This topic is about managing hair removal around a stoma, especially when the stoma is located near the belly button. The person who started the discussion has an ileostomy and is finding it increasingly difficult to shave the coarse hair that grows close to the stoma. This can sometimes lead to leaks when hairs get trapped under the wafer. They are seeking advice on safe hair removal methods and are curious about whether their stoma's location is typical or if there is a standard placement that surgeons aim for.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

Stoma location:
1. Ideally, stoma placement is planned before surgery. Ostomy nurses usually mark a spot that avoids beltlines, skin folds, and bony areas.
2. Many men have stomas at the level of or slightly below the belly button. Some surgeons place them lower, especially for women who wear certain garments. The actual height can vary based on the surgeon, body shape, and country practices.

Hair-removal techniques that work:
1. Use a disposable twin- or triple-blade razor for areas outside the barrier ring, and fine surgical or craft scissors for the last half-inch next to the stoma.
2. Small battery or electric trimmers, like side-burn or bikini models, can be used. Removing the guard allows for a closer trim. One nurse suggests covering the stoma with the plastic cap from an adhesive-remover spray while trimming.
3. Ladies’ razors with a built-in trimmer, such as the Gillette bikini razor, allow you to get very close without nicking the skin.
4. Plucking individual hairs with tweezers when wax from an Eakin Seal sticks to them can be slower but painless if done once or twice a week.
5. An extreme method involves using a very sharp hunting or skinning knife like a straight razor, but only if you are highly skilled at sharpening and have a steady hand.

Methods to avoid:
1. Avoid chemical depilatories like No No, Nair, or similar creams, as multiple users report severe burning, rashes, and prolonged skin irritation.

Adhesion and skin-care tips:
1. Warm the flange or wafer with a hair-dryer just before application and blow-dry the skin after showering. This can improve the adhesion of Coloplast and other wafers that tend to lift near the belly button.
2. Consider changing the appliance a little sooner, as long wear times can allow wax from an Eakin Seal to harden around hair, making removal painful.
3. Keep a paper towel handy to blot moisture, then finish drying with the cool setting on the dryer.

Products and brands mentioned:
1. Eakin Cohesive Seal (wax ring)
2. Coloplast wafer/flange
3. Gillette women’s bikini razor with flip-down trimmer
4. No No, Nair (depilatory creams to avoid)