Women go through an entire range of emotional, physical and hormonal changes when they become pregnant. Interestingly, pregnancy affects each woman differently. While some women may find that pregnancy sparks an increase in acne, others may discover that their pregnancy actually clears up their skin. Pregnancy really is a remarkable time in a woman's life, but it's not one known for subtlety.



During pregnancy, women typically suffer from stretch marks, varicose veins, Melasma and acne. While a woman's physical appearance may undergo a tremendous amount of change, she may be considering cosmetic surgery to combat the problem. However, since pregnancy is such a delicate time for both the mother and the baby, the topic of cosmetic surgery often raises questions as to whether it's safe or not. To help clear up any confusion, here are some common concerns about cosmetic laser surgery during pregnancy.

Cosmetic Laser Surgery on Acne During Pregnancy

Since acne during pregnancy is not a permanent problem, cosmetic laser surgery is usually not performed. To combat the acne better, dermatologists will usually try alternative measures like treating the acne with erythromycin. Other antibiotics like Accutane and tetracycline should never be administered to a pregnant patient. Topical AHAs are also often prescribed to pregnant women with acne. Of course, you should always consult a dermatologist before applying anything available over the counter, as these products could be detrimental.

Cosmetic Laser Surgery for Melasma During Pregnancy

Melasma is a condition some pregnant women have to deal with. Melasma is when a brown pigment tints the skin around the eyes and occasionally the cheeks or lips. Most common in Asian women, Melasma is simply an effect of the change in the body's hormones and is not dangerous to the mother or the fetus. It is actually heightened by exposure to the sun, even in small amounts. So, you can effectively prevent Melasma by wearing an ultra broad spectrum sunscreen. Cosmetic laser surgery has been shown to be ineffective against Melasma and in some cases, it even caused the area to become more prominent. After birth, Melasma is often treated with retinoid or alpha-hydroxy acids.

Cosmetic Laser Surgery for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs and broken blood vessels can be prevalent in the face, especially in pregnant women. In most cases, varicose veins, spider veins and broken blood vessels disappear after the baby is born, but not always. For women who have broken blood vessels in the face, cosmetic laser surgery is a safe method for getting rid of the problem. For varicose veins, a good pair of support hose will often help prevent them from occurring. Since they are so common during pregnancy, it's usually best to wait until after the birth to have them removed. Usually, cosmetic laser surgery is used in conjunction with injections of sclerosant to help remove the varicose veins.

Cosmetic Laser Surgery for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are another common side effect of pregnancy and there's not much you can do about it while pregnant. They occur when the skin is stretched to the point that the elastic fibers in the skin are damaged. Cosmetic surgery with a laser is often an option after the birth, but during the pregnancy, the only real treatment is through the application of vitamin E or emollient oils onto the area.

Other Types of Cosmetic Laser Surgery and Pregnancy

In truth, most cosmetic laser surgeries that are on the surface of the skin can be performed safely during pregnancy. Since the laser never penetrates the surface of the skin, it can in no way harm a fetus. Even if the laser is used on the abdominal area, there is no risk to the baby. However, laser eye surgery should be avoided while pregnant. This is because the hormonal changes in the body can actually change the patient's prescription. In fact, corrective laser eye surgery should be avoided until several months after the nursing period has ended.