Is it risky to have a foto facial while breastfeeding?
Fotofacial While Breastfeeding?
Doctor Answers 6
A photofacial is visible light and will have no effect on the breast milk. A topical anesthetic is often applied to the skin and small amounts could be absorbed into the blood stream. Although this likely will have no effect on the infant I would recommend to wait.
The one thing to consider here is that during breastfeeding, your hormones have not yet stabilized. Skin pigmentation changes under the effect of those hormones and therefore may not represent your true skin tone.
I recommend waiting until about a month or so after you finish breastfeeding to get a photofacial. The hormonal effect on your pigmentation should be significantly less at that point.
There is no physiologic or medical reason why you cannot have IPL while you breast feed. Instead, the question is whether it is a good idea psychologically to have cosmetic treatments during this time. For some women, the added benefit of feeling better about their appearance is a great idea, for others less so. Discuss your concerns with your Doctor for the best timing and best results.
You might also like...
While injectables including fillers and Botox or Dysport are not advisable during breastfeeding because of uncertainty of systemic absorption and transference to baby via breastmilk, there is no strong empirical or clinical reason in recommending the use of IPL or photofacial laser treatment for breastfeeding women. IPL helps to minimize redness and pigmentation and typically takes a series of 3-5 treatment sessions to see the full benefit.
Learn more: http://www.drwilliamting.com/Cosmetic_Dermatology.html
While there is no evidence to show that there are any potential risks of having IPL treatments while breastfeeding, we do not recommend it. We advise against women that are pregnant or breastfeeding having any cosmetic treatments. This is just a personal preference for our practice and does not have to do with perceived risks.
Photofacial or Intense Pulsed LIght (IPL) treatments are used to remove red and brown (age) spots. The light itself is "broadband" meaning it is not laser light and as long as it is not applied to the breast itself (where it could cause swelling or inflammation), there are any effects of the light itself on breast milk. Topical numbing gel like lidocaine is often used over the skin before the treatment. Some of this is systemically absorbed so it would be wise to pump and discard if needed before breast feeding.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
You might also like...
Related Content
Can I Do IPL While Nursing?
4 doctor answers
Can I Receive IPL and Laser Hair Removal Treatment when I Am...
3 doctor answers
Should Babies be Weaned Before Having Sclerotherapy?
9 doctor answers
How Long After a Medium TCA Peel Do I Need to Wait to Have IPL?
6 doctor answers
Ask a Doctor
Get personalized answers from board-certified doctors. For free.
Photofacial Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
Photofacial Pictures
*Treatment results may vary
