Laser hair removal is one of the dream treatments for excessive hair on the face and body. Its treatment helps in permanent reduction in hair regrowth and it is exactly the reason why women save for years to get their hair removal done.
Furthermore, one of the causes of excessive hair regrowth is hormonal changes in pregnancy. So, are you also going through pregnancy-associated hirsutism and want to eliminate the condition with the help of laser hair removal?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to various skin and hair conditions, and understanding these changes can help in making informed decisions about hair removal options.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to increased hair growth, known as hirsutism. This condition may cause discomfort, prompting some women to seek solutions like laser hair removal.
However, are you afraid that the radiation will harm your fetus? If yes, let us find out if can you do laser hair removal and what other options are available.
Seeking effective solutions for hirsutism during pregnancy can be challenging, and it's important to weigh the potential risks of treatments like laser hair removal against safer, alternative methods.
Concerns about radiation exposure during pregnancy are valid, as many expectant mothers prioritize the safety of their developing fetus. Understanding the risks and benefits is crucial before making decisions.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
- Part 2: Does Unwanted Body and Facial Hair Growth Increase in Pregnancy?
- Part 3: Can You Do Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
- Part 4: Why Should You Not Go for Laser Hair Removal in Pregnancy?
- Part 5: Which Hair Removal Methods Are Suitable for Hair Removal in Pregnancy?
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Part 6: Which is the Best Option to Get Rid of Excessive Unwanted Hair After Delivery?
Exploring suitable hair removal methods during pregnancy is essential, as some may be safer and more effective than others, ensuring both the mother's and baby's well-being.
1. How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Let us understand what is the principle behind laser eliminating excessive hair growth associated with pregnancy to determine if it is safe or not.
Laser hair removal operates on the principle of targeting hair follicles with concentrated light, aiming to reduce hair growth effectively. Exploring its safety during pregnancy is essential for informed choices.
Well, in-salon laser equipment gives out rays in the range of 700 to 1200 nm wavelength. This wavelength of light is absorbed into the dark hair as the pigment can receive the laser radiation efficiently.
Through the hair light travels all the way to the hair follicle. Here, it is converted into heat energy by the mechanism of selective thermophotolysis. This heat destroys the hair follicles and reduces hair regrowth [1].
It is not confirmed if the rays get past the hair follicles and reach the baby. However, based on the “ALARA”, it is better to keep the radiation exposure as low as possible.
Radiation exposure is a concern during pregnancy, so minimizing it is often advised for the safety of both mother and baby.
Limiting radiation exposure is a precaution that is often recommended during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
2. Does Unwanted Body and Facial Hair Growth Increase in Pregnancy?
In pregnancy, there are changes in the hormonal status of women because of disruption of the normal menstrual cycles guided by hormones and conception of the fetus there is a release of excess hormones to maintain pregnancy.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to various physical changes, including increased hair growth, which may cause discomfort for some women.
These hormonal fluctuations can lead to noticeable changes in hair growth patterns, which might be concerning for many expectant mothers.
Estrogen and androgens are specifically increased in pregnancy and these two hormones stimulate excessive hair growth. You can notice hair growing on places where it was previously unnoticeable like the chin.
Additionally, the hair becomes thicker and the hair growth cycle also slows down leading to darker hair. Therefore, unwanted body and facial hair growth increases significantly in pregnancy as determined by an observational study [2].
The increase in hair growth is largely due to the body's natural hormonal adjustments, which can vary significantly during pregnancy.
3. Can You Do Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
This one could seem like a tricky question as there is not much information on how laser hair removal in pregnancy can affect the child.
Due to limited data available about the effects of laser hair removal on pregnant women, caution is advised when considering such treatments.
Given the limited research, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider regarding any procedures during pregnancy.
Furthermore, the American Association of Pregnancy does not recommend trying lasers to remove unwanted hair during pregnancy [3]. Therefore, you must wait until your pregnancy is terminated and your health is optimal for laser hair removal.
Following expert recommendations is essential, as these guidelines prioritize safety for both mother and child during pregnancy.
Following medical guidelines is crucial, as they prioritize the health and safety of both the mother and the child.
4. Why Should You Not Go for Laser Hair Removal in Pregnancy?
Let us elaborate on the reasons why you should avoid laser hair removal in pregnancy.
