The postpartum and breastfeeding period involves significant physiological change. For individuals considering cosmetic treatments during this time, a consultation with a medical practitioner is the appropriate starting point to discuss whether any specific treatment may be right for their individual circumstances.

Some cosmetic treatments are generally avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing baby. The considerations that apply during breastfeeding are different from those during pregnancy, and vary between treatment types.

Any cosmetic treatment during breastfeeding should be discussed with your treating clinician before proceeding, regardless of whether the treatment is listed below.

Important notice: Many cosmetic procedures performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding are used off-label — meaning they have not been formally studied or approved for use in this population. Any decision about cosmetic treatment during breastfeeding should be made in consultation with your treating medical practitioner, who can assess your individual circumstances, review the available evidence, and advise on whether a specific treatment is appropriate for you at this time.

This page provides general information about cosmetic treatment considerations during breastfeeding. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and what may be appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another.

1. Treatments for Skin

Treatments that may be discussed during consultation include:

Many new mothers are eager to refresh their skin after pregnancy but want to ensure any treatments they choose are safe while breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are several non-invasive options that are considered low-risk during this time.

Safe skin treatments while breastfeeding include:

• Tixel Skin Tightening
• WonderFace Facial Rejuvenation
• Morpheus8

Some treatments may need to be modified or postponed depending on individual factors, including the presence of post-pregnancy pigmentation changes such as melasma, which may be exacerbated by certain treatments.

2. Treatments for Acne

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect skin condition, including contributing to acne in some individuals. Some treatment options may be considered during breastfeeding:

Light therapy
Low-level light therapy — available at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine via the Healite II device — may be considered for some individuals during breastfeeding.

Chemical peels
Some mild chemical peels may be considered during breastfeeding. High-concentration salicylic acid is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential for systemic absorption. Peels containing lactic acid or glycolic acid are generally considered to present a lower risk profile during breastfeeding, though individual assessment is required.

3. Treatments with Laser Therapies

Some laser treatments may be considered for cosmetic facial indications during breastfeeding. Available evidence generally suggests that laser treatments used for cosmetic facial purposes are unlikely to adversely affect breast milk production or quality, though the evidence base in this population is limited and individual circumstances vary.

Treatments such as PicoSure Pro picosecond laser may be discussed during consultation for concerns including acne scarring and skin texture.

4. Treatments with Body Contouring

The evidence base for body contouring procedures during breastfeeding is limited. Body contouring methods including radiofrequency skin tightening, laser lipolysis, and similar treatments have not been extensively studied in breastfeeding populations.

Given the limited safety data, a cautious approach is appropriate, and a thorough discussion with your treating clinician is essential before considering any body contouring treatment during breastfeeding.

It is generally recommended to wait until post-pregnancy weight changes have stabilised before considering body contouring treatments, as significant weight fluctuation may affect individual outcomes.

5. Treatments with HydraFacial

Hydrafacial is a multi-step facial treatment that involves cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration using a series of serums. It is generally considered to present a low risk profile during breastfeeding, though individual circumstances vary and this should be confirmed during consultation.

It is important to inform your treating clinician that you are breastfeeding before proceeding with a HydraFacial. Certain ingredients in the serums used during treatment — including strong exfoliating agents or retinoids — may not be appropriate during breastfeeding and may need to be excluded or substituted.

Making the decision

Decisions about cosmetic treatment during breastfeeding should be made carefully, in consultation with a qualified medical practitioner who can assess your individual circumstances and advise on whether a specific treatment is appropriate for you at this time.

To arrange a consultation at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine to discuss your individual circumstances, please contact the clinic.