Laser hair removal lightens the appearance of hair and decreases the number of hairs growing back by targeting the pigmentation in the hair follicle and/or damaging the hair follicle at the root. While there are no nation-wide guidelines outlining the effect the procedure has on pregnancy, there are a few important things to consider:
Before Pregnancy
If you want laser hair removal before getting pregnant, there are no known risks that the procedure may have on your fertility. Most doctors and cosmetic specialists would agree that you can safely undergo the procedure before you become pregnant with no damage done to your reproductive system.
During Pregnancy
There is no test that indicates that laser hair removal is damaging to a fetus, but most doctors and cosmetic specialists would recommend against it. At the very least, there is the concern that having the procedure performed on or near the breasts during the last trimester may impact your ability to breastfeed and that having the procedure performed on your abdomen toward the end of the pregnancy can be uncomfortable because of the abdomen's increased tenderness. It may be safer to wait until you've done breastfeeding to have the procedure performed and to instead turn to other methods of hair removal until then.
After Pregnancy
You can safely undergo laser hair removal after pregnancy, but you should wait until you've finished breastfeeding to have the areas on and around your breasts treated. There is no conclusive evidence, but some doctors and cosmetic specialists do believe the laser can have an effect on the production of milk in the breast.
