Am I supposed to shave my underarms before pec implant surgery?

Question

In three weeks, I’ll be getting pec and bicep implants. They’ll be inserted through incisions in my underarms. Do I have to remove hair from my underarms, or anywhere else, before this surgery? Or is it done for me intraoperatively? Conflicting info online. Of course, I first asked this question to my surgeon's office, but couldn't get a definitive answer from the staff member I was able to get in touch with. Many thanks for any clarification!

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Shaving has its pros and cons, which is probably why you did not get a definitive answer. Sometimes shaving before surgery can cause infection in the surgery site. For our pectoral implant patients we usually shave armpits intra-op. It is best to ask your surgeon directly. Good luck!

Jose Segura, MD, PhD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, pectoral implant surgery; The best suggestion is not to remove hair from the surgery area until it is done before starting the surgery due to the risk of infection; and antibiotics should always be given before surgery as a prophylactic form. I hope you will consider this suggestion.

Am I supposed to shave my underarms before pec implant surgery?

Answers (2)