When can I shave my armpits after breast augmentation with incision in armpit?

Question

I am 8 days post op. I had a breast augmintation and my incision is in my armpit. Sounds like a silly question but when can I shave my armpit and start wearing deodorant again?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

As you can see from the various answers given by excellent plastic surgeons, there is no one right answer.In my practice, the interrupted sutures come out in three days.  The next layer of sutures come out in five days.  My patients are able to shave their armpits and begin using deodorant on the 7th post operative day.Obviously, each plastic surgeon has his or her own paradyme for post operative armpit shaving and use of deodorants.  I strongly suggest you follow your own plastic surgeon's advice on this subject.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has different rules.  I would wait at least 2 weeks. I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Timing of shaving your armpits after an axillary breast augmentation is best answered by your surgeon.  I would avoid the incision for a few weeks but if you're careful you can shave the surrounding area after a week.

Daniel B. Kim, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out! As mentioned before, post op instructions vary from surgeon to surgeon. Maybe ask at your next post op appointment, or call into the office and ask a nurse. congrats on your recent procedures and best of luck!

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend no deodorant or shaving until the incision has completely closed which typically at 7-10 days. If you have concerns, contact your surgeon for his specific guidelines. Good luck!

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

When the hair is one inch long. No, just kidding.  As soon as the skin incision is solidly healed – probably around three to four weeks would be safe. But be careful even then.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!Thanks for the question and provided information as well.The best thing is to ask directly to your plastic surgeon, because all doctors have differents recommendations. Me, for example, recommed 2 to 3 weeks after surgery to avoid any complications.Hope this could help and good luck:)

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Please ask your plastic surgeon when you may shave your armpits after breast augmentation.   Your surgeon is the best person to advise you because the he or she is aware of how you are healing.  Generally speaking it likely will take three weeks for the incision to be stable enough for you to shave.

When can I shave my armpits after breast augmentation with incision in armpit?

Answers (8)

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