The Effect of Different Preoperative Depilation Methods on the Healing of Wounded Skin in Mice

The study evaluated the effects of four preoperative hair removal methods on wound healing in 32 C57BL/6J mice. Electric shaving was found to be the most effective and safest method, showing the best wound contraction rates and minimal inflammation. In contrast, sodium sulfide significantly delayed wound healing, induced a strong inflammatory response, and reduced collagen fiber regeneration. Depilatory cream caused mild skin irritation and inflammation. The findings suggest that physical depilation methods, particularly electric shaving, are optimal for preoperative depilation to maintain animal welfare and improve surgical outcomes.