Pregnancy and cosmetic procedures – what is advised!

Hi Dr.I- I have sun spots that I manage with IPL treatments and the hydroquinone 4% and I love Botox for my crows feet. I just found out I am pregnant-8 weeks (completely unexpected) and I just had an IPL and botox prior to finding out. How damaging can that be? I love your site and appreciate your time. Thank you.

Okay ……… let’s take these one by one.  The IPL is just light on the surface of the skin. and I have never any reports of pregnancy related problems.  We do not treat pregnant women knowingly (we always ask) just to be very conservative.

On the hydroquinone, definately stop it!  While it’s true that if you give large amounts of it to tiny mice, it can cause mutations, that has never been shown in human in the small amounts in your cream.  It is not FDA approved for use in pregnancy and why take any chances!  Ask you obstetrician about it please.

Again, Botox is not recommended for use in pregnancy and we never do.  Please also discuss with you obstetrician.  I do not know of any studies that show a concern about the small amounts used in cosmetic procedures.  The bottom line is don’t use it but also don’t panic!

You might also find my article on Pregnancy and Safe Skincare helpful! Congratulations!  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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