Motherhood is a joyful yet challenging journey. From conception and pregnancy to postpartum, your body undergoes numerous changes: stress, lack of sleep, breastfeeding, dietary adjustments, hormonal fluctuations, and more. After the “pregnancy glow,” which typically lasts for a few months due to optimal hormone levels, you may realise that your reflection in the mirror isn’t as radiant as it once was. Hair loss, hormonal acne, dull skin, loss of volume, and skin laxity—do these issues sound familiar?
The good news is, while aesthetic medicine won’t turn back the clock by a decade, it can help you regain a fresh and glowing appearance. How you feel about yourself is integral to your health because it impacts your overall well-being and mental health. Raising a child is challenging enough; you also need to prioritise self-care. While it’s natural to put your child first, remember that they’ll benefit greatly when you’re fulfilled. Dedicate a few hours each week to self-care—it’s not selfish; it’s necessary.
Note: The following treatments are suitable for non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding individuals. I’ll elaborate on this shortly.
Hair Loss: If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, I always recommend consulting your GP to ensure your thyroid and other hormone levels are within the normal range. If necessary, I can arrange the blood tests if you’re unable to obtain them through your regular GP. Once any underlying issues have been ruled out, and if you’re still noticing hair loss and thinning, we can explore treatments such as microneedling and mesotherapy, using specialised products to strengthen hair follicles and promote faster, stronger hair growth.
Skin Laxity: Your skin, the body’s largest organ, reflects internal changes. While hormonal shifts during pregnancy profoundly affect your skin, it’s worth noting that collagen declines by 1% every year after the age of 25. To stimulate collagen production, consider treatments like microneedling, collagen stimulation, and polynucleotides. These methods encourage fibroblast production, restoring plumpness and softening fine lines.
Lack of Moisture: During breastfeeding, it’s essential to significantly increase water intake to meet both your needs and your baby’s. Consuming at least 2 litres of water daily (excluding tea and coffee) is crucial. Despite efforts to stay hydrated during this demanding breastfeeding phase, your skin may show signs of dehydration first. When you stop breastfeeding, alongside a solid skincare routine, consider hyaluronic acid-based skin boosters like Profhilo®. They deliver a substantial moisture boost deep into your skin layers and this can transform your skin.
Acne: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger acne. If you’re experiencing adult acne for the first time, you’re not alone. We can review your skincare routine and incorporate medical-grade topical products and procedures such as chemical peels or oral antibiotics if necessary.
Loss of Volume: Between the ages of 25 and 55, the average person loses 5-6ml of facial volume. This loss can vary based on individual factors, and hormonal changes from pregnancy exacerbate it. Dermal filler injections can restore lost volume. The goal of dermal fillers isn’t to be noticeable but to provide a natural enhancement compensating for natural volume loss.
Hyperpigmentation: One of the primary skin concerns after pregnancy is hyperpigmentation, particularly melasma. After a thorough consultation, I can prescribe medical-grade skincare products. We’ll also discuss chemical peel options, as different products are available depending on your skin condition and goals. A series of superficial or medium-depth peels may be recommended.
Why Can’t I Have Treatment During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
While there’s no scientific evidence regarding harm from cosmetic injectable treatments to a baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding, no studies can definitively confirm or deny this risk. Therefore, precautions should be taken.
Topical treatments can consist of very small molecules that, when absorbed by the body, may impact baby development.
During breastfeeding, your hormones haven’t returned to normal, so treatments may have unexpected side effects due to changes in metabolism and skin sensitivity.
As part of our partnership with French Nanny, I’m excited to offer you 15% off your first aesthetic treatment! Just use the code FRENCHNANNY when booking your appointment at my Soho or Lewisham location through the link below:
https://www.fresha.com/book-now/french-care-london-wa8y2amf/all-offer?pId=662148
I can’t wait to meet you and help you feel like the best version of yourself!
Warm regards,
Elise Bernard