Answer to Question #3989 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Lasers

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I have been receiving both Smoothbeam and V-Beam nonablative laser treatments on my face, spaced at three weeks apart for a few months now, and realized today that I am nearly three months pregnant. I had my latest sessions only a week ago. I am extremely concerned that I may have done some harm to my fetus by having these multiple treatments while pregnant. Am I worrying unnecessarily, or should I be concerned?

You are worrying unnecessarily. Laser therapy is just high-intensity focused light of a narrow wavelength. It can only penetrate the skin a few millimeters and will never expose the embryo or fetus. There are no risks to your developing embryo. You should realize that all healthy mothers have a background risk for birth defects and miscarriage, 3% for birth defects and 15% for miscarriage. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Robert Brent MD, PhD

Answer posted on October 21, 2004. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.