Calling fellow lady hippies - de-fuzzing question!

Hi Fernlady,

As my recovery has been through the dark and cold months, I've been lucky that I've not had to worry about my legs on display!

However, I did shave before the op as I too couldn't bear the thought of fuzzies poking out through the TEDS. Word of caution though. On the day of admission, I was asked to point out any grazes or cuts on my body so that they can be covered in case of infection. If you are prone to nicking yourself whilst shaving, do bear that in mind. You don't want anything to get in the way of your op!

Dawn x

Hi fernlady. 

I got other 1/2 to do my legs every week with a lady electric shaver  till I managed to do them myself with my grabber.  To be honest to wax or otherwise will be a waste of money because within. 6 weeks you will be back at square one.  You should be able to do your bikini yourself with a lady shave too. 👍

I shaved my own legs before THR but since then I read somewhere that surgeons frown on that because it can be a source of infection if the skin is accidentally broken. Same for waxing too I imagine.

I went on a 2 hours hip replacement course held at our local hospital. They said don't shave for week before op. My legs now resemble a gorilla's!!!!! I was told don't wear TEDs so wearing jogging bottoms to hide my shame. 😀 Will have to ask my partne to shave them before I start physio in a couple of weeks. Oh dear. 

I was told not to shave or anything two weeks before the op, but if I did and had cut or anything they would not do the operation, they are very high on not risking infection.

I had a good MOT the day before my op and my partner took over de-fuzz duties after I got home from hospital. He even painted my toenails again for me which made me feel more human!

I don't wear a lot of make up but I still managed to put some on while I was in hospital so that I didn't frighten anyone. I really believe that personal grooming is as important after as it was to you before and doing your hair (with dry shampoo) and smelling nice is all part of your healing.

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I really hadn't thought about the risk of infection. I sometimes epilate which doesn't leave any nasty nick's or cuts so I'll probably do that the week before. I had visions of the surgeon holding my leg up in the air thinking I was a man! X

Hi Fernlady,

My hospital threated cancellation if I shaved before surgery. My solution was to wear colourful knee socks and long skirts/dresses during the restriction period. As long as the skirt hits mid calf, it looks like you have leotards on. Also funky coloured slip on running shoes from Propet for my swollen feet. You don't want to get sharp implements near your lower body after surgery and epiliating could also lead to an infection (ingrown hairs). Shaving with an electric razor is usually allowed but difficult unless someone can do it for you.  Let it grow then celebrate your new hip and the end of restrictions by getting a wax and pedicure. You can also wear those gauzy ankle length skirts if it is too warm for knee socks.  Good luck.

Prescription I gave to self. Beauty salon for leg wax and pedicure as near to the op as possible. Repeat at 5 weekly intervals

makes you feel good as well. At the pedicure preop I had colourless varnish on nails

Forgot to mention Fernlady that some people (me for instance) get 'feather leg' after surgery. All the skin on your leg below the knee peels off big time. It looks like you have feathers on your lower leg. Cream helps but is hard to apply with the no bending restrictions. You won't be worried about your hairy legs because the feathers look worse. I found that a long handled shoe horn could be used to apply cream to my leg then I put on the knee socks I mentioned in my previous post.

Hi Fernlady 

lol i was the same way got it all done right before and i made it to about week 4 and than started freaking out lol oh no my legs are hairy lol and my husband just laughed at me. I survived and at week 5 i was very careful and extended my arm out and managed to do a sorta good job lol luckily my legs dont get to hairy.

good luck 😀🤗

 

Oh yes i forgot i did it a week before because the hospital did say no shaving before surgery because if you cut yourself op will be cancelled so be very careful.

 

😂😂😂 to be honest that should be the least of your worries. Then again my hair is very fair. My daughter shaved my legs last September 24th for my rthr & they haven't seen a razor since. I asked hubby today would he de fuzz my lower legs as I'm back for 6 week check after lthr & he's quite happy to do the job. I'll keep u posted about how that goes. Nicks & cuts will be questioned pre op though so just be careful. I was told no waxing 2 weeks prior to op

I had a full mot as well before l went in for my 1st thr and had my toenails all cut an filed. I am lucky enough to be quite fair and even when it does grow in you can't really notice it. But after getting oit 6 weeks of wearing tedd constantly makes your legs so dry even with cream. Tbh it makes no diffrence as going into hospital your pride goes out the window usung bedpans and people washing you the least of my worries was if l was hairy but l was fine both times l was prepared. I am sure the nurses have seen some sights. Just us ladies that worry about looking unhairy. Ha ha