Motherhood is a great joy. Most women visualize the day they get to see their young ones. They start anticipating their birth from the time they receive the news on their pregnancy. However, pregnancy has its own share of challenges.
Among them, one is likely to experience some unprecedented changes in their appearance. Mothers may put on some weight or experience hyperpigmentation that may affect how they feel about themselves.
Microneedling is a new procedure that most turn towards to address these concerns. However, there isn't much information on whether this procedure is safe during pregnancy for the unborn baby or even the mother. And so in this article, we shall explore this procedure and answer the question on whether it’s safe during pregnancy. And as enticing as it may sound, the procedure may not be favorable to a pregnant woman. Let's find out why!
Understanding Microneedling
Before we dive into the nitty gritties of the potential risks and benefits, let us first go through how the procedure works. Microneedling induces collagen production by creating tiny punctures on the skin’s surface.
This is done using tiny needles that create controlled punctures on the desired area prompting the body’s natural healing process. A derma pen is used in the procedure to make the tiny holes on the skin’s surface. The skin responds to the injuries by producing more collagen,the protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s laxity.
Skin issues addressed by microneedles
Microneedles are used to treat specific issues that manifest as we age. These issues include:
- Enlarged pores -Microneedling treatment can reduce large pores preventing excess sebum production. Increased sebum production is often associated with acne due to the clogged pores. Microneedling addresses this by shrinking the pores leading to smoother and tighter skin.
- Hyperpigmentation- Increased collagen production addresses discoloration on the skin’s surface. Hyperpigmentation often occurs after the skin is exposed to harmful sun rays causing increased melanin production in particular areas.
This is likely to occur on the forehead, chin area and the neck. Increased hormonal production can also cause increased melanin production thus hyperpigmentation. Microneedling helps improve the skin’s texture reducing dark spot appearance and regulating melanin production.
- Scars- Scars are often left on the skin after trauma on the dermis,either from a surgery, acne or an injury. Microneedling prompts skin regeneration reducing the appearance of scars.
- Wrinkles - Increased collagen production helps reduce wrinkle appearance due to increased skin laxity giving you that nice youthful look.
The depth and length of the needles varies according to the skin concerns you want to address. For instance if you are looking to address issues such as skin deep hyperpigmentation,your practitioner may recommend longer needles to enhance the procedures effectiveness.
Is this procedure safe for pregnant women?
During pregnancy, women go through numerous body changes, some of which may affect the skin’s appearance, especially as a result of the fluctuating hormones. Pregnant women are likely to experience hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne and increased stretch marks.
These changes are abrupt and may affect their self esteem. As such they are more likely to seek cosmetic treatments to address the various concerns. However, procedures such as microneedling are not recommended during this period as they may jeopardize the unborn child’s safety.
However, we still believe this is a personal choice and the mother should make an informed decision after proper guidance on the pros and cons of the procedure. Let us dive in and find out.
Risk of infection
Microneedling is generally safe especially due to the procedures minimal invasiveness. Even when the procedure is carried out by an experienced medical practitioner,there is still a risk that the small holes on the skin’s surface may increase the treatment areas’ susceptibility to bacteria causing infections.
During pregnancy,the body experiences a lowered immune system to accommodate the fetus. As a result, the infections may take longer to heal or the skin may take a harder hit further deteriorating the skin’s appearance.
This may pose a risk to both the mother and the unborn child. Additionally, pregnant mothers are at risk of a blood borne infection,also known as sepsis. Sepsis is uncommon in most cosmetic treatments,however, due to the reduced production of white blood cells in the mother’s body,the condition may manifest after a microneedling procedure.
It is therefore recommended that the mother should wait until the child is born to undergo the procedure.
Potentially harmful aftercare
Your medical practitioner should provide proper aftercare tips immediately after the procedure. The aftercare may include the use of topical serums with AHA and BHA ingredients. Creams containing hyaluronic acid and retinoids may also be recommended to improve the procedure’s efficiency.
It is important to note that not all ingredients are safe to the unborn fetus at this period. Remember that everything the mother takes in is likely transmitted to the unborn child. Components such as retinol contain teratogenic elements that may cause birth defects. Mothers are therefore recommended to avoid the procedure entirely to protect their unborn children from the harm the aftercare products may present.
Pain and Discomfort
From the first trimester, a pregnant woman may suffer from illnesses that may cause her some discomfort. Microneedling involves creating punctures on the skin’s surface;patients may experience some pain after the local anesthesia wears out, especially during the first few days after the procedure.
Additionally, due to hormonal fluctuations, the skin is also more sensitive during pregnancy. This is pertinent especially when longer needles are inserted causing deeper punctures. As a result, the patient may be more reactive to treatment, causing more pain and discomfort during pregnancy. This may also delay the healing process,presenting unprecedented complications for the mother during pregnancy.
The pain experienced after the procedure is expected and your practitioner is likely to advise some treatments to reduce the swelling. However, some pain relief options presented before patients may be risky to a pregnant mother’s overall health.
For instance, numbing creams may contain lidocaine, whose effect on a fetus is still unknown. Lidocaine use in low doses is not considered lethal, however, it is still unclear what happens once the agent is repeatedly used by a pregnant mother.
Limited Research on the topic
You may find various texts online on microneedling and the potential side effects. However, there is limited information on the effects of microneedling treatment during pregnancy. The lack of research on the issue adds on to the risk since no one can affirm whether the procedure is entirely safe for pregnant women.
