Shaving After A Neck Dissection?

Hello Gavin, i would steer clear of any swollen or sore areas and just shave where it has not been affected by the neck dissection, i used to use a wet razor before my operation but switched to an electric/battery one as there is less chance of cutting yourself plus the neck will not have all its feeling back which makes the removal of the staples more comfortable, all you will feel is a bit of pulling and a bit of blood which soon stops, its a great feeling having them removed as its another important step towards recovery. 

                                                                                                      Chris

Thanks Chris. I've wet shaved all my life (since I was 15) but I guess you're right. Time to invest in an electric shaver, at least until the neck has settled down with swelling etc

Pleased to hear the removal of the staples won't be too painful. Hopefully that will help some of the swelling go down and my neck won't feel quite so "tight" on the right hand side.

Once they're out I can crack on with all the neck exercises which I can't wait to get started on. 

It will definitely help with the tightness, good luck with the exercises i had to do some as i got shoulder pain due to the dissection as the nerves muscles and tendons are linked to the neck. Good luck

                                                                Chris 

I’d recommend a rotary electric shaver. I think Philishave are the best and are almost always on special offer in Boots

I use an electric razor and managed to hack at my beard a few days after the staples were out.  I actually use shaving as part of my checks on my neck having a good feel around as I shave.  The tenderness soon goes. 

3 weeks after my first neck dissection I was swimming with Manatees and riding the roller coasters in Florida!!  I had a second, more extensive one a few months later and when I tried the coasters just before last Christmas I have to admit that they clearly did more "damage" than the first time and I found many of the older coasters now very uncomfortable for my neck; or maybe that is just age catching up on me!!!

Totally agree with that.  All I would add is go mid-range on the Philishave.  I have a 9000 series that I don't like and much prefer my older 7000 series.

Agreed Peter. It’s not worth buying top of the range. The blades are pretty much the same whatever. You’re just paying for fancy features. I think mine (rechargeable) was about £50 from Boots. 

Rotary shavers I agree are easily the most efficient type; mine is a Phillishave also.

Thanks for all of the great tips everyone. I'll look into those products this afternoon.

How soon after the staples come out can I have a shave? I'm ready to get some of these hair's of my chin haha!

GavinP said:

How soon after the staples come out can I have a shave?

Was more than eight years ago for me so hard to recall, but I can't remember any delay being needed. It feels a bit odd at first as your neck is numb, so it's a bit like having a drink when you get home with a locally anaesthatised mouth from the dentist, there's a disconnect; but you get used to it.