How often should I shower three weeks after a breast reduction and what precautions should I take?

Question

I have dissolvable internal stitches and only tape externally. One of my underneath scars hasn't quite fully healed as yet and I'm still getting a little blood on the gauze. How often should I shower?

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question!  Even with a small superficial wound opening, you are fine to be showering normally at this point.  I ask that my patients not submerge themselves in water (bathtub, swimming pool) for at least 4 weeks or until all wounds are healed, so that would be my only restriction.  However, your plastic surgeon may have his/her own recommendations so I would advise you to ask your doctor's office what they would prefer you do.  Good luck!

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Congratulations of having undergone surgery. I hope you are pleased with the outcome and doing well. 
Three weeks out from surgery I would tell my patients that it is ok to shower on a daily basis, but to avoid sitting in standing water (bath, swimming pool,..) until all areas are healed and I clear the patient to do so. 
Having said that, every surgeon has a slightly different postoperative protocol. It is based on his or her experience and available literature. I would advise that you contact your surgeon and speak to him or her and ask what his or her recommendations are. 
Best wishes for your remaining recovery. 
Franziska Huettner

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure. There is no universally accepted postoperative regimen; always best to run these types of postoperative care questions by your plastic surgeon, who will have his/her own "protocol". Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would ask your PS and follow his/her advice. I would shower as you normally do although for the wound you will need advice as to how to dress this.

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.You need to shower on a daily basis. You can apply a waterproof dressing over the incision site that has not fully healed. I would also suggest you discuss your recovery and any problems you may be experiencing with your surgeon. Hope that helps.Kind regards.

How often should I shower three weeks after a breast reduction and what precautions should I take?

Answers (6)

Answer: Shower

Answer: Shower

Answer: How often should I shower 3 weeks after a breast reduction?

Answer: How often should I shower 3 weeks after a breast reduction?

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How often should I shower three weeks after a breast reduction and what precautions should I take?

Answers (6)

Answer: Shower

Answer: Shower

Answer: How often should I shower 3 weeks after a breast reduction?

Answer: How often should I shower 3 weeks after a breast reduction?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.