Is depilation before an operation or surgical procedure necessary?
Blog BackTable of Contents:
- When is depilation before surgery recommended?
- Potential risks associated with pre-operative depilation
Depilation before surgical procedures was once a common practice to increase hygiene in the surgical field. It was thought that removing hair facilitated access to the skin, allowed better sterilisation and prevented the transmission of bacteria. However, modern research and guidelines have changed this approach. Nowadays, routine depilation before surgery is no longer the standard, as it can do more harm than good. Shaving with a razor or using other hair removal methods can cause micro-injuries to the skin, which promote post-operative infections. This is why many medical organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), advise against hair removal without a clear need.
When is depilation before surgery recommended?
Although depilation before surgery is not usually necessary, there are cases where doctors may recommend it. This is mainly the case when the surgical area is densely hairy and the hair may make it difficult to make precise surgical cuts or stick bandages. Examples include heart surgery, orthopaedic joint surgery or surgery in the intimate area, where hair can be an obstacle.
If hair removal is necessary, it should be performed properly to minimize the risk of skin irritation. Shaving with a razor is not recommended as it causes microdamage. Instead, electric trimmers or epilators can be used, as they trim the hair without affecting the skin's surface. It's best to leave hair removal to medical staff who can perform the procedure in sterile conditions. However, if you have a scheduled procedure and want to feel comfortable, we recommend using soft wax, hard wax, or sugar paste, which work exceptionally well in such situations. After waxing or sugaring, hair regrows after about 3 to 5 weeks, so you won't have to worry about unwanted hair for a while.
Potential risks associated with pre-operative depilation
The decision to perform preoperative depilation yourself may involve risks. Shaving with a razor, waxing or using depilatory creams shortly before surgery can irritate the skin, cause allergic reactions or ingrown hair. These micro-injuries, although invisible, can lead to complications, such as surgical site infections, which can delay wound healing.
To avoid this, patients should consult their doctor before surgery to find out whether hair removal is necessary and which method to choose. If depilation is not advisable, it is advisable to leave the hair behind as it has a natural protective function for the skin. If depilation is necessary, it is advisable to carry it out a few days before the operation to minimise the risk of irritation and give the skin time to recover.
In summary, hair removal before surgery is not essential, but it can be done for your own comfort. It's advisable to consult with your doctor to determine if and how to best prepare your skin for the procedure. However, if you decide to go for soft wax, hard wax, or sugaring, we warmly encourage you to use the services of our Easy Waxing salon, where we have highly qualified staff.
