Is it safe to have laser hair removal while breastfeeding?

It is safe to have laser hair removal while you are breastfeeding but you must wait some time before resuming your sessions. We would always recommend waiting a few months after you have given birth. Having laser hair removal is not recommended in the initial months after birth. During this time hormone levels will be adjusting back to their normal levels. It’s important to allow the body to rest during these months. Some women choose to breastfeed for a long period of time so in this instance we would recommend not treating the breast or areola areas while having treatment.  Other areas of the body could be treated about approx. 6 months after baby has arrived.

Excess hair may grow in new areas during pregnancy

During pregnancy it is not uncommon to see growth in new areas of the body. Hair growth patterns change while pregnant so it’s important to know that any new hair growth patterns will be temporary. When hair grows it is in an active phase called anagen. When the hair is fully grown it enters a resting stage called telogen, pregnancy hormones delay this stage so hair appears thicker. After birth this hair will shed as it enters the catagen stage. It can take up to 6 months or even longer for hormone levels to rebalance.  After this time hair in these new areas generally disappear so it is best not to remove or disturb this growth. 

Allow your body some time to recover before having laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a very safe treatment that has been clinically proven. Our lasers are FDA approved and have been clinically trialed to ensure they are safe. However, it is recommended that you not rush back into having laser hair removal directly after birth. We think it is important to allow the body this recovery period before going ahead with any further treatments. Laser can be uncomfortable in some areas if your hair is thick and coarse. If your body has not had a chance to recover well there is a chance treatment may feel a little more sensitive. If you have had a C-section or episiotomy you may need to give yourself more time.  Particularly if you are having laser on the bikini area. Find out more about laser after a C-section here. 

The most important thing is you give yourself time to recover. The weeks following birth are crucial to your body healing. Laser hair removal can be continued or started at any stage. Don’t be in a rush,  take the time you need and enjoy your little one. 

Why a consultation is important before you start your laser hair removal sessions?

A consultation and patch test is the most important part of your treatment course. Your hair colour and hair density needs to be checked before you start to make sure they are suitable.  In order to establish how many sessions you will need for laser hair removal we will need to see you for this assessment. Any underlying health/hormonal issues discussed so you fully understand how your results may vary. If you have had a natural birth and want to start laser on the bikini area we will need to assess this first. If you have had a C-section we will also assess your scar and the surrounding areas.

Laser treatment will only be performed when it is safe to do so. Any recent scars will need to be completely avoided until such time as they have healed. It is safe to have laser hair removal while breastfeeding but only in the later stages.  We put your safety first always so please contact us for any advice you may need. It’s important to give you realistic expectations so you know what to expect and we can do this after we have assessed areas. Every aspect of laser is explained in detail so you understand the process. It’s also comforting to see the surroundings and meet us so you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Why is a patch test so important for the safety of your skin?

A patch test is also essential. After pregnancy skin can remain sensitive due to hormone fluctuations. For the safety of your skin this must be performed before you start. Laser can cause pigmentation if the wrong setting is selected so it is vital that you have a patch test. A patch test allows us to configure a setting that is tailored to your skin and hair type.  It also allows for a higher setting to be used at the start of your course.

Starting laser hair removal without a patch test is extremely risky for your skin. If a patch test is not performed before you start chances are that a very low setting is being used. If settings are kept low during your course this will affect your results.  By doing a patch test first we can use much more effective settings from the start of your course.

In addition to this a patch test allows you to feel the sensation of the laser before you start. As a result you are much more at-ease coming in for your first treatment as you know how laser feels.

If you are considering laser hair removal and would like to book a consultation call our team today. All of our consultations are free of charge and take approximately 30 minutes. It’s more like a friendly chat than a very serious medical consultation. So please feel free to ask as many questions as you need.