How long after a tummy tuck can I shower?

Question

I'm scheduled for a full tummy tuck w/muscle repair on 10/18/17 (eek!) and wondering when I can anticipate when my first post-surgery shower will be. Im trying to think back to how long I have to wait to shower with my C-sections, I want to say it was maybe two days after? I do remember that shower being hunched over and not getting my incision wet.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Recommendations for showering will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Two common approaches: no showering while drains are in place vs. 48 hrs post op. Both are reasonable.In my practice, I favor no showering until the drains are removed. This tends to be most convenient as the drains tend to be difficult to manage while in the shower.As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is important to find our what your chosen board certified plastic surgeon recommends when it comes to pre- or post-operative protocols.  Each surgeon will have his or her own specific set of instructions based on their experience, surgical technique and training and I would encourage patients to follow those instructions set forth by their specific surgeon.  In my practice for example, patients are typically allowed to shower 48 hours after their tummy tuck, but some surgeons will require that their patients wait to shower much longer, especially if they have drains.  I hope you find this helpful and please discuss this with your surgeon directly.  I wish you all of the best.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has their own recommendations regarding showering after surgery, so you really need to ask your surgeon what his or her specific guidelines are.  I generally like to have patients sponge bathe only around the drain sites. I dress the incision with something called Prineo which can get wet in the shower.   Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes!

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Post op wound care is  often covered during the consultation however if it is not addressed at this time it is certainly covered during the preoperative visit when the consent is signed and  The preoperative medical exam is reviewed.  Post operative instructions  are reviewed and an instruction sheet provided that goes over when showering is allowed by the operative surgeon.  Many times this will depend on when the drains are removed. In such cases Scarpa sparing abdominoplasty that  does not need to use the drains because the body's internal lymphatic are preserved. In this case I allow patients shower on postoperative day one. This is not only helpful for them psychologically to return to a more normal activity, it is also good hygiene.  Ultimately this question should be addressed with your operative surgeon and clear instructions provided.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Follow your plastic surgeon's post operative guidelines as they vary by surgeon.  In my practice, you may not shower the first week – sponge bathe only, until dressings are removed at your first post-op visit.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Gwen Maxwell, MD · Answer

A well closed surgical wound that is closed with sutures that are buried under the skin  will literally be sealed over with a fine layer of cells within 48 hours. after surgery. The surgical wound dressing I use covers the wound loosely and has absorbent properties that will absorb any blood or fluid that may seep from your wound.  It also covers the wound keeping bacteria from the environment for contaminating your wound edges.  After 48 hours it is safe to remove the dressing and to shower.
It is important to shower and towash your wound with soap and water and then to gently dry the skin.  Avoid bathing or hot tubs!   Keeping the wound covered with a garment can also prevent your clothing from rubbing on your fresh wound.  Clothing should be loose but a tighter fitting binder that we provide after surgery will give support to the tissues and give you support.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some allow patients to shower within 48 hours and some wait until the drains are removed. Everyone is different. Best to ask your surgeon.

David L. Cangello, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Different surgeons have different post operative protocols so it's best to refer to your surgeon. I do not allow my patients to shower until their drains are removed (if I place them). Showering when drains are in can increase the chances of infection. On average my patients can usually shower within a few days to a week. Hope this helps.

How long after a tummy tuck can I shower?

Answers (8)

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