Can you pluck nipple hair before a breast augmentation?

Question

can I pluck nipple hair before a breast augmentation? If so, how many hours or days should it be before surgery?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

I would avoid plucking or waxing nipple or areolar hair close to breast augmentation. Plucking can create tiny breaks in the skin or an irritated hair follicle, and even a small pimple or folliculitis near the incision area can be a reason to delay surgery.

If it is something you routinely do, ask your surgeon for their exact preference, but I would generally stop at least 1 to 2 weeks before surgery and make sure the skin is completely calm. In the days right before surgery, trimming with clean small scissors or an electric trimmer is usually safer than pulling the hair out. If you develop redness, tenderness, swelling, drainage, or a bump in that area, let your surgeon know before the operation.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Although it may be okay to pluck hair before your surgery, it would be best to ask your surgeon. This is because each surgeon has their own pre-op instructions.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is no need to pluck your hair prior to surgery. If you are doing it because you would prefer to do it, I would recommend at least 3-4 days prior to surgery. Good luck on your upcoming surgery!

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would recommend doing this at least 2-3 days before to minimize potential skin trauma prior to the surgery.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It is possible to get a small follicle infection if you pluck the hairs.  Its probably safe to do this about a week or more prior to surgery.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

You don't really need to remove the hairs, if the doctor needs to remove it will be done in the surgery, don't you worry about this.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Not sure how much it matters, but if your skin gets irritated when plucking, then giving your skin 
time to heal is always a good idea. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

It is safe to pluck nipple hair before breast  augmentation surgery. You can also continue after the surgery

Mustafa Aydinol, MD · Answer

If you are going to pluck one week would be enough. Make sure to use daily antiseptic solution to clean the nipple area. Usually there is nothing to worry but it would be okay to take precaution.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jessica1234678910,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Can you pluck nipple hair before a breast augmentation?

Answers (12)

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