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Answer to Question #2921 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation

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

Q
I am considering getting laser hair removal while trying to become pregnant and, depending on the timing, while pregnant. I found one question on your site that addressed lasers that were purely pulses of light. The conclusion was that they were safe. The laser my dermatologist uses is "Aurora DS." "It uses combined technologies of IPL (light) and RF (electricity) and allows levels of energy that are effective while extremely safe." The laser technician couldn't answer my safety question. Would the additional component of electricity cause any problems for the fetus or for conceiving?
A

You are correct in assuming that the laser radiation is safe as far as pregnancy outcomes are concerned. The laser radiation is electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength of light and is not penetrating like x rays. The exposure is only to your skin and would not penetrate farther than a few millimeters. Therefore, it would not expose the embryo or fetus. This is the same case with the RF radiation. It is radiofrequency radiation, not electricity per se. There is no increased risk for birth defects with these types of radiation. There are two other questions that directly refer to these two types of radiation (Q#2782 on IPL laser hair removal and pregnancy and Q#1830 on RF radiation and pregnancy). If you need more information, also look at Q #2648 and Q#541.

Ninni Jacob, CHP

Answer posted on 12 September 2003. 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.
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