How long after arm lift can you wear deodorant and shave?

Hi and thank you for your question. Every surgeon will vary on this question, but I usually have patients wait 2-3 weeks until their incisions are  healed before shaving or applying deodorant, and avoiding directly shaving on the incision itself. I use tapes to stabilize the scar, so usually this area is covered after surgery with my patients. You may even sweat less because you will be resting for the most part. i agree with your thought that winter is a better time to do the surgery so that you can hide dressings/compression garments under clothing and not be overheated. I hope this helps and thank you for your question.

Thank you for your question regarding when you can resume using deodorant and shaving after an arm lift. Generally, after an arm lift (brachioplasty), it is essential to prioritize proper healing and avoid irritating the surgical site. Here’s what to consider:

For deodorant, you will typically need to wait about 4-6 weeks, or until your incisions are fully closed and there are no signs of drainage or open areas. Spray deodorants may be gentler on healing skin than roll-ons or sticks, but it’s always best to consult your surgeon for specific recommendations. They may suggest a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free option initially to avoid skin irritation.

As for shaving, you should also wait until your incisions are healed and there is no risk of disrupting the healing tissue. This typically occurs around two to four weeks post-surgery, depending on your healing progress. When you do resume shaving, use a new, clean razor and proceed with extreme caution to avoid any nicks near the incision line.

It's a good idea to consult with your surgeon during follow-up appointments to confirm when it's safe to resume these activities based on your specific healing progress. Preparing for the procedure during colder months, as you mentioned, is a wise strategy to minimize discomfort while avoiding these grooming activities.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thanks for your inquiry. I advise my patients to avoid shaving or wearing deodorant until the incisions on the arm / armpit area are well-healed. This could be as soon as 2 weeks postop, but longer in some patients if there is delayed healing.