Are There Any Problems with Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?

Question

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

The hormonal changes of pregnancy and breastfeeding may interfere with the results of laser hair removal in several ways.  There is a concern about potential hyperpigmentation that is more likely under the influence of hormones.

	Also, the way the hair grows is affected by any hormonal fluxes, so the procedure may not be as effective during those times.

	The numbing creams used during laser hair removal can potentially be absorbed into the blood stream and delivered to the baby via breast milk.  Even though the likelihood of this happening is small, there have been cases of application of topical anesthetics to large enough body surface areas that the absorption of these led to severe medical complications, even death.  So we know that these medications are absorbed through the skin.

	I would advise to wait with laser hair removal until after your are done breastfeeding.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Agree with the other docs answers that there is no harm from laser hair removal while breastfeeding except for possible increase in hyperpigmentation but i would be careful not to use a topical anesthetic as there is absorption (although low) into your bloodstream. There are studies which show that breastfeeding women given lidocaine intravenously have excretion into breast milk but I did not see any studies about topical anesthetics. The amount the baby would absorb would be minimal but there is a potential for allergic reactions.

Jacqueline Calkin, MD · Answer

There is absolutely no harm to the breast milk  from laser hair removal, however, your hormonal milieu may make hyperpigmentation after the treatment slightly more common.  Please discuss this with your doctor.  Depending on your skin type, past history and area being treated, there may be no issues.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Laser hair removal treatments are perfectly safe while you are breastfeeding. Lasers create a beam of highly concentrated light that delivers a controlled amount of therapeutic heat to the hair follicles. This light energy is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles. The laser pulses for a fraction of a second, just long enough to destroy numerous follicles at a time and leaves the surrounding skin unaffected. These treatments will have no effect on your breast milk.

Are There Any Problems with Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?

Answers (4)

Answer: Laser hair removal while breastfeeding

Answer: Laser hair removal while breastfeeding

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are There Any Problems with Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?

Answers (4)

Answer: Laser hair removal while breastfeeding

Answer: Laser hair removal while breastfeeding

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.