Dermatologic and Cosmetic Procedures in Pregnancy.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Obstetrics
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Pregnancy often involves physiological skin changes like melasma and striae.
• These changes may necessitate medical or surgical intervention during pregnancy.
• Clinicians must carefully assess risks and benefits for procedures during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the safety and necessity of dermatological procedures during pregnancy.
• To guide clinicians in managing skin conditions in pregnant patients.
• To differentiate between recommended, cautious, and contraindicated procedures.

Main Methods:

• Literature search using PubMed with keywords related to pregnancy and dermatological procedures.
• Inclusion of studies focusing on safety, teratogenicity, and physiological changes during pregnancy.
• Analysis of available data to categorize procedure safety.

Main Results:

• Recommended procedures include electrocautery, radiofrequency, cryotherapy, and lasers for warts, alongside surgical interventions for skin malignancies.
• Procedures requiring a cautious approach include intralesional steroid injections, chemical peeling, botulinum toxin, microdermabrasion, and biopsies.
• Contraindicated procedures encompass fillers, sclerotherapy, and liposuction.

Conclusions:

• Only essential and safe dermatological procedures should be performed during pregnancy.
• A careful, individualized risk-benefit assessment is crucial for all procedures.
• Certain aesthetic and invasive procedures pose significant risks and should be avoided.