This discomfort and reminder could have an adverse effect on the psychological recovery of patients undergoing surgery. In 1979 Tkach, Shannon, and Beastrom conducted a study of patients having lower abdominal surgery to compare close shaving of the pubic hair with a technique developed to leave approximately 1 mm of stubble. By leaving stubble, it was felt that the patient would be less likely to develop pseudofolliculitis. Course and kinky hair is especially susceptible to re-growing out of the side of the follicle and curling up into the skin, causing an ingrown hair. The best practice is to refrain from hair removal unless it interferes with the surgical procedure or wound closure.
Razors have no place in the preoperative setting.
It has been reported that surgical residents or surgeons have used a razor to remove hair in an emergency situation to save time. In this situation, it would be better to leave hair intact. Depilatory Creams Depilatory creams are usually used the night before surgery. A skin sensitivity test must be performed to assure no allergies are present. Depending on the surgical site, the process can be time consuming and tedious, but may save the patient embarrassment if carried out before he or she reports for surgery.