Non-surgical cosmetic treatments and pregnancy
When it comes to cosmetic surgical procedures, the only way to prove safety is to test a substance on a pregnant person or animal and it is very difficult to justify testing cosmetics on either one. However, if you are pregnant (or breastfeeding) the following list of non-surgical treatments is designed to help you decide upon whether or not to undergo a non-surgical treatment
Restylane
Restylane is a natural (and safe) cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial folds and wrinkles.
Although Restylane is fully biocompatible (and therefore does not require allergy testing), if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use Restylane.
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels induce exfoliation of the skin through the application of various chemical agents. The procedure removes rough scaly patches, reduces irregular pigmentation, freckles and pitted scars, as well as removing some sun spots. Chemical Peels are usually used on the face. However, other areas of the body can be treated, although this can be less effective.
Glycolic acid or other AHA peels, such as lactic acid, are safe during pregnancy. It is better to have buffered peels, which are gentler on the skin. Salicylic acid peels or BHA peels should be avoided during pregnancy, since the absorption of salicylic acid (aspirin) should be avoided.
Thread Vein Reduction
Using breakthrough Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, Thread Vein Reduction treatment can help unsightly and painful veins shrink and eventually become invisible over time.
Thread Vein Reduction treatment should be avoided during pregnancy.
Obagi Skin Care
The Obagi Blue Peel (TCA) is a skin treatment designed to significantly improve the appearance and health of your skin. Obagi Blue Peel is a chemical peeling treatment, suitable for both men and women of all skin types and colours.
Non-prescription Obagi Skin Care products are safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. If you are pregnant or nursing, the prescription products which contain Hydroquinone and Tretinoin should not be used.
Wrinkle Relaxation
For treating deep wrinkles which appear as frown lines between the eyes, forehead lines and crow’s feet Wrinkle Relaxation treatment can provide the perfect answer. Using very fine sterile disposable syringes, small quantities of Wrinkle Relaxation are injected into facial muscles, causing them to relax. The results can be excellent, leaving you feeling younger, enhancing your appearance and your self-confidence.
Whether or not Wrinkle Relaxation treatment is safe during pregnancy or breast-feeding has not been established, so it is best to wait until after the postnatal period.
Lip Enhancement
Whenever we are talking to someone, either consciously or sub-consciously we notice and evaluate their lips. Therefore, the lips are a very important feature of the face. Unfortunately, one of the effects of human ageing is atrophy of facial fat, including the lips. Although, of course, the ageing process will continue, for anyone who desires larger or fuller lips, lip enhancement can provide an answer.
A natural or synthetic biocompatible material, or the patient's own fat, is injected or implanted in the lips. One injection is usually sufficient to produce the desired result, which may be temporary, depending on the material used.
With lip enhancement, whether or not fillers can be safely injected during pregnancy or breast-feeding has not been established, so it is best to wait until after the postnatal period.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about non-surgical treatments, or surgery options for women after pregnancy (or arrange a consultation), contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.