must be used in a sweeping motion across the intended area for a successful treatment. This motion helps to reduce the risk of hairs being missed. Our trained beauty practitioners will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding your laser hair removal in Lancashire. Find out more about how laser hair removal works.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
There are so many benefits of having laser hair removal at our aesthetic clinic in Lytham St Annes. Here are just a few.
- It’s quick – laser treatments don’t take long to complete, meaning that you don’t need to take too much time out of your busy schedule to get rid of unwanted hair. Read our blog on: how long does laser hair removal take?
- Long term hair removal – Many people actually find that after a few treatments, they have less hair growth altogether on the treated area. This is because the treatment affects the normal hair growth cycle of hair follicles.
- Saves money in the long term – with your body growing less hair, you can save money on laser treatments or other methods of hair removal. Read our blog on the best method of hair removal.
- Long-lasting results – Many people also find that they don’t need to attend hair removal appointments too often as the results tend to last well.
- Pain-free procedure – Laser hair removal is generally a painless procedure. This is a huge benefit when compared to some other methods to remove unwanted hair growth. If you are worried about pain during the treatment, make sure to speak to your practitioner, who can offer advice.
If you’re still not sure whether laser hair removal is the right treatment for you, read our blog on: Should I have laser hair removal?
Can you have laser hair removal when pregnant?
It is not recommended that you have laser hair removal when pregnant. The same advice goes for those who are trying to conceive and those who are breastfeeding. You might be wondering, is laser hair removal safe? Although laser hair removal is a safe treatment normally, hormonal changes and other factors can cause issues during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. So, it is not necessarily classed as ‘safe’ for pregnant women.
During these times, hormonal changes can lead to tiredness and increased hair growth. While the excess hair growth may be slightly annoying, it is an entirely normal part of pregnancy and may not continue after pregnancy.
Many people also experience hyperpigmentation during pregnancy, which can cause darker skin patches on the body. This may impact the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
As with many other beauty treatments, it’s best to be cautious. Therefore, clinics should recommend waiting until after pregnancy to begin the treatment. This eliminates any chance of risk to your baby.
When can I have laser hair removal after pregnancy?
It’s best to check with a medical professional about your personal circumstances. Some may suggest that you can resume the treatment process six months after having your baby. This suggested time will depend on many factors, such as your delivery method and healing process. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning the treatment postpartum.
Of course, you can always turn to traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving while you wait. Be wary of using hair removal creams when pregnant. Be sure to check creams with medical professionals before use.
If excessive hair growth is something you are struggling with during pregnancy, you should speak to your doctor. They can give you the most accurate advice and suggestions to help.
What are the risks of laser hair treatment during pregnancy?
You must seek medical advice if you are trying for a baby, pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended to have laser hair removal during pregnancy for the following reasons.
Hyperpigmentation
We mentioned that some pregnant women experience hyperpigmentation, and that can change your skin in areas. Laser hair removal works best for those with lighter skin and darker hair. If you notice signs of hyperpigmentation, you may find that the treatment is not as effective. You’re better off waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Potential side effects
Some people experience side effects such as mild swelling and redness. These will typically clear up within a couple of days. However, for pregnant women, it can take longer for these side effects to heal, as the body is already working very hard to keep you and your baby healthy.
We hope this blog has been helpful and answered the question: Can you have laser hair removal when pregnant? The medical advice is to avoid having laser hair removal treatments when trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding. After this time, when your hormone levels have settled, speak to a doctor to see if the treatment will be safe.
Are you interested in a laser hair removal treatment course? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.