Is It Safe? The Truth About Aesthetic Treatments During and After Pregnancy

Pregnancy changes a woman’s body in many ways, leading some to consider aesthetic treatments. But are they safe during and after pregnancy? An aesthetic doctor shares the must-know facts.

WORDS DR SIEW TUCK WAH

FEATURED EXPERT DR SIEW TUCK WAH Medical Director Radium Medical Aesthetics

As an aesthetic doctor, I often get asked about whether it’s safe to undergo cosmetic treatments during this time. While I understand the desire to look and feel one’s best, it’s crucial to proceed with caution.

Here, I will walk you through some useful advice on aesthetic treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure both you and your baby are safe.

BEST TO AVOID AESTHETIC TREATMENTS DURING PREGNANCY

In general, I advise my patients to avoid non-essential aesthetic procedures until after their pregnancy or, if they choose to breastfeed, after they stop breastfeeding.

It’s especially important to avoid treatments during:

• The first trimester, when the baby’s organs are forming
• The third trimester, due to the risk of premature delivery

The second trimester is relatively a safer time to receive aesthetic treatments but caution still needs to be exercised.

Safe Minor Procedures but Consult Your Doctor First Before Going for Them

• Minor skin growth ablative procedures such as cautery, laser ablation of warts.
• Certain chemical peels such glycolic acid and lactic acid peels. AVOID trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and salicylic acid peels.

AVOID Going for These During Your Pregnancy

• Fillers
• Botulinum toxin, unless for medical reasons
• Skin boosters
• Monopolar radiofrequency devices and other treatments that allow currents to pass through the body
• Sclerotherapy (treatment for varicose and spider veins) and steroid injections

Best to AVOID, as We Don’t Have Enough Research Data to Know If These Are Safe or Not

• Bipolar radiofrequency and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
• Cosmetic laser treatments

BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE USE OF MEDICATIONS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES

One of the main risks associated with aesthetic treatments during pregnancy is the potential for medications or other prescribed substances to cross the placenta and harm the developing baby.

Some drugs can cause foetal malformations (teratogenic effects), premature delivery, or even foetal toxicity.

• For instance, lidocaine is a commonly used local anaesthetic during aesthetic treatments.
• It can cross the placenta and hence, although it is generally considered safe, it must be used cautiously.
• This is because, in rare cases, it can cause foetal cardiac arrest when injected improperly into the artery.

Hence, let your aesthetic doctor know of your pregnancy after it is confirmed, so that they can take necessary steps to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

Avoid Products Containing These Substances

• Retinoids, as they pose a high risk of harm to the foetus
• Salicylic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Cysteamine

If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying substances with these ingredients to your nipple area.

GIVE YOUR POST-PREGNANCY BODY TIME TO HEAL BEFORE RESUMING AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

Once your baby is born, there’s a natural desire to regain your pre-pregnancy appearance, but again, it’s important to give your body time to heal.

Injectable Treatments Like Botulinum Toxins and Fillers

• Wait until you have stopped breastfeeding.

Lasers and Energy-Based Devices

• These are considered safe immediately after delivery, though I generally advise waiting at least 6 weeks to allow your body to stabilize.
• For optimal results, it’s best to wait until 3 months after delivery.

WHEN PLANNING FOR TREATMENTS TO ADDRESS PREGNANCY SKIN CHANGES

Pregnancy hormones can cause skin changes such as melasma, which manifest as dark patches especially on the face, and stretch marks.

The good news is that some of these conditions improve naturally after delivery.

Persistent Melasma

• It’s best to wait at least 3 months after childbirth before starting treatment.
• For persistent melasma, a multimodal approach can be used. This approach includes sun protection, topical treatments, oral medications, energy-based devices like lasers, and injectables.

Stretch Marks

• Preventive measures, through regular massage and moisturizing, is your best defence against stretch marks. However, genetics do play a role on how likely they are to develop during your pregnancy.
• If stretch marks appear, they are best treated early using treatments like fractional CO₂ lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, or collagen-stimulating injectables.

WHEN PLANNING FOR TREATMENTS TO ADDRESS HORMONE-RELATED ISSUES

Skin Pigmentation or Acne

• Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to flare-ups in pigmentation or acne.
• It can take up to 6 months after childbirth for this condition to stabilize.

Hair Loss

• While this can be alarming, it’s typically temporary.

WHEN YOU ARE PLANNING FOR A FUTURE PREGNANCY

• If you are planning to have a child, let your aesthetic doctor know of your plan. This will allow them to take necessary precautions. For example, certain medications for acne must be stopped at least 3 months before a pregnancy.
• Once your pregnancy is confirmed, let your aesthetic doctor know so that they can put certain treatments on hold.
• Your skin can change rapidly during pregnancy, so I will usually advise to postpone treatments for melasma and minimize acne treatment unless that there is a risk of scarring.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

• Ultimately, the safest approach is to minimize aesthetic treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• While some treatments may be considered safe, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
• Once your body has had time to recover postpartum, you can explore options to address any skin changes that occurred during pregnancy.
• Always consult a qualified healthcare provider to ensure the treatments are safe for both you and your baby.

Stay safe and enjoy this special time in your life!