As a new mother, you’re constantly prioritizing your baby’s needs, but that doesn’t mean your own well-being should take a back seat. While you’ve embraced the joy (and exhaustion) of motherhood, you may also feel the desire to restore your glow, smooth fine lines, or simply take time for yourself. However, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s completely normal to feel cautious about pursuing cosmetic treatments. After all, your baby’s health comes first, and not all med spa treatments are appropriate during lactation.
At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads in Newport News, we understand your concerns. That’s why we’ve curated a list of safe, effective, and science-backed med spa treatments that can help you feel radiant without compromising your ability to breastfeed. Below, we detail six of our most popular lactation-safe treatments that can help you pamper yourself during this special time.
1. Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial is a non-invasive, multi-step facial treatment that uses a patented vortex fusion device to cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities, and infuse the skin with antioxidant-rich serums. It combines gentle acids (such as glycolic and salicylic) with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish your skin while removing dead skin cells and debris.
The ingredients used in a Hydrafacial are applied topically and do not penetrate into the bloodstream. There’s no systemic absorption, which means nothing reaches your breastmilk. Because the procedure is non-invasive, it involves no injections or drugs, making it an ideal treatment for nursing mothers who want to restore hydration, glow, and clarity to their skin.
2. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning involves the use of a sterile surgical blade to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface by removing dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz). This manual exfoliation technique promotes smoother texture, enhances the absorption of skincare products, and creates a flawless base for makeup. Dermaplaning provides an instant glow with no downtime.
Dermaplaning is a purely mechanical process: no chemicals, injections, or systemic agents are involved. This makes it one of the safest options for postpartum skin rejuvenation. Because it’s gentle and doesn’t involve heat, there’s no risk to your baby through breastfeeding.
3. Microneedling (SkinPen)
Microneedling, particularly with SkinPen, the only FDA-cleared microneedling device in the U.S., creates controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface using fine, sterile needles. This stimulates your body’s wound-healing process, boosting the production of collagen and elastin. Over time, this helps reduce fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture issues.
Microneedling is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve the use of synthetic fillers, toxins, or systemic medications. While some redness and inflammation can occur, the healing response is localized. For added safety, we use serums that are free of ingredients contraindicated in breastfeeding, and we always tailor the treatment based on your skin’s sensitivity.
4. Chemical peels (superficial)
Superficial chemical peels use a mild acid solution, such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. This encourages cellular turnover and reveals fresher, more radiant skin underneath. Superficial chemical peels are ideal for addressing pigmentation, dullness, acne, and fine lines without significant downtime.
Superficial peels involve ingredients that are either not absorbed into the bloodstream or are used in concentrations low enough to avoid systemic effects. Since the treatment is localized to the skin’s surface and doesn’t involve injections or sedation, it’s safe for nursing mothers. However, we always avoid application near mucous membranes for optimal safety.
5. Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles with concentrated light energy, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This energy damages the follicle to prevent future growth. Over multiple sessions, hair becomes finer, sparser, and eventually stops growing altogether.
Laser energy only penetrates to the depth of the hair follicle and does not reach the bloodstream or breast tissue. It has no effect on milk production or composition. That said, hormonal changes postpartum may affect hair growth cycles, so your results might differ slightly compared to pre-pregnancy treatments, but the safety profile remains unchanged.
6. Facials
Our customized facials include deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, and targeted serums based on your skin type. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum acne, dullness, or sensitivity, our facials can be tailored to restore your skin’s balance and vibrancy.
Facials are topical treatments that do not affect internal systems. We use high-quality, medical-grade products from trusted brands like ZO Skin Health, skinbetter science, and EltaMD, all of which are carefully selected to avoid harmful ingredients during lactation. Plus, facials offer a relaxing moment of self-care, which every new mom deserves.
Pamper yourself (you deserve it)
Motherhood doesn’t mean pressing pause on your self-care. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can safely pursue aesthetic treatments that make you feel beautiful, confident, and refreshed, even while breastfeeding.
At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, our expert providers understand the unique needs of new mothers. We help you achieve natural-looking results using treatments that are supported by clinical evidence and real-world experience. Book your consultation today and discover the safest ways to care for your skin during this special chapter of your life.
