Expert Answers on Laser Hair Removal Safety During and After Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be wondering whether laser hair removal is a safe option during this time.
Many women notice increased hair growth due to hormonal changes in pregnancy and are curious about effective and long-term hair removal methods.
While laser treatments are commonly used for permanent hair reduction, questions often arise about their safety during pregnancy and nursing.
At WIFH in Atlanta, patient safety is our highest priority. In this article, we’ll explore whether laser hair removal is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, review potential risks, and share our expert recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal (LHR) is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a single wavelength of light (laser) to target and reduce unwanted hair. The pigment in your hair follicles absorbs the laser’s light, which then damages the follicle and reduces its ability to grow hair in the future.
While laser hair removal won’t permanently eliminate 100% of the hair (we are mammals after all), it significantly reduces the number of active follicles — by 75% to 90% in most patients.
This reduction is permanent, but there is a common misconception that you will never shave again, which simply isn’t true, however because the remaining hair grows back finer, slower and lighter it does make maintenance very quick and easy. The goal after completing a series of treatments is to only have to shave a couple of times a month and it’s usually to whisk away a few random hairs. For best results, we recommend completing a series of 8 treatments, with annual maintenance sessions as needed.
Laser hair removal is effective in reducing razor bumps and ingrown hairs and can be safely performed on nearly every area of the body, including:
- Underarms
- Upper, Lower, or Full Legs
- Face (Upper Lip, Sideburns, Cheeks, Forehead)
- Bikini (Full Brazilian)
- Happy Trail
- Arms
- Back
- Buttocks
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Breasts (excluded during breastfeeding)
Can I Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
Laser hair removal is one of the top five most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S. and is widely regarded as both safe and effective.
While most people are candidates for this treatment, many pregnant women wonder whether it’s appropriate to begin or continue their sessions during pregnancy.
At WIFH, we’re frequently asked by expecting or pregnant patients whether it’s safe for them to proceed with their laser hair removal treatments or if they should wait until after their pregnancy.
In general, laser hair removal is considered safe during pregnancy. Some healthcare providers do advise against it — not because of known harm, but due to the limited data available on its effects during pregnancy. That said, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recently published a paper indicating that it’s safe to have laser hair removal during pregnancy, and it will have no effect on the baby.
Regardless, we ask that pregnant patients first consult with their OBGYN and discuss any concerns with their doctor before proceeding with laser hair removal. If your OBGYN thinks it’s a good idea, we’re happy to provide your treatment at WIFH.
Is Laser Hair Removal Dangerous While Pregnant?
No, current studies and clinical observations do not indicate that laser hair removal is dangerous during pregnancy. However, due to increased skin sensitivity and hormone fluctuations, many medical professionals suggest waiting until after pregnancy to begin or continue your treatments.
Here at WIFH, your laser hair removal package never expires. If you begin treatment and become pregnant, you can hit pause on your remaining sessions and pick it back up whenever you’re ready to resume treatment.
Side Effects & Risks of Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant
Laser hair removal is considered a low-risk treatment when performed by an experienced medical professional, such as a nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), or registered nurse (RN). However, postpartum skin can still be more sensitive due to lingering hormonal changes, which may affect how your skin reacts to laser treatments.
Increased skin sensitivity may increase the risk of side effects such as:
- Hyperpigmentation: Postpartum hormones can make skin more reactive, increasing the risk of temporary dark patches or discoloration after treatment.
- Mild Redness or Swelling: These are common side effects and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours without intervention.
To reduce the risk of side effects, patients should schedule treatments when their skin is at its natural tone—free from recent sun exposure or tanning. We also recommend avoiding self-tanners, self tanning drops, and tanning lotions for at least three weeks prior to your appointment.
At WIFH, patient safety is always our top priority. Our experienced clinical team evaluates your skin before every session and customizes treatment settings to ensure a safe, effective, and personalized experience each time you visit.
Hair Growth Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones can significantly affect hair growth. Some women experience thicker, darker hair or even new growth in unexpected areas like the abdomen, chest, or face. These changes are usually temporary and often resolve after pregnancy.
Because hormone-related hair growth is unpredictable, some patients choose to wait until postpartum to see how their hair patterns shift before beginning or resuming laser hair removal.
That said, if you start laser hair removal before becoming pregnant, your results will still be preserved. Some patients may need a few touch-up treatments afterward, but we rarely see full regrowth in previously treated areas.
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Can I Get Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can get laser hair removal while breastfeeding—but with a few important guidelines.
We do not recommend treating the breasts or areola area while you are actively nursing. Hormonal shifts during breastfeeding make the skin more sensitive and prone to irritation, which can increase the risk of side effects like redness, swelling, or hyperpigmentation.
Additionally, if you’re nursing, you won’t be able to use topical numbing creams during treatment. This can make the experience slightly more uncomfortable for some patients. If you’re concerned about pain tolerance, you may want to wait until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to resume treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal Dangerous While Breastfeeding?
No, there is no research showing that laser hair removal is dangerous while breastfeeding, as long as it is not performed near the breast tissue. The laser only affects the hair follicle and does not enter the bloodstream or breast milk.
Side Effects & Risks of Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding
After pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause shifts in your skin’s sensitivity, which may affect how it responds to laser hair removal. As a result, there may be a slightly higher risk of experiencing side effects such as:
Hyperpigmentation – Hormonal changes may increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, which is temporary darkening of the skin
- Mild Redness or Swelling – Some patients may experience slight redness of the skin and temporary irritation which usually resolves in 24-48 hours.
At WIFH, our team is trained to adjust treatment settings and assess your skin before each session to ensure the safest experience possible.
Let’s Discuss Whether Laser Hair Removal is Right for You During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, the decision to start or resume laser hair removal is your choice. While the procedure itself is generally considered safe, hormone fluctuations can make the skin more reactive and affect hair growth patterns—so waiting until after pregnancy or nursing often provides more consistent, long-term results.
At WIFH, our licensed laser practitioners have decades of experience treating patients safely through all phases of life—including before and after pregnancy. We’re here to answer your questions, help you assess whether now is the right time to start treatment, and provide safe alternatives if needed.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your skin and hair goals – we’ll help you build a personalized treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.
