Q&A: Are cosmetic laser treatments safe during pregnancy?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Is is safe to have laser treatments, such as hair removal, or removal of freckles on the face and chest during pregnancy? I have already paid a lot of money for a series of these services and the provider says it is safe to continue as long as I don't use the numbing cream, which can get into the bloodstream. But my OB, who pretty much says nothing is safe, advises me not to continue, not just because of the pregnancy, but in general. What do you think?

Ask the laser people if you can just temporarily suspend your paid-for services until after delivery. Extra pigmentation that is natural in pregnancy will only cost you more money and be an uphill battle. Also, the energy used to deliver the laser pulses have no adjustments for the edema and stretching that occurs in pregnancy, so you may have some unpredictable results. It's safe to the baby, though.

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