Having a baby is no easy task. Your body is pushed to its limits whether you have a vaginal delivery or c-section and the recovery process can take time. But the urge to be you again may be a nagging thought. Whether it’s polished toes to trimming your lady garden the question when can I shave after a c section? Begs an answer.
When Can I Shave After C Section?
When can you shave after a c section? Shaving after a c section should only be considered after your incision has healed. Trimming hairs rather than direct shaving post delivery can help keep your bits clear but ideally you should wait at least six to eight weeks. If you feel you can shave before this time then seek advice before reaching for the razor.
Can I Shave My Private Area After C-section?
This is a question you may not think about until the time comes. Being a new mom has many highs. You finally have your baby in your arms yet us women still feel the struggle to look great. You are getting used to your deflating shape, when pregnant you may have embraced your bump, now post you has to accept your new body shape which can be a lot to take in especially if you need healing time after a cesarean section.
You should be using this time to concentrate on your health and part of this is down to how we feel in our own skin. Imposter syndrome can be very real at this stage which is why you may be fighting to get back to the neatly pruned and polished woman you were before being pregnant.
Here’s the deal, you have undergone major abdominal surgery and have a new 24.7 responsibility so fighting to snap back into your old routine may take you longer than you anticipated.
Best Recommendations
Most healthcare professionals will urge you not to shave within 24 hours after having a c section. It is not only an impractical process regarding the risk of infection but you may be suffering from bruising which can make bending, pulling, and lathering the skin quite painful.
When Can I Shave Pubic Hair After C Section?
You can feel quite vulnerable post section and having medics check the healing process of your c section scar can increase your embarrassment especially if you know your lady garden hasn’t been taken care of.
Top tip: healthcare professionals are only interested in the healing of your scar, they are by no means looking to see if you are on trend with the latest bikini line hairdo.
I totally understand the desire to feel neat and clean downstairs. This urge may be even more prominent whilst you are showing strangers your most intimate parts but the most important rule to remember is only shave after consulting a doctor. Jumping to save too soon can implicate your healing leaving you off your feet for longer.
When Is It Safe To Shave Over C Section Scar?
As mentioned any pruning of your lady parts should only be attempted when you feel as if your incision has healed, you have had the green light from your doctor or when you feel as if you are ready to do so safely.
There are two abdominal incisions used for a C section, one being vertically just below your navel down to above your pubic hair and the other used more commonly horizontally situated lower on your abdomen closer to your pubic hairline.
Typically we can assume that the vertical incision doesn’t really obscure your hair growth whilst the horizontal scarring can be a little close for comfort.
This is the main reason why you may be considering shaving the incision site. Shaving in itself can irritate your skin but doing so over scarred tissue can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process.
So if you are still wondering when can I shave after C section take a little look at the risks of shaving below.
Problems with Shaving
Here are some of the issues shaving can cause to any part of your body.
- Itching – scratching around or near a scar during the healing process can introduce harmful bacteria to your wound.
- Razor burn – causing extra irritation to the skin can leave you feeling uncomfortable and your skin sensitive.
- Ingrown hairs – causing bumps or pimples under the skin again can entice an itch or cause sensitivities.
- Cuts – you always underestimate those nicks from shaving but cutting close to your scar can prolong healing. Your body is already doing so much to fight back to its norm. Why make more work?
- Infection caused by exposed hair follicles – any infection is harmful yet contracting infections close to already vulnerable skin can cause your sutures to open and cause uneven scarring, not to mention the fact you may need antibiotics to clear it up.
- Time consuming – you have a newborn and whilst I appreciate your need to feel normal shaving is time consuming, doing so over or close to your wound will take extra time and precaution something many moms feel they haven’t got.
The utter thought of any of the problems mentioned above occurring near your suture scar is enough to put you off shaving too soon and many of the treatments for the above may be out of remit until you heal completely.
This doesn’t mean you have to rock the natural look forever but giving yourself the time to heal definitely sounds like the better option.
If you are still on the fence about going au naturel your thoughts may be leading you down an alternative path. You may now be considering alternatives to shaving.
Is Waxing Better After C Section than Shaving?
Getting a bikini wax in itself can be painful albeit for a little while the process of waxing shouldn’t be completed until you are totally healed.
To be sure, your scar should be free from all stitches, steri strips and there should be no scabbing or swelling visible.