Understanding the potential risks and changes that occur during pregnancy can help in making informed decisions about personal care.
No Clinical Research That Determines Safety of Laser Hair Removal in Pregnancy
Many women assume that there are no studies that show the adverse effects of laser on the fetus. However, there are no studies that show that laser did not affect the baby either.
Without definitive research on the safety of laser treatments, many women choose to err on the side of caution during this critical time.
In the absence of clear evidence regarding safety, many women prefer to avoid laser hair removal to protect their developing baby.
Therefore, doctors do not suggest getting laser hair removal while you are pregnant so that there is no accidental or unforeseen damage to the health of the baby.
Intra-Natal Hormonal Imbalance
Some women experience an excess of hair growth during pregnancy while there was not much hair before pregnancy. This change in hair growth results from an increased level of estrogen.
After delivery, the level of estrogen goes to the baseline, and hair growth decreases naturally. So, you do not really need a laser to get rid of excess hair.
Intra-Natal Pigmentary Changes
Just like the level of steroidal hormones changes in the body, the level of melanin is also affected. As the level of melanin increases, pigmentary changes occur in different areas of the body including the face [4].
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to unexpected changes in skin pigmentation, which may affect how your skin reacts to treatments.
Increased melanin levels during pregnancy can lead to more pronounced pigmentation issues, making skin more sensitive and reactive to treatments like laser hair removal.
As laser targets pigment, the absorption of laser rays into the skin can cause laser burns.
Due to the targeting of pigment, undergoing laser treatments during pregnancy may pose risks like burns, especially with changing skin conditions.
The Inconvenience Associated with In-salon Laser Hair Removal
Even if laser hair removal is safe, it is not convenient in pregnancy. Laser hair removal takes 1 to 2 years to complete. This timeline will clash with the terms of your pregnancy and delivery.
Planning ahead for hair removal during pregnancy can be challenging due to the potential physical and time constraints associated with appointments.
Physical limitations during pregnancy can make scheduling and attending multiple laser hair removal sessions difficult, potentially leading to stress.
Thus, Booking an appointment, waiting for your turn, and then bearing the pain and discomfort caused by laser for 9 months and even more makes it an inconvenient method of hair removal.
Managing appointments while pregnant can add to the discomfort, as the process can be lengthy and painful, which may not be ideal during this time.
5. Which Hair Removal Methods Are Suitable for Hair Removal in Pregnancy?
As the laser is not suitable for pregnancy, let us explore other methods of unwanted hair removal for our pregnant ladies.
Since laser is not recommended during pregnancy, it's important to consider alternative hair removal methods that are safe and effective for expectant mothers.
Exploring alternatives can help ensure comfort and safety for expecting mothers while managing unwanted hair during pregnancy.
Considering various methods helps ensure that you find a hair removal option that aligns with your comfort level and safety during pregnancy.
Also, remember that you can choose not to remove hair at all if it becomes too uncomfortable for you.
Shaving
If you are mainly concerned about the hair growth on large areas like legs, shaving is the best option to try. It is because shaving razors are inexpensive and shaving is a quick method to remove unwanted hair.
Shaving is not only cost-effective but also allows for easy maintenance without the need for appointments or long-term commitments.
However, you will have to be extra careful if you want to shave your pubes. For this, use a mirror to increase visibility. Also, you can ask your partner for help.
Waxing
Waxing is a suitable hair removal method for women who would prefer removing hair in one go and being hairless for up to a month. Although painful for women with thick hair during pregnancy, waxing is convenient as you can do it at home.
Moreover, you can do sugaring if waxing becomes too painful for you.
Depilatory Creams
Waxing or shaving the intimate region is tricky because of the pain and risk of cuts. Therefore, hair removal creams can serve as a user-friendly alternative. Just ensure that the cream you buy ishypoallergenic and compatible with pubic skin.
Using hair removal creams can be a practical solution, but always check for ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin during pregnancy.
Hair removal creams are often favored for their ease of use, especially in sensitive areas, but it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any adverse reactions.
Depilatory creams work effectively on thick hair in pregnancy and they offer a painless method of hair removal. Also, the results of depilatory creams last longer as compared to that of shaving.
