Shaving with armpit incision for breast augmentation?

Question

I was thinking of getting a BA and would want the armpit incision but was wondering how soon after surgery would you be able to shave there again, and how would you avoid irritating the scar? Also is getting that area waxed before surgery a good idea? thanks!

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Underarm incision seems attractive at first, but one needs to consider the type of #breastimplants you chose (silicone gel versus saline), the amount of skin laxity and the position of the implants: above or below the muscle.Scar in the underarm is visible when your arms are extended.Risks and complications are higher with the armpit incision as part of the procedure is done bluntly, therefore more bleeding is expected.Implants tend to ride high - but not always.Finally, should you require a secondary procedure (removal of capsule, bigger implants, etc.), that same underarm scar can no longer be used and therefore, you end up with a total of 4 scars.In my practice in #Toronto and #RichmondHill, I consider this underarm approach mostly in patients known for keloid scars.On the other hand, scars around the areola or within the under #breast crease heal very well.It is important that you discuss all those points with the plastic surgeon you will choose.If you choose the underarm incision, you can shave 3 days pre-surgery or on the morning of the procedure (not the night before as risk of infection increase).  Best is to let your surgeon and his nurse do it at the time of surgery.  No shaving after surgery for 2 weeks.  I also do not recommend deodorant for 2 weeks.Good luck!Dr. Marc DuPere, #Toronto plastic surgeon, 416-929-9800

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

The armpit incision is great because in our experience these scars heal beautifully and once fully healed look like just another wrinkle in our armpit.  At our clinic this is the most common type of incision we use for breast implant placement and love the results.Following your surgery, you need to careful with the scar for two weeks.  For two weeks do not use a roll-on deodorant, but a spray one.  As to the shaving... two weeks... because you don't want to cut the stitches that are holding the edges together.As to the waxing, I would do it at least a week before surgery.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

The axillary incision for breast augmentation has increased risks which include: implant malpositioning, greater blood loss etc. Fewer surgeons are using that incision because of the data about those problems.Shaving after surgery over that area should be OK after 7-10 days, but you will have to use extra care and caution.If you tend to get irritation and ingrown hairs after waxing then I would definitely avoid waxing before surgery.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Catherin,   I use the armpit incision only for pectoral implants in men. They can shave the area 3 -4 days later as long as the wound healed well. I do not recommend the armpit incision to women because using instruments for the dissection of the pocket is less optimal for obtaining nice cleavage and a nice crease. On the contrary, sub areola incision allows dissection using the palpating finger which allows for a smooth and nice cleavage and crease. That area is very favorable for scar and it's location makes it appear as a natural line. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results.           Best of luck,                                Dr Widder

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Shave 2 days before surgery and  2 weeks after surgery. Easy to remember.  Please seek a doctor who does this procedure all the time. Good Luck!

Shaving with armpit incision for breast augmentation?

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Shaving with armpit incision for breast augmentation?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breasts augmentation

Answer: Breasts augmentation

Answer: Arm pit incision

Answer: Arm pit incision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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