How much pubic hair needs to be shaved before an extended tummy tuck?

Question

For an extended Tummy Tuck, how much pubic hair needs to be shaved. Just the hair around the bikini line and mons pubis, or do the labia and down around vagina need to be hair free too?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Typically I recommend my patients to shave the supra pubic area before a tummy tuck.  Best of luck to you.

Benjamin Liliav, MD · Answer

Don't shave your pubic hair for at least 3 days prior to the procedure.Shaving actually increased the bacterial count due to this minor trauma.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, you actually don't need to shave anything, I have done many tummy tucks without requiring any shaving beforehand! But, should you feel the need, shaving the mons pubis area is helpful for the marking process and keeping the field sterile and clean. Hope that helps and good luck with surgery!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Funny655992,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

George Bitar, MD · Answer

At least in the United States, the surgeon will usually shave you in the operating room immediately before the procedure.  We use clippers and not razors, which has been shown to decrease the chance of wound infection after surgery.  The amount of shaving needed will depend on where the surgeon plans to make the incision for tummy tuck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The labia and vagina do not need to be free of hair. Discuss shaving with your surgeon's office because shaving at home hours or the day before the procedure does increase the risk of infection. I would suggest just trimming the hair shortly to avoid increasing the risk of infection. If your surgeon wants, you can be shaved in the OR once you are asleep.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  This is really best answered by your surgeon as opinions will vary widely.  Some surgeons would like a smaller area shaved, others the entire area, some will shave it for you, and others do not want it shaved at all.  Your surgeon will advise what is recommended for you.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Shaving hair is not recommended before surgical procedures. Doing so stirs up bacteria in hair follicles and increases infection rates.
The surgery team will trim hair using trimmers in the operating room leaving them a short stubble which is appropriate for surgery.
There’s no need for patience to shave in areas of surgery and most surgeons prefer patients do not shave immediately before the procedure.
When in doubt ask your surgeon for instructions.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Each plastic surgeon has their own individual protocol regarding pubic shaving before abdominoplasty based upon their training and clinical experience. Some surgeons will totally shave the pubic area. Some will shave the area around the proposed incision. Some do not shave at all!
Ask your plastic surgeon about their protocol.
Best wishes...

How much pubic hair needs to be shaved before an extended tummy tuck?

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