Carotid Surgery Scarring

[Wal59]

I recently had carotid arterial surgery to remove a blockage. It has left a significant raised scar about 3.5 inches long on my neck. It runs from two fingers under my left ear to just inside my Adam’s apple on my left hand side. I am told it will take 6-12 months to heal.

I call upon the collective knowledge of our group. Any tips for shaving around this destroyer of my modelling career (in my mind anyway)? Any suggestions as to how the healing process might be sped up? How can I ensure the scar is as flat as possible so as not to affect shaving in the long term?

On another note, you will realise how being told of the surgery upset me. I did not ask “Will I die?” Or “Chances of recovery?” Or “operation risks”. My first question was “How will my shaving technique be affected”. It goes to show how this hobby can change a sensible person’s priorities!

Thanks for your help.
Wal

 

[Happy Jack]

I have no experience of that operation, but surely no hair is going to grow over the scar anytime soon? In which case you can just shave around the edges carefully with a mild razor? A really slick lather from a decent shaving cream might make it more comfortable.

 

[gdawg55]

I recently had carotid arterial surgery to remove a blockage. It has left a significant raised scar about 3.5 inches long on my neck. It runs from two fingers under my left ear to just inside my Adam’s apple on my left hand side. I am told it will take 6-12 months to heal.

I call upon the collective knowledge of our group. Any tips for shaving around this destroyer of my modelling career (in my mind anyway)? Any suggestions as to how the healing process might be sped up? How can I ensure the scar is as flat as possible so as not to affect shaving in the long term?

On another note, you will realise how being told of the surgery upset me. I did not ask “Will I die?” Or “Chances of recovery?” Or “operation risks”. My first question was “How will my shaving technique be affected”. It goes to show how this hobby can change a sensible person’s priorities!

Thanks for your help.
Wal

I have a similar scar (ear to Adams apple), but from a different type of surgery. It took about 10 months or so before I was comfortable shaving with a DE. I used an electric razor for those 10 months until I felt like it was healed/reduced enough not to get cut during shaving. It's been several years now and I've had no issues with DE shaving. Occasionally I'll nick one little section that protrudes out a little, but only if I'm reckless.

Give it some time, then take it easy. I'm sure you'll be back to wet shaving soon enough. Hope your surgery went well and solves your issues.

 

[Senate515]

Although not the same thing, I had significant abrasions from an accident to my jaw line and cheek on one side of my face when I was younger and plastics told me to buy vitamin E capsules and cut them with scissors and put the goo on my healing face, I have no visible scars today thankfully, just a weird trouble area shaving due to hair growth in every direction. Just shave and stay clear of the scar for a bit until it settles down

 

[Wal59]

Although not the same thing, I had significant abrasions from an accident to my jaw line and cheek on one side of my face when I was younger and plastics told me to buy vitamin E capsules and cut them with scissors and put the goo on my healing face, I have no visible scars today thankfully, just a weird trouble area shaving due to hair growth in every direction. Just shave and stay clear of the scar for a bit until it settles down

Thanks for the prevention of scarring trick. I’ll give it a go.

 

[Wal59]

I have a similar scar (ear to Adams apple), but from a different type of surgery. It took about 10 months or so before I was comfortable shaving with a DE. I used an electric razor for those 10 months until I felt like it was healed/reduced enough not to get cut during shaving. It's been several years now and I've had no issues with DE shaving. Occasionally I'll nick one little section that protrudes out a little, but only if I'm reckless.

Give it some time, then take it easy. I'm sure you'll be back to wet shaving soon enough. Hope your surgery went well and solves your issues.

Thanks mate. That gives me comfort that the world has not come to an end. I’ll do that. I have never used an electric. Any recommendations?

 

[gdawg55]

Thanks mate. That gives me comfort that the world has not come to an end. I’ll do that. I have never used an electric. Any recommendations?

I have a Braun 7 series, but at that time I had a Panasonic. Both worked pretty good and are easy on the skin…..shouldn’t bother your scar but be careful. Haven’t used my electric since I started wet shaving again but it’s here if I ever need it.

 

[ks6c]

I didn't have a scar but had a hemorrhagic stroke and spent more time than I cared to in a hospital/care facility. My first question was "do you have a safety razor" All they had were carts, of course, so I told 'em I was growing a beard.

 

[santamariasteve]

Have you discussed your questions with your surgeon? What advice was given to you?

Is a turtleneck sweater an option, at least part time?

Best wishes for a speedy and satisfactory recovery!

 

[aussietanker]

I call upon the collective knowledge of our group. Any tips for shaving around this destroyer of my modelling career

Again, no knowledge of this specific scar but I would suggest using an electric razor specifically designed for "sensitive parts" of the body!

There is a company called "manscaping" or something similar that makes an electric razor specifically for shaving "down under" (and I don't mean Australia!)

If it can handle those parts without cuts n nicks etc it should be able to handle a scar of that nature. I'm not sure if we are allowed to make specific recommendations or links on here but you should find them via google easily enough.

It's relatively inexpensive at USD$70 which I think includes free shipping CONUS

Happy shaving!

 

[100pctFragranceFree]

I'll join with santamariasteve in wishing you a quick recovery. Seems to me the electric razor is a good suggestion, but when the time comes to go DE again, you can get a Slim and shave around the scar on Level 1. Level 1 is really close to not shaving. (You can experiment with Level 1 on non-scar areas first to see what I'm talking about.)

 

[Filudo]

If you want to minimize scarring : avoid all sun for 6months, I would use tape (micropore) on it to avoid tension (nicer healing).

Shaving around the area: get a Norelco one blade razor, some Lectric preshave and shave every 2-3days rest of the face use anything you want.

 

[aussietanker]

And in the matter of the scar healing. I'm not a qualified medical professional so take this advice as general information only, but there are a number of ways to help minimise a scar. In particular, corticosteroid creams, silicone gel, zinc supplements, some specific massage and laser techniques all been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars over time. No way is this an exhaustive list, but best advice would be to get more information on this matter from your medical doctor or specialist that did the surgery.

Good luck with the recovery. Hope it goes well for you

 

[Wal59]

Have you discussed your questions with your surgeon? What advice was given to you?

Is a turtleneck sweater an option, at least part time?

Best wishes for a speedy and satisfactory recovery!

Thank-you Steve. At my age my turkey neck can be hidden by a turtle neck! Good suggestion as to the surgeon. He is getting back to me. He has worn a beard for 30 years so needs to consult.

 

[Wal59]

Again, no knowledge of this specific scar but I would suggest using an electric razor specifically designed for "sensitive parts" of the body!

There is a company called "manscaping" or something similar that makes an electric razor specifically for shaving "down under" (and I don't mean Australia!)

If it can handle those parts without cuts n nicks etc it should be able to handle a scar of that nature. I'm not sure if we are allowed to make specific recommendations or links on here but you should find them via google easily enough.

It's relatively inexpensive at USD$70 which I think includes free shipping CONUS

Happy shaving!

Cheers mate. I’ll have a gander.

 

[Wal59]

I'll join with santamariasteve in wishing you a quick recovery. Seems to me the electric razor is a good suggestion, but when the time comes to go DE again, you can get a Slim and shave around the scar on Level 1. Level 1 is really close to not shaving. (You can experiment with Level 1 on non-scar areas first to see what I'm talking about.)

Excellent idea. Thank-you.