Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Cosmetic Treatments: 4 Questions Answered?
Pregnancy can be an overwhelmingly happy and exciting time of life for many women, and one that brings with it changes in many areas of life. Through all these hormonal, physical and emotional changes, one of the most important things will always be the health and well-being of yourself and your baby. While you carry your baby, their health is intricately linked with yours and there are many adjustments that you must make to your life because of this. From cutting out sushi and alcohol to refraining from heavy lifting, when pregnant you quickly learn that several every-day and seemingly innocuous habits are actually dangerous during pregnancy. This month, we answer your questions about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and cosmetic treatments. Keep reading to find out when you can safely book wrinkle treatments in Melbourne again, after this stage of life.
Can I Get Wrinkle Treatments or Skin Volume Enhancement While I am Pregnant?
It is not recommended to receive these treatments during pregnancy. The fact is that there is very limited research that tells us these treatments are not safe during pregnancy, and that means that there is also no data to suggest that they are safe if you are pregnant. When it comes down to the science, research, and data into potential effects on babies in utero is just not adequate enough to ensure safety. That’s why any professional and trained cosmetic practitioner will not perform wrinkle management treatments or skin volume enhancement on you if you are pregnant.
Cosmetic nurses, doctors, and surgeons will also advise against procedures such as these if you have a chance of or are planning to conceive within the next three months. In addition, if you have had wrinkle management treatments or skin volume enhancements, and would like to conceive, we recommend that you wait three months after your last treatment to begin this process. Our practitioners will also ask you if there is any chance you could be pregnant at an initial treatment consultation.
What About While I am Breastfeeding?
Similarly, we do not recommend these treatments during the time that you are breastfeeding. The research into breastfeeding shows clearly that nutrients and antibodies are passed from mother to infant through breastmilk, however it also indicates that breastmilk can transfer unwanted substances to babies too, such as nicotine and drugs. This is part of the reason that these cosmetic treatments are not recommended while breastfeeding, as again, there is very limited to no data indicating that it is safe.
An easy way to understand our stance on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and these procedures is to think of the very first tenet of medicine: Do no harm. It is because of this rule that we do not perform such treatments in these stages of life; because we cannot say without doubt, that they will not cause harm to you or your baby.
Is There Anything Else I Should Avoid in Terms of My Skin?
When you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should also know that there is another common skincare ingredient to avoid. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, has risen in popularity in the past couple of years within the world of skincare however, it is not safe for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Vitamin A (retinol) plays an incredibly critical role in the development of babies in the womb, and because of this, high dosages of retinol found in some skincare can actually interfere with this foetal development. That’s why it’s so important to avoid retinol products during this stage of your life.
It is important to ensure that you critically examine all of the ingredients in each of your skincare products, as there are many derivatives of retinol such as retinyl acetate and retinyl propionate, and these derivatives are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding either. Keep in mind that you should also be avoiding High-Dose Salicylic Acid, Phthalates, as well as other common skincare ingredients.
What are Some Safe Ways to Take Care of My Skin During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
There are effective and safe ways to take care of your skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Whether you want to treat some skin issues that may be occurring due to your pregnancy, or you would just like to maintain your tried-and-true skincare routine as best as you can, there are simple swaps or adjustments you can make to your skin regime during this stage of your life.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is essential to remember to always follow the clinical advice of a doctor, or medical practitioner when it comes to safe skincare products. That way, you can rest assured that you are not using any harmful ingredients inadvertently.
Are You Ready for Wrinkle Treatments in Melbourne?
If you are no longer pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, we would be thrilled to welcome you to our Cityskin cosmetic clinic in Melbourne for your treatment. When it comes to such treatments, our number one concern is safety. That’s why your skilled practitioner will always conduct a thorough pre-treatment consultation to ensure that these treatments are safe for each individual. With over 10 years of experience, and backed by the professional expertise and training of our team, here at Cityskin, we are ready to walk with you on your cosmetic treatment journey.
To begin your treatment journey with us, book a free 30 minutes consultation. If you are an existing Cityskin patient you can book an appointment online at a clinic of your choice, or alternatively, you can chat with us online now to find out more!