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Fotofacial While Breastfeeding?

  • 7 years ago

Is it risky to have a foto facial while breastfeeding?

Doctor Answers 6

October 6th, 2015

Are ther risks of having a photofacial when breast feeding?

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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.
Robert Sleightholm, MD
November 1st, 2010

Is it risky to get a photofacial while breastfeeding?

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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.

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

April 27th, 2010

IPL while Breastfeeding

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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.

Stephen Prendiville, MD

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 99 reviews

April 26th, 2010

Use of IPL or photofacial OKAY during breastfeeding

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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

William Ting, MD

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

December 8th, 2009

IPL Treatments while breast feeding

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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.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.4 out of 5 stars 7 reviews

May 11th, 2009

Photofacial Generally Safe in Breastfeeding Women

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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.

Corey S. Maas, MD

Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.3 out of 5 stars 14 reviews

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.