With limited information, inexperienced practitioners may be short changed in offering proper guidelines to pregnant mothers. In light of these facts, pregnant women are advised to avoid the procedure until postpartum.
Counter reactive results
During pregnancy, the body shifts all its defense mechanisms towards anything that may harm the unborn child. Microneedling may increase chemical absorption from the different skin care products used in the aftercare procedures.
As a result, your body will typically respond by producing antibodies to fight the unknown chemicals. As a result, you may experience more redness and scarring,further complicating the procedure.
It is therefore advisable that pregnant mothers wait until their child is born to ensure the child’s safety and to prevent worsening of the skin’s condition.
Psychological Stress and Anxiety
As mentioned, during pregnancy, the mother is likely to experience numerous changes that may take a toll on her mental health. Undergoing additional cosmetic procedures may accelerate anxiety amid the diverse demands of pregnancy.
Psychological stress may manifest as the mother worries about the potential risks of complications that may arise after the microneedling procedure, especially for their unborn baby. The stress could affect the mother’s overall health and could potentially lead to a miscarriage.
Additionally, undergoing the medical procedure could shift the mother’s focus from the child to enhancing their appearance. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look good while pregnant, you are advised to focus on the positive aspects of pregnancy.
This will ensure you are well prepared, even mentally, to welcome your baby. It is important to remember that there are many beautiful aspects of pregnancy that have nothing to do with your skin.
Recommendations to pregnant women
Having explored the potential benefits and risks associated with microneedling during pregnancy, we can conclude that the risks outweigh the benefits. Dermatologists will therefore suggest that you wait until the nine short months are over before undergoing the microneedling procedure.
They often advise against it due to the lack of research in the safety of the procedure during pregnancy. Additionally, dermatologists recommend that you consult your medical practitioner before undergoing the procedure while pregnant to address any concerns you may have.
When is it safe to get a microneedling procedure
We have already established that it is safer to wait until after pregnancy to get the procedure. However, one may ask, how soon is too soon. Some doctors will recommend that you wait until you are done breastfeeding before undergoing the procedure.
This is because some aftercare treatments such as topical treatments, once absorbed into the skin, may still be transferred to your baby through the breastmilk.
After breastfeeding you can now use the micro needling procedure to address your hyperpigmentation, saggy skin, stretch marks and acne through skin regeneration.
What are some alternatives pregnant women can consider
Having established that undergoing a microneedling procedure during pregnancy might not be a good idea,let's look at some other safer options pregnant women may explore during this period:
1. Adopting a pregnancy safe skin care routine
You may consider adopting a personalized pregnancy safe skin care routine to ensure you maintain your glow throughout the nine months. Using a gentle exfoliator and a hydrating moisturizer may help address some concerns you may face during pregnancy such as flaky skin and discoloration.
Using a gentle exfoliator is also pregnancy safe and can help you get rid of dead skin ensuring you maintain your glow while evading the risks presented by microneedles.
2. Maintain a proper diet
It is essential to ensure that you take a balanced diet during pregnancy, not only is it good for your unborn child,but it also helps you to improve your overall health. Additionally,eating foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants helps boost the body’s immunity addressing most skin concerns.
Some foods also help balance your hormones significantly reducing some common skin issues likely to be experienced during pregnancy. Mothers are also advised against fatty foods as they may cause more acne on the skin especially on the T-Bone.
3. Pay attention to skin changes
Pregnant women should ensure they keep track of all changes they experience on their skin. Neglecting your skin can exacerbate hormonal changes causing more damage.
Keeping track of the changes can help them address any concerns during their onset. This way they can avoid prolonged hyperpigmentation and poor skin texture.
4. Educate Yourself
As mentioned, there is limited information on the effects of non essential skin care on pregnant mothers. However, it is important to keep abreast with any emerging information that may come up on cosmetic procedures. Doing this will help you make an informed choice before deciding on a cosmetic procedure.
5. Be Patient
Microneedling is a non essential procedure, therefore pregnant women can afford to wait a few more months before undergoing the procedure. Doing this will ensure proper healing of the tiny punctures,giving you that desired rejuvenated look.
6. Consult your doctor
If you begin seeing changes on the skin, communicate with your doctor immediately. This will ensure you are well informed on the effective treatments that will ensure you and your baby remain healthy. Additionally, talking to a doctor can help you ease the tension since they can assure you the changes are normal and they should be gone in a few months.
Conclusion
During pregnancy,the skin goes through numerous changes. Mainly due to the hormonal fluctuations and the stretching that occurs as the body tries to accommodate the fetus. The changes are likely to affect the mother’s self esteem especially if she does not have the right support around her.
These changes may tempt the mother to undergo cosmetic treatment to try and mitigate them. However,dermatologists advise against these procedures during pregnancy including microneedling. This is due to the limited research on the side effects of microneedling during pregnancy.
Additionally, the aftercare remedies practitioners are likely to recommend are not considered safe for the unborn child. Therefore is microneedling safe for pregnancy? No. We recommend that you wait until your child is born before getting the procedure done for best results.
Why choose Diaminy Microneedles
At Diaminy your health is our priority, we care for you and your unborn child. We also ensure you receive optimum results from our procedures therefore ensure you are properly informed before undergoing any of our procedures. Our team of experts also ensure that every product is tested before being released into the market. Additionally our blogs reveal all the information you may need to know about our products.
Visit http://diaminyaesthetics. com today for more details.
