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.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Others have answered your question BUT the bigger issue is your choice of incision.  I find this scar worse than other choices - every time you raise your arm people will see your scar.  That means that when you're at the beach, your scars will be visible.  The complications are also higher with this technique, in my humble opinion.  I wish you the best of luck and hope you get great results!!!

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!

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Great question and everyone asks it. I ask people to wait 3 weeks after surgery to start shaving again and they can shave the night before surgery

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Normally this can be done after a period of 4- 8 weeks after surgery, as your body has healed the scar.Dr. Campos

Arun Rao, MD · Answer

I would recommend hold off on shaving for at least 2 weeks after surgery. I would discuss with your surgeon about an axillary approach for your augmentation. The approach has largely fallen out of favor because of less precise pocket dissection than periareolar or inframammary approach.  Discuss the pros and cons with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

You have been given your answer regarding shaving after an arm pit incision for breast augmentation.  I, however, would like to caution you about this choice.  Presently the state of the art breast implant is a cohesive gel silicone implant.  This implant cannot be inserted through the arm pit.  Secondly, it has been my experience that the arm pit incision, though not on the breast, is generally a much poorer scar than the one on the breast itself.  Also, since you're much further way from the position where the implant belongs, there is a much higher incidence of displacement of the implant.  If you still desire to do this, make certain that whomever you choose does this constantly and the results that you're shown are highly acceptable.

Shaving with armpit incision for breast augmentation?

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