Pregnancy and early motherhood are a significant chapter in many people’s lives. Alongside all the change it brings, the shifts in hormone levels during and after pregnancy can also lead to changes in your hair, skin and body. These changes are a normal part of the journey, and every person’s body responds and recovers differently.
Changes to your body during and after pregnancy
Skin: Changing hormone levels can affect the skin. Common, and normal, changes include dry patches, excess oil, congestion or breakouts, and pigmentation changes such as melasma.
Hair: It is very common to notice increased hair shedding a few months after birth. Higher hormone levels during pregnancy can prolong hair growth, so when those levels fall after birth, some of that hair is shed. For most people this settles over time.
Body: The abdomen may show skin laxity and stretch marks, and the breasts often change in shape and size through pregnancy and breastfeeding. These are normal variations.
Treatment options some people consider
These changes are a natural part of becoming a parent, and there is no need to treat any of them. For those who do choose to look at their options, there are non-surgical treatments people ask us about. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you — including whether it is suitable while you are pregnant or breastfeeding — is assessed individually at a consultation, along with the benefits, limitations and risks. Individual results vary.
HydraFacial MD
A non-surgical facial treatment that cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin. Vacuum suction is combined with different tips and serums, and LED light may be used afterwards to support the skin. Some people use it to address the appearance of dryness, excess oil, congestion and breakouts, and for general skin maintenance. Comfort levels differ between individuals.
Skin needling
Skin needling uses fine microneedles on disposable tips to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, prompting the body’s own collagen response. It is one option people consider for the appearance of acne scarring — see our article on treatment options for acne scarring — as well as superficial fine lines and minor sun damage. Serums can be applied during the treatment and are tailored to your concerns (for example vitamin-based, de-pigmenting or anti-inflammatory formulations). LED light may be used afterwards to support recovery. Results develop gradually and vary from person to person, and the treatment carries risks that are discussed at consultation.
LED (Healite)
A light-based treatment sometimes used to support the appearance of the skin and for general skin maintenance, including after other treatments. Results vary between individuals.
Injectable options some people consider after pregnancy
Some people also ask about injectable treatments once they are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding. These involve prescription-only medicines, so by law we cannot name specific brands, products or quantities in public information — these are discussed with you at a consultation, together with the benefits, limitations and risks.
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- Treatments for facial lines: some people consider an injectable treatment to address the appearance of expression lines. As with any injectable, suitability, risks and recovery are assessed individually.
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- Volume and contour treatments: some people consider an injectable treatment to address changes in facial volume. Numbing options and technique are part of the individual clinical discussion, and outcomes vary between people.
Injectable treatments are a considered decision and carry risks, including bruising, swelling and, less commonly, more serious complications. These are explained during your assessment.
MonaLisa Touch
MonaLisa Touch is a non-hormonal laser treatment that some people consider for vaginal dryness and laxity. MedAesthetics has offered this treatment since 2014. As with any energy-based treatment, whether it is appropriate for you, what result is realistic, and what recovery involves are assessed individually, and results vary between people.
Thread lift
A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure in which fine, absorbable threads are placed beneath the skin to provide temporary support to areas of facial skin laxity. It is not a substitute for a surgical face lift — its effects are more subtle and develop gradually, and results vary between individuals. Suitability, risks and recovery are discussed at an individual assessment.
Talk to the clinicians at MedAesthetics
If you would like to look at options to support your skin after pregnancy, our qualified team provides individual assessments so you receive guidance based on your goals, along with a clear explanation of the benefits, limitations and risks. To book a consultation at our Perth clinic, call us on (08) 9381 5840. We take the time to understand your individual skin concerns and, where appropriate, discuss a treatment plan tailored to you.
