Can you shower after a Tummy Tuck?

Thanks for the question. After a tummy tuck surgery you can take a shower after 3 days. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for your question. Keep following your board plastic surgeon post op advises to to get the best desired results.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Many plastic surgeons use drains in their tummy tuck patients, particularly if liposuction is part of the procedure (lots of tumescent fluid needs to be reabsorbed and/or removed via drains). These drains exit the skin in various positions chosen by the surgeon's habit, preference, or training. While the purpose of the drain(s) is to allow the removal of blood or serum that might accumulate beneath the skin flaps (hematoma or seroma), the puncture through the skin can allow bacteria to track right along the drainage tube into the deep tissues beneath your skin. Being in the shower allows moisture to aid in the movement of bacteria along the drain tract(s). Thus, I recommend that my patients only sponge bathe while their drains are in. This is not a hard and fast "rule," as drains are sometimes in longer than a week or ten days, and sponge bathing and washing one's hair in the sink only go so far! In cases where drains may be in longer, or when patient personal hygiene is actually improved by showering, then I allow this even with drain(s) still in place. I have not had infection occur in either case, so I absolutely respect the viewpoint of other colleagues who allow showering for their patients with drains still in place.But absolutely not bathtubs, hot tubs, jacuzzis, pools, etc. with drains in place!After surgery your activities should be limited to non-strenuous ones, so getting all dirty, sweaty, and stinky is much less of an issue than you might suspect. When I do skin grafts for areola reconstruction, those grafts must be kept dry and undisturbed for a full 3 weeks in order for the grafts to "take" and survive. Skin grafts are not durable enough to withstand showering until they have at least that much time healing and becoming durable. These patients do not shower for 3 weeks! Consider yourself lucky! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Your doctor has his own beliefs, and you have to follow his instructions because the type of drains he used with you, possibly need a different care.I use closed Jackson Pratts drains, they are 100% sealed, and I request my nurses to give their first shower to  my patients the day after surgery and so on. But these type of devices are safe to wet them. Actually I use the cleaning during shower as part of the wound cleaning. and after shower we use wound cleansers.You may wash your hair like in the saloon and a sponge bath for the rest of the body.Be patient, your doctor knows his reasons.Dr. Cardenas

I have my patients not shower while the drains are in for the first 48 hours. After that they can shower with the drains and put antibiotic ointment on the site after showering. You do have to be careful and I advise if you dont have a seat in the shower to use a plastic lawn chair to rest if needed. It is slippery in there if you just had surgery.

Thank you for the question. In my practice, I always advice for post op patients to shower and keep themselves as clean as possible. Dr's might have different opinions but for me keeping clean is a key to avoid any infections after, a sponge bath can be helpful as well.. How ever, you should follow your surgeons post op instructions.Dr. Campos

This is a question that will  get a lot of opinions.  My personal belief is that showers are fine.  I allow my patients to shower starting on the day after surgery.  The surgical incisions are sealed with the skin glue.  The drain sites are a potential issue and the reason many surgeons advise no showering. .  I personally believe that a shower does not pose an extra risk of bacteria contamination.  There are bacteria all over out bodies. I think a shower will likely decrease bacteria counts around the drain sites.  I have found my patient have a very low infection rate even with showering with drains.  Obviously, you should follow your surgeons advise.  Good Luck!

You will get different opinions based on the personal beliefs and experience of the surgeon. What is vital is that you follow all of the instructions of the particular plastic surgeon that will perform the procedure. He or she should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your
concerns with that surgeon in person.Robert Singer, MD
FACSLa Jolla, California

I let my patients shower after the surgical dressings are removed, usually in the first few days after surgery. However, you should follow your surgeon's recommendations, they probably have a good reason for their stance on this. Good luck with your recovery!

Hello!!! It really depends on what drains you have and for your security it is important to follow the post surgery instructions from your doctor. When my patients have drains they cannot take a shower and will come for regular checkups to monitor the drainage. The nurses will disinfect the area and rewrap the patient. Once the drains are removed, the patient can take a shower. I know it can feel uncomfortable not to be able to take a shower but you can have a sponge bath. The good news is that the drains will be removed in a couple days following surgery. The idea is to keep the area very clean and dry. My surgical nurses take care of that for the patient to avoid any unnecessary risk of complications. Sometimes what a patient thinks will be good for them can cause problems. Please follow your doctor´s instructions to avoid any unnecessary complications.