From the Research
Laser Hair Reduction and Pregnancy
- The use of laser therapy during pregnancy is still a topic of controversy, with some studies suggesting it can be safe for certain conditions, while others recommend caution due to lack of evidence 1.
- Specifically, for laser hair removal, there is limited evidence on its safety during pregnancy, but available data suggest that cutaneous laser treatment during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus, with no reported cases of maternal or fetal morbidity or mortality 2.
- Theoretical considerations of laser physics and optics also indicate that there should be no risk of fetal laser exposure from commonly used cutaneous lasers 2.
- A review of adverse effects of laser hair removal found that the overall incidence of adverse effects is low, with very uncommon permanent sequelae, and that the majority of adverse effects are transient and minor, more common in darker skin types 3.
- Another study reported a successful use of ablative fractional laser resurfacing for abdominal scar contractures in a pregnant woman, with no complications observed and a healthy newborn delivered at term, suggesting that laser therapy can be used safely in certain cases during pregnancy 4.
Safety Precautions
- It is essential to note that laser hair removal is not risk-free, and side effects can occur, emphasizing the importance of adequate training for laser operators to minimize adverse side effects 5.
- Regulatory boards and mandatory training hours can help ensure that minimum safety standards are met, but the lack of such regulations in some countries poses a risk to the public 5.