This probably isn’t a topic relating to most people. I am a pretty hairy person so my breast surgery has thrown a spanner in the works. I have always shaved my underarms so now use an electric shaver. I had my arms and legs hit waxed a couple of weeks ago as an experiment prior to going on holiday. It was only after that I read hot waxing is a risk. So far I haven’t had any lymphoedema issues and massage my arm/ chest regularly. Is it safe to have my arms waxed again? Thank you
Hi wackyny
Thank you for your post asking whether it is safe to hot wax your arms after having had breast cancer surgery.
If you have had surgery to the lymph nodes from under your arm, extra care needs to be taken when removing underarm hair or hair on your arms. An electric razor, as you are now using, or hair removal cream are less likely to damage the skin and reduce the risk of lymphoedema.
Waxing your arm and under the arm on the affected side is usually not advised as there is a risk it can damage the skin or increase the risk of infection.
It may help to talk to your treatment team about this, and you may also find the organisation called the Lymphoedema Support Network of help.
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Best wishes
Teresa
Breast Care Nurse
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