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New mothers often wonder about which safe skin treatments while breastfeeding they can enjoy.
This concern is common and understandable. For many, it’s been a while since their last cosmetic treatment. After 9 months of pregnancy and the early days of new parenthood, many mothers are eager to know when they can safely restart some of these procedures.
Cosmetic skin treatments are popular among new mothers. But safety is a top priority. Cosmetic procedures during pregnancy are often avoided. This is due to potential risks to the baby. However, not all treatments are off-limits while breastfeeding.
While many cosmetic procedures are avoided during pregnancy to protect the baby, not all treatments are off-limits. It’s important to know which are safe skin treatments while breastfeeding.
6 Safe Skin Treatments While Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding bring about many changes, including concerns about skin care. Knowing which treatments during pregnancy are safe is crucial for maintaining your routine without risks.
Here are some safe options:
1. Treatments for Wrinkles
The doses used in cosmetic procedures are safe as long as they are very low and carry a minimal risk of systemic absorption. Additionally, the molecular size of the ingredients makes it incredibly unlikely for them to be excreted in breast milk.
No large-scale studies have been conducted, but their use while breastfeeding is considered safe by most experts in the field based on current evidence. For mothers who remain concerned, it’s recommended to pump and discard breast milk for the first four hours after treatment.
2. Treatments for Volume Loss
Correction of volume loss and treatments to enhance facial structure are considered safe while breastfeeding. It is important that you are physically well with no symptoms of mastitis or other infections.
These treatments can help improve hydration and address volume loss in the face. Always consult with a healthcare provider before proceeding with any cosmetic treatments to ensure safety.
3. Treatments for Acne
Acne can become more prominent during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal changes.
- Light therapy – Another option for breastfeeding and pregnant women is light therapy. It helps reduce acne by targeting bacteria and inflammation with no harmful side effects. Healite II, for example, has a low-level light therapy (LLLT) which is used for skin healing and reduce acne without adverse effects on pregnancy or lactation.
- Chemical peels – Mild chemical peels can be used, but it’s important to avoid high-concentration salicylic acid. Salicylic acid can be absorbed through the skin and potentially affect the baby. Instead, opt for peels with lactic acid or glycolic acid, which are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These ingredients gently exfoliate the skin, improving texture and clarity without posing a risk to your health.
4. Treatments with Laser Therapies
Laser treatments should not adversely affect breastfeeding, breast milk production, or breast milk quality and can safely be used for cosmetic facial indications during this time.
Procedures like the PicoSure Pro laser, for instance, are used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, and skin rejuvenation. This advanced laser therapy uses picosecond laser technology to deliver quick and precise treatments with minimal discomfort and downtime.
However, if laser therapy is being used to treat pigmentary changes such as melasma or hair growth due to hormonal changes, it’s recommended to wait until the condition stabilizes postpartum.
When considering laser therapy during pregnancy, you may want to have an expert consultation with us. Although laser treatments are generally safe, certain procedures may require caution or postponement to avoid any potential risks to the mother and baby.
5. Treatments with Body Contouring
Body contouring procedures have not been extensively studied during breastfeeding, so specific safety data is limited. However, it seems reasonable that these procedures could be performed during breastfeeding.
Body contouring methods, such as those offered by various clinics, can include treatments like TruSculpt, radiofrequency skin tightening, and laser lipolysis. These treatments aim to reshape and tone areas of the body by targeting fat cells and enhancing skin elasticity.
It is recommended that any post-pregnancy weight changes have stabilized before investing in body contouring treatments. This is because significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the procedure.
Waiting a few months postpartum allows your body to recover naturally and reach a more stable weight, ensuring better and more lasting results from body contouring.
6. Treatments with Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial treatments are generally considered safe while breastfeeding. This non-invasive, multi-step procedure cleanses, exfoliates, extracts impurities, and hydrates the skin using a series of serums tailored to your skin’s needs.
Hydrafacial treatments can also include anti-wrinkle benefits. They help smooth fine lines and wrinkles by deeply hydrating and nourishing the skin, promoting a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
However, it is important to inform your therapist that you are breastfeeding. Certain ingredients in the serums used during a Hydrafacial might need to be excluded to ensure they are safe for both you and your baby. For example, some strong exfoliating agents or retinoids might not be advisable.
Making the decision
Safety of cosmetic procedures performed while pregnant or breastfeeding are off label, but based on current evidence and consensus opinions are generally considered safe. It is important to have a discussion with your treating clinician if you are considering these treatments to ensure that the particular treatment is right for you.
