Preemptive Hair Removal Before Surgery: Tips and Advice

Looking at a pan proctocolectomy surgery in the relatively near future... which is probably the right thing to be doing, however scary it looks from this side.

I do, however, have a fair amount of hair on my abdomen, and am therefore thinking about preemptive permanent hair removal methods. Anyone else had the opportunity to try this, any suggested methods to try/avoid?

Doing it in advance should, I hope, make it an easier process, rather than trying to work around a stoma - and not having to deal with hair removal is something I know I'd benefit from; there's a reason I wear a beard...

This is a first.

So you're a hairy beast? Are you? Would King Kong worry? He got the girl!

Just pulling your chain, dude.

They are gonna shave you, but I understand your concern. Not sure a weed whacker is in the O.R., but...

All kidding aside, if you begin shaving, you might cause irritating skin. Maybe using something like Neat? A lotion you apply that removes hair without worry to skin? I'm sure there are lotions and potions out there. You are the first to want a preemptive strike. I do understand why, though.

Others may chime in with ideas. Welcome to the joint. Good to have you.

G-Day IGG, I once recommended this to people who know they are going to get a stoma, but find out first from your surgeon the position of the stoma and get him to mark it with a skin pen. Then go and see a good, and I mean a good, hair removal clinic that you have checked out beforehand. Regards, IGGIE

I've seen lots of people talking about having laser hair removal after surgery, but I've never seen anyone say they've had it. It makes sense to have it done before, as you're thinking of doing. All I can suggest is that even though you don't have a stoma yet, you can still see and talk to stoma nurses at the hospital where you will be having surgery. I would phone or email them to see what they suggest is the best option.

Warrior, there are hair removal lotions, but that is only temporary. There are all kinds of products out there; they each do different things in different ways to remove hair. Shaving affects the skin's surface, waxing takes it from the root and lasts maybe 4-6 weeks, and the lotions literally burn and melt the hair off, lol, and they can burn and irritate the skin. So I would not put it where the stoma is going to be or ever use it around the stoma. You, as well as I, know that skin needs to be kept pretty, clean, and non-irritated, especially with it being so sensitive. You would think by now they would come up with something else...

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Hi Igg'ster,

So how were you thinking about removing your abdominal hair? Reason I ask is that laser hair removal isn't really permanent, and once you have a stoma, you really don't want to be messing with your peristomal skin to repeat the process. And electrolysis is expensive and will take a lot of time if you have a lot of hair, as each hair follicle needs to be fried...one at a time. So I'm just curious how you were thinking about accomplishing this.

;O)

This is one situation where I can definitely say I'm glad to be a girl.

I really never thought about this. Although when my dad was in the hospital after a heart attack, he told me one of the most painful things is having the electrode patches removed.

Ouch!

Yes! That does hurt like hell, especially if they try to remove each patch slowly. The only way to do it is to take a deep breath and yank the sucker off as quickly as possible. And I keep saying if I ever need an EKG I'm going to shave my chest beforehand... but I never do. But if the technician knows their stuff... they'll shave the area for the patches first. But those folks are rare.

;O)

And we... my dear... are glad... you are one... too... 👋😁

Thanks all.

I'm not giving KK a run for his money, and I already have my girl alongside me ;)

If one method is “more permanent,” then I think it's probably worth the upfront cost…

Definitely need to speak to a nurse as well, and then a dermatologist.

I don't think any treatment is permanent, even laser. I've tried shaving; it worked fine for me, but I was always shaving every few days. I also tried sugaring, which I feel is much better and less painful than waxing. With the right esthetician, it's nearly painless, though you might suffer from occasional ingrown hairs. Some of the newer depilatory creams are very effective and pain-free. Do a search for what you might want to try.

Of course, keep all of those creams and anything else away from your stoma (I keep my one-piece bag on) and other sensitive areas; you'll only make that mistake once!