Cosmetic Procedures: Pregnancy Safe Options (2024)

Pregnancy is a time of many changes, and not just physical ones. As you navigate the dos and don'ts of this exciting time, you may be wondering about the safety of cosmetic procedures. The short answer is: it depends. Due to ethical challenges, there is limited research on how safe or unsafe common cosmetic procedures are for pregnant people and their fetuses.

Some cosmetic procedures are best avoided during pregnancy. These include Botox, Dysport, and other neurotoxins, as well as dermal fillers, injectables, and any procedure requiring topical anesthetics. Chemical peels that use salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are also not recommended.

However, there are some cosmetic procedures that are generally considered safe. Superficial chemical peels using lactic acid or glycolic acid are widely accepted as safe options. Laser hair removal, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, and other laser procedures are also considered safe, provided they are performed without anesthetic.

The safety of other procedures is less clear due to a lack of data. These include neurotoxin injections (e.g., Botox), dermal fillers, and sclerotherapy. As a result, many providers choose not to perform these procedures on pregnant individuals.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo any cosmetic procedure during pregnancy should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, who can help weigh the risks and benefits for your specific situation.

Facial treatments are generally safe during pregnancy, especially those using natural products

Pregnancy can bring about several skin changes, such as acne, melasma, and dryness, which can be distressing for women. Facial treatments can help address these issues and are generally safe during pregnancy, especially those using natural products.

Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts, dryness, and pigmentation changes. Facial treatments that use natural, organic products are generally safe and can help reduce these skin concerns. Deep-cleansing facials, for example, can involve exfoliation and pore unclogging to reduce acne outbreaks. Oxygen facials can increase circulation and promote cellular renewal, while hydrating facials use moisture-rich treatments to combat dry skin.

When it comes to skin peels, there is conflicting advice. While some sources say that superficial chemical peels using lactic acid are safe, others recommend avoiding all peels until after pregnancy, as hormonal changes can affect the results.

It's important to note that while facial treatments can be beneficial, there are some cosmetic procedures that should be avoided during pregnancy, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and certain laser treatments.

Additionally, when considering any skincare products, it's crucial to be cautious. Some ingredients commonly found in skincare and cosmetic products, such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and high concentrations of salicylic acid, are best avoided during pregnancy as they may pose risks to the developing baby.

In conclusion, facial treatments that use natural products are generally safe during pregnancy and can help address common skin concerns. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment or using new skincare products during pregnancy.

Avoid chemical peels during pregnancy, except for those using lactic acid

While chemical peels are generally not recommended during pregnancy, there are some exceptions. Light chemical peels using alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are considered safe options for pregnant women. These peels have a short activation time and do not pose any harm to the mother or the baby. Lactic acid, in particular, is a natural substance that helps reduce skin congestion and keeps the skin clear and soft. It is also effective in treating gestational acne without causing any fetal risks.

On the other hand, deeper chemical peels like phenol peels and those containing salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) should be avoided during pregnancy. These chemicals can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and enter the bloodstream, potentially harming the baby. Additionally, some chemical peels may require general anesthesia, which is not always safe during pregnancy.

It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist before considering any chemical peel during pregnancy, as they can provide personalized advice based on an individual's health and skin condition. While light chemical peels with lactic acid are generally deemed safe, it is always prudent to exercise caution when it comes to the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Avoid injectables like Botox and fillers during pregnancy

Injectables like Botox and fillers are not approved by the FDA for use on pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is due to the fluctuating pregnancy hormones, which can cause issues with blood flow and swelling.

While there is little research on the effects of injectables on pregnant women, it is known that many women experience weight gain in the face and lips due to water retention. This means that opting for dermal fillers during pregnancy is usually not a good idea.

Additionally, pregnancy and postpartum can change a woman's skin, making injectables and fillers more likely to cause unexpected results. For example, some women may experience fuller lips and cheeks during pregnancy, which may return to normal after giving birth. Therefore, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding wait until after they have finished breastfeeding before getting injectables or fillers.

While there is no evidence that the neurotoxins in Botox or the hyaluronic acid in fillers circulate through the body, many mothers prefer to avoid these procedures during pregnancy as a precaution.

If you are pregnant and considering getting injectables or fillers, it is important to consult with a doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.

Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy

Lack of Safety Studies

The main reason for this recommendation is the absence of safety studies specifically evaluating the effects of laser hair removal on pregnant people and their babies. Without this research, doctors and dermatologists advise pregnant people to err on the side of caution and avoid the procedure.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can cause hair to grow in new places, such as the face, neck, belly, and breasts. They can also delay the hair shedding phase, resulting in thicker and fuller hair. These hormonal changes can impact the effectiveness of laser hair removal as it targets the hair follicle, and the increased sensitivity of the skin may make the procedure uncomfortable.

Alternative Options

Temporary hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, threading, tweezing, and depilatory creams are generally considered safe during pregnancy. While there is a lack of research on the safety of depilatory creams, there is no evidence that they are harmful. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before choosing a hair removal method during pregnancy.

Postpartum Considerations

After giving birth, it is important to consult with an obstetrician to determine when the body has returned to its normal hormonal state and the skin is ready for laser treatments. This is especially important if there are wounds or incisions from an episiotomy or a cesarean delivery.

In summary, while laser hair removal is typically a safe procedure, it is not recommended during pregnancy due to the lack of research on its effects on pregnant people and their babies. Alternative hair removal methods can be considered, but it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

Some over-the-counter and non-invasive treatments are considered safe, like glycolic peels and microneedling

While pregnant, it is important to be cautious about the cosmetic procedures and skincare products you use. Many treatments are off-limits until breastfeeding is completed, and some skincare ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. However, some over-the-counter and non-invasive treatments are considered safe during pregnancy, including glycolic peels and microneedling.

Glycolic Peels

Glycolic acid is a popular skincare ingredient derived from sugar cane. It is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that functions as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover. This can lead to clearer, more youthful-looking skin and can be particularly helpful for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles.

The safety of glycolic acid during pregnancy has been a subject of research and discussion. While older animal studies observed some adverse reproductive effects from high doses of glycolic acid, the concentrations used were much higher than those found in typical skincare products. Overall, scientists and dermatological professionals generally consider glycolic acid to be safe during pregnancy, especially when used in lower concentrations (below 10%).

It is important to note that there is limited research specifically on the use of glycolic acid during pregnancy due to ethical considerations. As such, it is always advisable to consult with your OB-GYN or dermatologist about the safety of any skincare product or treatment during pregnancy.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles to trigger the body's natural healing process and stimulate collagen and elastin production. It is often used to improve the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Microneedling is generally considered safe for pregnant women, especially when performed without topical numbing agents and at lower depths (also known as micro-channeling). However, it is important to be aware of potential risks, such as impaired wound healing and the risk of infection, which may be elevated during pregnancy.

As with any cosmetic procedure during pregnancy, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that microneedling is safe for your specific situation.

In summary, while many cosmetic procedures are off-limits during pregnancy, some over-the-counter and non-invasive treatments like glycolic peels and microneedling are considered safe by healthcare professionals. However, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before proceeding with any treatment or using any new skincare product during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions