Shaving Chest & Armpit hair Shaving the hair in these area will likely help to minimize discomfort after surgery. It is a personal preference to shave your chest or armpit, but not a requirement.
Do not shave or wax any area on your body for a week before surgery (legs, bikini, underarms, etc.). Shaving can nick the skin and increase the risk of wound infection. If hair needs to be removed, it will be done at the hospital.
Do not shave near where you will have surgery. Shaving with a razor can irritate your skin and make it easier to develop an infection.
Razors can rapidly remove hair from the surgical field, but may result in small cuts and abrasions. This minor skin damage can provide an area where bacteria flora can multiply and potentially infect the surgical incision site. An alternative to using razors is powered surgical clippers.
The surgical journal Spine published a study that noted that infections were more likely in patients who shaved prior to surgery than patients who were not shaved.
When Can I Shave Before Plastic Surgery? If you do want to shave before surgery because it's part of your normal grooming routine, it's best to stop shaving about 48 hours before your surgery. Additionally, you will want to use an electric razor to shave as a way to avoid creating micro-abrasions.
You can't wear deodorant during surgery because it can leave a residue on your skin that's difficult to remove. This residue might make it challenging for the surgeon to cut through the incision site or accurately assess your skin circulation during surgery.
The day before your surgery, take an evening shower and wait at least one hour before you prep your skin with the antiseptic cloths. DO NOT shave or use hair removal lotions or creams on the area of your body where surgery will be done. Shaving can increase your risk of infection due to nicks from the razor.
Wax to reduce the appearance of stubble.
Visit a salon for a professional wax, or you can buy an at-home waxing kit if you want. If you're waxing the hair yourself, use barber scissors to trim the hair to about 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm), then apply a thick layer of the hot wax to your armpits.
Don't eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before top surgery. Make sure you eat a balanced dinner and prepare to get as much sleep as possible. Although you may find it hard to sleep, do not take any sleeping pills. If you have hair on your chest, shave it.
Because chest reconstruction top surgery is a major procedure, you will need to take time off from work and other normal routines to rest and recuperate. Most patients feel up to resuming sedentary work and very light physical activity within 7 to 9 days.
On the day of your operation, you will want to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to pull on and take off. On your upper body, you should wear a loose button or zip-up shirt or hoodie, because you will be restricted to a limited range of motion with your arms after surgery.
Hair is removed to avoid problems during and after surgery, for example when stitching up wounds or applying dressings. However, some studies claim that removing hair could cause infections after surgery and should be avoided.
Why is hair removed before surgery? Before a surgical intervention, it is common to remove hair from the area of the body that is going to have surgery. Hair can be removed using different methods, including clippers, a razor, or hair removal cream.
Since pubic hair is thicker than the hair on your legs or under your armpits, it's important to use a fresh, sharp razor. Then shave in the direction the hair is growing to avoid bumps and irritation.
Oral hygiene must be excellent prior to surgery. Therefore, way in advance of the surgery, the patient should brush, floss, and care for their teeth and gums twice a day. On the morning of surgery, brush and rinse with mouthwash or water.
Many are concerned that having their period at the same time as their surgery may cause some issues. Women who are on their period do not have any increased risk of complications, so it is perfectly safe to undergo surgery while on your period.
Axillary osmidrosis (AO) is common in plastic surgery. The mechanism is that the unsaturated branched-chain fatty acids secreted by the apocrine sweat glandal (ASG) gland in the axillary region are decomposed by bacteria distributed on the axillary skin to produce a special odor.
Carefully shave under the arms 48 hours prior to surgery. If there are any long hairs in the area of the nipples, carefully slip them with a small scissor. DO NOT SHAVE OR PLUCK THEM.
Do NOT Shave over the surgical site. Using a razor over the surgical site produces microscopic cuts and scrapes which fill immediately with millions and billions of bacteria. One of the worst actions you can do prior to a surgery is to shave your legs or arms. The surgical team loves to see hairy legs and armpits.