Thread: Rotator cuff surgery and shaving

So Wed. I'm going I'm for rotator cuff surgery on my dominant arm, I have a full thickness tear of my supraspinatus tendon. I was wondering if anyone has gone through similar and still used a straight while their arm was immobilized.

I know I'm not going to be able to use my hanging strop, so I wanted some advice on another route. I have not stropped with my left hand yet so I want to take into account the lack of muscle memory too.

Would a paddle strop be a good option or would a bench strop be better?

I don't feel I'll have much of a problem with the shave itself because at some point in every shave I use both hands on either side of my face.

Thanks for any advice.

I'd go with a bench strop. And start slow to reinforce muscle memory. And, as always, watch the pressure exerted. As light as possile for best results.

Most surgeons will recommend you do not lift your arm above 90 degrees for quite a while so I wonder how you are going to pull the skin taut. And don't be foolish and ignore that advice or you risk seriously scr*wing up the result of the surgery. With shoulders you do not usually get a second chance.

Originally Posted by Kees

Most surgeons will recommend you do not lift your arm above 90 degrees for quite a while so I wonder how you are going to pull the skin taut. And don't be foolish and ignore that advice or you risk seriously scr*wing up the result of the surgery. With shoulders you do not usually get a second chance.

The surgeon told me I would be immobilized for 6 weeks then it will be 3 to 4 months of no raising it above shoulder lever.

I am already aware stretching the skin will be an issues too so it will be more so just to knock the majority of the hair off.

Sorry you are going to be in such a pickle. I hope you heal fast.

Sorry for your issues.

I have tried to strop and shave while healing from hand/carpal surgery. The results were not good as I:
1. Ruined a good strop
2. Did not get good shaves
3. Shaving one-handed is not for me

My advice is use a DE until the healing is complete. Ruined equipment and possibly skin laceration is not worth the risk.

Now, if I am on pain pills I don't ever try to shave with a SR but get out the Gillette Adj and reflect back on my teen years.

Good luck with operation.

I didn't even think about the pain relievers. I may have to wait until I at least stop taking them. Dilaudid and percocet may make for a bad shave. I am quite tolerant to pain so I will probably only use them for a week or so.

I also do not want to develop dependency to them, having a history of addiction (8 years sober).

Back in '04 I took a fall @ 21mph off of my bicycle, on asphalt, and broke my collar bone. I was out of work for 5 weeks and not sure how long it was a hassle to shave. I'm pretty sure I went DE for the duration. I was fortunate that it was not my dominant right hand.

AFAIC in straight razor shaving stretching is essential, so with one hand immobilized I'd suggest a DE, or maybe a 'Good News' disposable. Hope you have a complete recovery.

Originally Posted by meleii

I didn't even think about the pain relievers. I may have to wait until I at least stop taking them. Dilaudid and percocet may make for a bad shave. I am quite tolerant to pain so I will probably only use them for a week or so.

I also do not want to develop dependency to them, having a history of addiction (8 years sober).

I was on Dilaudid when I ruined a great strop. Stay away from blades until you are completely healed.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Back in '04 I took a fall @ 21mph off of my bicycle, on asphalt, and broke my collar bone. I was out of work for 5 weeks and not sure how long it was a hassle to shave. I'm pretty sure I went DE for the duration. I was fortunate that it was not my dominant right hand.

AFAIC in straight razor shaving stretching is essential, so with one hand immobilized I'd suggest a DE, or maybe a 'Good News' disposable. Hope you have a complete recovery.

The rotator cuff is one of the most common problems with ironworkers nowadays, especially doing primarily rods and welding.

Im going to take everyone's advice and go with a DE.

Thank you everyone.