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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #3347 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation

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

Are hair and tattoo removals, as well as other types of cosmetic laser usage, safe during pregnancy for both the patient and the technician.

Although laser radiation is a form of radiation, it is nothing like x rays or gamma rays, which are high-energy ionizing radiation. The laser has no physical ability to reach the developing fetus and there are no indirect effects. Therefore there is no increased risk. You can tell your technicians that their pregnancy risks are not increased.

Robert Brent MD, PhD

Answer posted on 28 January 2004. The information and material posted on this website 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 Website. 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.