After a C section your stomach will be extremely tender and sensitive to touch so the method of waxing is a big no go! No matter if you have the ready to use strips or visit your beautician any type of waxing debris along with the force of pulling at the skin can affect the healing process if applied too soon. It can take up to 6 months before your body is ready for you to be waxed directly over your scar.
According to Mayo Clinic postpartum, you can expect several changes to your body thanks to the hormones used during pregnancy being no more.
You can expect your skin to change which can sometimes leave it more sensitive than before which can make waxing a tough beauty regime indeed.
Tips To Get Back into Waxing
If you have waited the prescribed time and want to get back in the waxing chair then you must seek advice from your doctor and consult with your beautician. You are not going to be the first mom to sit in the beautician’s chair so talk about the process.
Being nervous is normal. You have gone through a lot in the past few months physically and emotionally so take it easy and opt for a less invasive wax to start with.
Do They Shave You Before the C Section?
Prior to your surgery, you may have a few questions about how to prep your body. The good news is you don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary.
Some hospitals will require you to shower using antiseptic soap, if you do this ensure you lather your bump up but you don’t need to shave. I know this may be a cringe worthy task for you after all it’s not every day you share your most intimate sections with medical staff but trust me when I say shaving 24 hours before your section can increase your risk of infection.
If you feel very conscious about the thickness of your lady garden then nurses may shave the area needed otherwise you should leave your pubic hair alone. Of course, if you don’t like the thought of allowing someone other than your partner or beautician to shave such an intimate area you can ensure it’s not as thick or high before you are due for surgery. Just keep in mind not to touch the razor within 24 hours.
Signs of Infection
Post section it is important to look out for any signs of infection at your incision site. You can expect to feel tender and bruised for the first few weeks but it is important to be on the lookout for any signs of infection.
If you notice any of the following symptoms no matter if you have shaved or not it’s important to seek medical treatment.
- Fever
- Extreme Tenderness
- Pus or any sign of infection
- Reddening around the site
- Swelling
- Holes in the scar tissue
- Foul smelling wound
- Severe pain
So, how long after c section can I shave?
It takes a minimum of six weeks for your abdomen to heal. Shaving too soon can introduce bacteria to your surgical area meaning you may be subjected to any of the above. So to be on the safe side allow your body to heal before shaving, nobody wishes for any further problems whilst trying to get back on your feet and caring for a newborn.
To understand exactly what you should do after surgery check out information from the Mayo Clinic. Don’t forget to ask questions to your doctor if you are unsure.
Hair Removal Tips Postpartum
If hair removal is required postpartum but the thought of shaving or waxing isn’t something you are ready for then you could consider the following.
- Hair removal cream – make sure you assess the ingredients and avoid application directly to your scar.
- Trimming – using scissors can keep your hairs at bay without giving you a completely hair free downstairs. Ensure you are careful not to nick yourself, your stomach is still contracting back to its original form so you may have looser skin around this area.
- Electric Trimmer – use with precaution and avoid trimming directly over your scar until it’s ok to do so. The vibrations from the trimmer can irritate your healing wound.
Of course, you still have to be cautious when eliminating pubic hair especially if your c section scar is close to your hairline.
Why Is Pubic Hair Growth Good?
There is a reason for pubic hair believe it or not! Even though we are led to believe that the hair downstairs is annoying and not on trend, letting it grow a little can benefit our health.
According to Avant Gynaecology pubic hair can help in the following ways:
- Protection for your skin – the skin around the vagina is sensitive so having a buffer can help protect it from friction and irritants.
- It can help block infections – pubic hair can act as a barrier to Sexually Transmitted Infections, yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
- Reduces the amount of sweat that can build up on your skin – having hair means that your natural sweat is pulled away from the skin.
- Regulating body temperature – the hair follicles release oils when sweating which helps to cool your skin.
Pubic hair serves a purpose! Who knew? So giving yourself a rest from the razor can benefit you in so many ways. Embrace your natural abilities whilst you heal you may find a new comfort in letting your bits beautify their natural state.
Wrapping Up
To conclude, when can I shave after a c section?
It’s best to wait for at least six-eight weeks or until your doctor gives you the green light. Feeling nervous about taking a razor to your lady garden is totally normal after all, the last sharp object to touch this area was the scalpel during your cesarean.
The best action to take is to wait till you’re ready and of course your body. Shaving too soon can cause implications to the healing process and I’m sure you will agree you are already dealing with enough pain and body changes right now to warrant leaving a little growth downstairs!
