Does laser hair removal affect breastfeeding?

Author: Vito Hudson  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

While there is no clear research indicating that laser hair removal is unsafe while breastfeeding, it's best to be careful. We suggest waiting until after you have finished breastfeeding before getting this treatment to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

Can you do laser hair removal while breastfeeding?

Answer: Laser hair removal Laser hair removal is simply light energy which is targeted to the root of the hair follicles. There is no effect on other parts of the body nor does anything enter the bloodstream. So, yes, it is safe to have laser hair removal while you are breast feeding.

What hair treatments should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Cosmetics, skincare products, sunscreen and hair removal or bleaching creams are generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, hydroquinone should be avoided as the absorption is high. 1 It is also safe to have any hair, nail or tanning treatments.

How long after birth can I do laser hair removal?

After giving birth, you might be eager to get back to your regular beauty routines, including laser hair removal. However, it is essential to give your body enough time to recover fully. We recommend starting laser hair removal treatments 6 weeks postpartum for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Does laser hair removal affect baby?

There is no evidence that laser hair removal causes harm to the baby. One final thing you may want to keep in mind is that the effectiveness of laser treatments may be decreased while you're pregnant. Pregnancy affects the hair growth cycle. Hormones impact mainly the final step of the cycle – the falling out of hairs.

Can you undergo laser hair removal while breastfeeding?

Is laser hair removal safe for the breast?

While chest and breast laser hair removal is safe and effective, there are small risks – such is the case with any medical procedure. Minor effects like temporary redness or slight irritation may occur – similar to having a mild sunburn. These symptoms typically go away within a few hours or days post-treatment.

Is laser skin treatment safe while breastfeeding?

Postnatal mothers who are still breastfeeding should not receive anti-wrinkle or filler injections, but they may undergo laser treatment if it is carried out by a doctor.

What beauty treatments are safe while breastfeeding?

Moreover, laser treatment is also considered safe for wound healing after vaginal birth. Other cosmetic treatments, such as biophotonic and LED light treatments, which are used to fade acne scars and improve skin texture, are also lactation-safe.

Can laser hair removal affect fertility?

However, because it involves lasers, most people still have reservations about this hair removal method, especially if it's done in sensitive areas such as the bikini area. But can Brazilian laser hair removal treatment affect fertility? No, it doesn't affect fertility.

Can you get waxed while breastfeeding?

Body hair lightening or removal

The following are considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding (Putra et al, 2022; Trivedi et al, 2017): Waxing. Shaving. Depilatory creams.

What is not safe while breastfeeding?

Exposure to excessive amounts of mercury through breast milk can pose a risk to a baby's developing nervous system. To limit your baby's exposure, avoid seafood that's high in mercury, including swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

Can breastfeeding affect hair growth?

Changing hormone levels cause the shedding. Falling estrogen levels can make hair seem thinner or shed excessively. It is typical for people to experience hair loss or excessive shedding during the breastfeeding and postpartum stage. Hair loss during this time is typically due to a drop in estrogen levels.

Can I get a tattoo while breastfeeding?

Most tattoo artists will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant or nursing mother out of an abundance of caution. If you're a nursing mom, the La Leche League recommends you wait until your baby is 9 to 12 months old and not wholly dependent on breast milk before you get a new tattoo.

What are the side effects of laser hair removal?

Side effects of the laser hair removal process may include:
  • pain.
  • bruising and swelling.
  • redness and inflammation.
  • blistering.
  • herpes simplex outbreaks and bacterial infections.
  • temporary skin lightening or darkening.
  • darkening/lightening of tattoos.
  • freckle loss or lightening of moles.

Can I breastfeed after laser tattoo removal?

Can you get laser tattoo removal while breastfeeding? No. We usually perform laser tattoo removal on mothers' whose babies are completely weaned off breast milk. This is because laser treatment dissolves ink particles which are then expelled through lymphatic fluid which may, in turn, pass into breast milk.

Can I breastfeed after hair treatment?

Breastfeeding while performing/getting hair treatments:

When used properly, it would be unlikely that large amounts of hair care chemicals would enter breast milk because so little would get into the blood of the person getting or performing hair treatments.

Can you have laser hair removal while breastfeeding?

Some other laser treatments can be done during pregnancy but most people do prefer to leave it until afterwards. Please contact us by phone or email to discuss your individual situation. There is no known risk from laser treatment during breast-feeding.

Who shouldn't get laser hair removal?

Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
  • Are pregnant.
  • Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
  • Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
  • Have keloid scars (raised scars).
  • Have or have had skin cancer.

Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?

This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Reasons not to breastfeed

They have HIV and: Are not on HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART), or. Are on ART but have not achieved sustained viral suppression during pregnancy (at a minimum throughout the third trimester) or at the time of delivery.

How long after giving birth can I get laser hair removal?

While there's no official timeline, we generally recommend that new parents allow at least 3 to 6 months to pass before getting laser hair removal. This will give your hormones time to stabilize, and help you achieve more predictable, long-lasting hair removal results.

Can hair products affect breast milk?

Cosmetics, skincare products, sunscreen and hair removal or bleaching creams are generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, hydroquinone should be avoided as the absorption is high. It is also safe to have any hair, nail or tanning treatments.

Does laser hair affect baby?

Laser hair removal is safe, but there isn't enough research to know if it's safe for the unborn baby. Pregnant women should avoid laser treatment until after they've given birth. If you're dealing with unwanted facial hair, stick with traditional hair removal methods like shaving.

What beauty treatments should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding
  • Retinol ingredients. Retinol, the descendant of vitamin A, is all the rage these days. ...
  • Oxybenzone. ...
  • Hydroquinone. ...
  • Niacinamide while pregnant and breastfeeding. ...
  • Lactic acid while breastfeeding. ...
  • Salicylic acid and breastfeeding. ...
  • Glycolic acid. ...
  • Vitamin C.

Can you have laser lipo while breastfeeding?

Like all medical procedures, Laser Lipo has a few contraindications that may exclude you from having the procedure. Below are the individuals who cannot undergo the treatment: Currently pregnant or nursing women.

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