Beards and surgery

Perhaps not a very interesting topic for many of you but something very important to me, has anyone been asked to or read in literature that they would be required to remove facial hair before surgery?  I have had a full beard all my adult life and the thought of having to remove it is almost crippling to me.  Please share if you know anything good or bad.  Thanks in advance.

Since your surgery isn't on your face, I don't think you will be asked to shave.

I can' tree that it would be a problem, but you should check with your surgeon.

My man had hernia surgery (in other words, not anywhere near his face) and had to shave his beard. I almost picked up the wrong guy at the hospital because I didn't recognize him.

KIDDING. KIDDING.

I think it's going to depend on the preferences of the surgeon/hospital where you will be. The place where I was at, they wouldn't even let me have my frickin' earrings in during surgery, and that was a huge pain because my ears are stretched and it takes a wrench to get earrings in and out.

The only thing that comes to mind is that MAYBE some facial hair (depending on style/length/etc.) might make it difficult for the anesthesiologist to insert a breathing tube or fit an oxygen mask. I would imagine that if your beard is neatly trimmed, there shouldn't be an issue; my grandfather had a full beard and was on high levels of oxygen for the last few years of his life, often with a full-seal mask, and they never once made him shave.

Thank you all for your responses.  I am nervous enough about having surgery and the last thing I want is surprises so it is nice to get this information.

Just think of the change you will get from not having the beard.Don't let the beard define who you are. It is very hard to not be attached to things that make us unique.

You are starting a new journey. Both my son and my dad have full beards.I haven't seen my dad without a beard since I was like ten. It will grow back if you have to shave it off.What I said above I said it nicely and not snotty.Congratulations on having surgery.

Generally the anesthesiologist likes clear access to your mouth. If the hair gets in the way, it has to go. It's also a safety issue and infection risk with the surgery. If it's not out of the way and god for bid they have to shock you, there is potential to singe the beard. There's also the slight risk that the beard rubs on the incisions (depending on the length). 

Ask the doc and ask your anesthesia team what their preference is. Maybe you can compromise. 

Most times, beards arent a big problem  Sometimes mustaches need to be shaved so the breathing tube can be secured. There are beard covers that attach behind the ears. Heck, my suegeon has a big ol' beard! 

My dh had NO issue with his when he had his DS...He had just had it trimmed so it was nice and neat and not covering his upper lip (he has a beard and mustache). He even uses a cpap with it. Anesthesiologists never even mentioned it being an issue.