Depilatory creams are a popular choice during pregnancy due to their convenience, but always perform a patch test first to ensure compatibility with your skin.
Tweezing and Threading
While you can use any method like shaving or waxing on the face, tweezing is suitable for hair that sprouts on the chin and threading proves to be the most precise hair removal option for upper lips and shaping eyebrows.
Also, these methods are economical and you can learn to do them at home by yourself. In any case, ensure that your tweezer and thread are sterilized before you use them.
Learning these methods can save you money, but practice and hygiene are essential to ensure safe and effective results.
Bleaching and Electrolysis
While these two methods can be done during pregnancy, it is generally not recommended to bleach your unwanted hair or undergo electrolysis.
This is because the skin can absorb chemicals used in bleaching and it has the potential to harm the child. Similarly, the electrical current used in electrolysis can travel through the amniotic fluid to the fetus.
Avoiding these methods during pregnancy is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and health of your developing baby.
Prioritizing safety during pregnancy is crucial, and avoiding potentially harmful methods helps protect both you and your baby.
Thus, stick to temporary hair removal methods until your baby is delivered.
Temporary hair removal methods are generally safer choices while pregnant, allowing you to maintain personal care without any risks.
6. Which is the Best Option to Get Rid of Excessive Unwanted Hair After Delivery?
The best hair removal method after delivery can be The best hair removal method after delivery can be Ulike Air 10 IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset. This is because the skin is sensitive even after delivery. So, you would prefer the nearly painless hair removal method.
This method serves as the ideal one if you are looking for semi-permanent hair removal post-pregnancy and enjoy silky smooth skin.
Considering your options after delivery can help you choose the best method that suits your skin and hair type for lasting results.
Researching suitable methods post-delivery ensures you make informed choices that align with your personal care needs.
Additionally, leaving baby at home for your in-salon laser hair removal sessions can be inconvenient and Ulike Air 10 offers convenient at-home hair removal treatments.
Convenience is key for new parents, and at-home treatments can be a practical alternative to traditional salon visits.
Also, it is best to wait until the pigmentation of your skin and hormonal level has gone to normal before you start your IPL or laser hair removal treatment [5].
Skin and hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect hair growth and treatment efficacy, so it's advisable to wait until your body stabilizes.
Patience is important as your body undergoes changes after delivery, ensuring that treatments are safe and effective.
Conclusion
Although there is no research showing that laser hair removal can affect the fetus, it involves the usage of radiation that might prove harmful to the developing fetus.
While research is limited, it's wise to approach any treatment that involves radiation with caution during pregnancy.
Understanding the risks associated with radiation exposure is essential during pregnancy, even if the research is not definitive.
Moreover, the physical changes associated with pregnancy make laser hair removal an incompatible option to get rid of excess hair. Therefore, you should use a shaving razor, waxing kit, or hair removal creams to remove unwanted hair in pregnancy.
Physical changes such as increased sensitivity and pigmentation can make laser treatments less effective or more uncomfortable during pregnancy.
Also, give the Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal device a try after your delivery if you want long-lasting hair removal.
Post-delivery options like the Ulike Air 10 can provide long-lasting results, making it a great choice once you're ready.
References
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- Laser-assisted hair removal by selective photothermolysis. Preliminary results. G Lask, M Elman, M Slatkine, A Waldman, Z Rozenberg. Dermatol Surg. 1997 Sep;23(9):737-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9311365/
- Assessing new terminal body and facial hair growth during pregnancy: toward developing a simplified visual scoring system for hirsutism. Yabo Yang, Yang Han, Wenjun Wang, Tao Du, Yu Li. Fertil Steril. 2016 Feb;105(2):494-500. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26616440/
- Laser Hair Removal and Pregnancy; The Safety of Hair Removal While Pregnant. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hair-removal-and-pregnancy/
- Pregnancy and Skin Changes. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/pregnancy-and-skin-changes
- Is Laser Hair Removal Safe During Pregnancy? Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb. Jan 24, 2019. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/laser-hair-removal-pregnancy#how-soon
This source provides information on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy, highlighting considerations and potential risks.
This article discusses skin changes that occur during pregnancy, which can impact hair growth and removal methods.
Healthline's article reviews the safety considerations of laser hair removal during pregnancy, summarizing expert opinions and findings.
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