Cosmetic Procedures You Can or Cannot Get When Pregnant

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Your Health Magazine

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Cosmetic Procedures You Can or Cannot Get When Pregnant

Pregnancy changes your body in so many ways, but one of the things, and perhaps one of the most important things, that many pregnant women want to preserve is their looks. But this is not always possible, as not all cosmetic procedures are safe during pregnancy. Let’s talk about procedures that are safe and ones you should avoid to protect yourself and your baby’s wellbeing.

Botox

When it comes to pregnancy and cosmetic procedures, many women are naturally concerned about treatments used for reducing wrinkles. That’s when understanding the Botox pregnancy safety guide, “Can you get Botox while pregnant?” is particularly relevant, especially considering Botox continues to be among the most popular cosmetic procedures being requested by women of childbearing age.

While most experts believe Botox is safe, it’s still recommended to avoid it during pregnancy because the FDA regards it as a pregnancy Category C drug. This classification suggests there isn’t enough information available to understand the safety and efficacy of Botox during pregnancy.

The most significant potential side effect of Botox when used in pregnancy is the spread of botulinum toxin to other parts of the body, resulting in a dangerous condition called botulism. Other potential side effects may include hoarseness, blurred or double vision, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, and loss of bladder control. These symptoms usually appear within several hours of the procedure, but sometimes, they may take longer.

If you notice you’re pregnant shortly after getting Botox injections, there’s no reason to be alarmed. Current research suggests that Botox is not absorbed into the bloodstream, and therefore, your baby should remain unaffected. Still it’s a good idea to avoid getting any type of Botox treatment for the rest of your pregnancy. In fact, you should wait until after your baby’s birth, and should you decide to breastfeed, speak with your physician before beginning Botox treatment, as it’s recommended to wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding entirely.

Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments

Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are also types of cosmetic procedures that dermatologists strongly advise women against undertaking during pregnancy. Although both procedures can efficiently treat various issues, including skin texture and pigmentation, pregnancy significantly alters the healing process within your skin, and, therefore, becomes dangerous for you and your baby.

When you’re pregnant, your body undergoes various hormonal changes, which can change how your wound heals. On the other hand, procedures like chemical peeling, micro dermabrasion, and laser surgery result in controlled damage to your skin. You may notice the healing process takes significantly longer when you’re pregnant, which increases your risk of developing infections, inflammation, and scarring. Some laser and chemical peeling procedures may require topical anesthetics, which have ingredients not considered safe during pregnancy because they may be absorbed through the damaged skin layers.

If you discover your pregnancy only after undergoing a chemical peeling or laser procedure, don’t panic. However, it still makes sense to immediately contact your dermatologist and avoid any follow-up procedures. In most cases, you can resume treatment only after pregnancy and breastfeeding. You should stick to a pregnancy-friendly skincare routine and protect your skin from sunlight, as this exposure may aggravate any pigmentation problems you already have.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

If you’re interested in trying something to preserve your looks during pregnancy while protecting your baby, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers may be a safer option, especially compared to other more invasive procedures. This is because it’s a naturally-occurring compound in your body, especially in your skin, making it safe enough to use while pregnant.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are regarded as safe to use during pregnancy because they have the ability to draw and bind the water molecules in your skin. This gives your skin a more “plump” appearance from the inside without requiring any foreign substances that may be absorbed and affect the baby. As it’s a large molecule, it won’t be absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, it decomposes naturally without leaving any residue in your body, which is another reason why it’s categorized as a dermal filler suitable for use during pregnancy. 

In order to make hyaluronic fillers even safer in pregnancy, you should only go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with experience working with pregnant women. Be sure to inform your aesthetic professional about your pregnancy before undergoing any treatment, as this may affect the injection sites and amounts of fillers used.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Another fairly safe cosmetic treatment that pregnant women may opt for is Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, therapy. It’s used as a treatment for various skin-related issues, including the damage brought on by exposure to the sun, known as solar damage, as well as issues with rosacea.

IPL is non-invasive and functions through the use of broad spectrum light, and as it doesn’t break the skin’s surface, it’s much less traumatic than other peels and laser surgery alternatives. The safety level of IPL is impressive because it’s non-systemic, meaning it doesn’t require the body to absorb any drugs or toxins. Since it doesn’t involve creating open wounds, there’s little to no risk of developing infections or scarring. The light waves used in IPL are comparable to those in natural sunlight, but work because they’re more concentrated and targeted. 

The best way to go about IPL while pregnant is to schedule your appointment with an experienced dermatologist and inform them of your pregnancy. Be sure to ask them whether they have experience with IPL procedures on pregnant women. Remember, it’s always best to wait at least a couple of weeks between IPL procedures if you’re pregnant to be on the safer side.

Endnote

When it comes to pregnancy and cosmetic procedures, you don’t really have to stop all your self-care processes altogether. By understanding which procedures are to be avoided and which alternatives are safer, you will be well-equipped to make appropriate choices that allow you to feel confident and comfortable while keeping your baby safe and sound. Consult both your obstetrician and board-certified dermatologist before considering any cosmetic procedures during pregnancy to determine whether your personal circumstances and medical history are accounted for in your treatment planning.