Medical Aesthetics During Pregnancy: Your No Nonsense Guide
Pregnancy might be a magical time, but it can also be an incredibly confusing, uncomfortable, and overwhelming experience (and more often than not all of the above at the same time). It’s a time when regardless of people's good intentions, you can feel bombarded with conflicting advice and opinions, and be left overthinking decisions you’ve previously made without a second thought. While we can only offer sympathy when it comes to the ‘can I eat/drink/do that’ moments, we can offer some clear and justifiable advice on what medical aesthetic treatments are suitable, and which there might be sensible reasons to avoid during pregnancy and the surrounding times.
Why Might Treatments Not Be Suitable When Pregnant?
There are a number of reasons certain treatments and procedures may not be advisable around pregnancy, and the following should not be considered an exhaustive list of each. If you’re unsure about a treatment, always discuss it with your practitioner- expert clinicians should be able to fully discuss all treatments they offer and find a solution that is safe and effective for you (which in some cases might include waiting until the timing is better).
Safety for Mother and Baby
This is understandably the factor most people are worried about when it comes to treatments, and is often their first thought when they hear something should be avoided during pregnancy. Treatments and procedures are considered unsafe if they pose a potential risk to the developing baby or to maternal health. Risks might come from active ingredients, heat, light, or from the device used or the positioning required during the procedure. It can include both known risks, and theoretical risks that lack sufficient evidence or research.
Treatments considered unsafe during pregnancy include:
Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) - Not enough safety data in pregnancy; generally avoided.
Chemical peels with strong acids - Some ingredients (like high-strength salicylic acid) can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Laser skin resurfacing - Certain lasers may generate heat and light energy with unknown foetal effects.
Uncertain or Reduced Effectiveness
Bodies undergo more than a few truly incredible physiological changes during pregnancy- and some can have surprising effects. Hormonal changes, fluid retention, and altered skin physiology can mean that some treatments may deliver unpredictable results.
Treatments that might deliver unpredictable results during pregnancy include:
Dermal fillers - Swelling and water retention can make placement difficult.
Microneedling - Increased skin vascularity might affect healing and collagen response.
Skin-tightening treatments - Collagen changes in pregnancy may alter the outcome.
Altered or Heightened Side Effects
During pregnancy, skin may become more sensitive, and be more prone to inflammation, swelling, bruising, and pigmentation. Healing times may be longer, and reactions may be more likely or more severe.
Treatments that might have increased side effects during pregnancy include:
Laser hair removal - Heightened skin sensitivity and risk of hyperpigmentation.
Strong chemical exfoliants - Increased chance of irritation or redness.
Regulatory Caution
Even if a treatment might be safe, practitioners may advise against it if there’s a lack of clinical testing in pregnant women, or if they are limited by insurance restrictions. The risk might be low, but many practitioners may feel ‘better safe than sorry’ is the right approach.
Treatments that might fall under regulatory or ethical restrictions during pregnancy include:
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) - Often avoided due to lack of pregnancy-specific research.
Body contouring devices - Manufacturer guidelines may contraindicate use in pregnancy.
Prescription-strength skincare (like tretinoin/retinoids) - Contraindicated by medical and ethical guidelines.
Post-Treatment Recovery and Comfort
Some procedures might require awkward positioning, significant downtime, or involve aftercare that would be impractical during pregnancy.
Treatments that might be uncomfortable or impractical during pregnancy include:
Long facial or body treatments - Lying flat for extended periods can cause discomfort or affect circulation, especially in later pregnancy.
Tattoo removal - Requires repeated sessions and aftercare that may be hard to manage.
Certain facials with strong smells - Might trigger nausea or headaches.
Pre-natal, post-natal, and breastfeeding considerations
Advice surrounding the pre-natal (or trying to conceive) stage and the post-natal period - especially if breastfeeding - can often be even more conflicting than that for during pregnancy itself. Hormones may still be fluctuating, your body could be in recovery mode, and certain treatments or ingredients can still pass into breast milk or affect your healing. While some procedures may be safe to resume sooner than others, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, follow professional guidance, and choose treatments that support rather than stress your body during these times. Everyone's recovery after pregnancy is different, but your practitioner should be able to discuss your individual needs and what treatments are appropriate.
Pregnancy can be an incredible time, but if ever there was a time when self-care should be prioritised this might just be it. Whether it’s finding ways to feel confident in your body at a time when everything is changing, or just taking some time to relax and feel looked after, medical aesthetics can play a supporting role in making ‘you feel you’ during the ante-natal and post-natal period. Many treatments are still safe and effective, the key is having a practitioner who has the knowledge to guide you through the treatment options in an honest and supportive way.
The team at Elevate are always here to help, and love talking about all the wonderful treatment options we offer, so get in touch now.
Elevate Medical Aesthetics is based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and serves the surrounding areas including Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Pontefract. We are a team of passionate and highly trained aesthetic clinicians, who pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of care to our patients. Come see us and experience ‘Harley Street in the Heart of Yorkshire’ for yourself.