1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Question

I had a full bag of ice on my breasts one day post opp. I was told not to get them wet and the bag leaked in full and I didn't notice. I have blow dried the bandages dry but I am worried something might have been damaged underneath due to the water going through. It's too late to call my doctor and I don't want to seem like a paranoid patient. Any advice would be very helpful

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Moisture can promote bacterial growth but it should be fine if you have blow dried your bandages completely. It's best to be careful but this can also happen after a shower but as mentioned immediate complete drying can help prevent risks. Also some bandages are more water resistant.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Blow drying your wet bandages is a good thing, just make sure it is super dry and that there is no moisture left behind as it would promote bacterial growth.  If unsure, see your plastic surgeon to have them exchanged.

William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Each plastic surgeon has their own postoperative protocol and bandages that they like to use.  It is best to speak to your plastic surgeon about the bandages getting wet.  In my practice, I use Steri strips (look similar to band-aids) and allow my patients to show the next day.  I specifically ask them to avoid soaking the wounds in a pool, bath tube, lake, ocean, ect. because submerging the wounds in water, with the associated pressure, can force the water into the deeper tissues thus increasing the risk of infection.  I would suspect that getting the incision wet without submerging the incisions will not increase your risk significantly.  However, I would recommend you let your plastic surgeon know what happen so they can advice you appropriately.I hope this helps.  Best wishes!William J. Vinyard, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPalm Beach, Florida

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although I can understand your desire to receive online advice, only your plastic surgeon will be able to be of real help to you. He/she knows exactly what was done and how your incision lines are covered. Best to run your concerns/questions by him/her; you do not have to worry about seeming “paranoid” ( most of us would rather have patients been cautious rather than careless)… Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but if your wound was a day old, its considered sealed and water shouldn't hurt it at all.  Best to see your doctor for a dressing change if felt needed.  Otherwise in my practice, patients can remove dressing a day after and shower.

1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Answers (7)

Answer: 1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Answer: 1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Answer: Hopefully you have this resolved by now

Answer: Hopefully you have this resolved by now

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1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Answers (7)

Answer: 1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Answer: 1 day post op and I accidentally got my bandages really wet. Did I damage due to water going through?

Answer: Hopefully you have this resolved by now

Answer: Hopefully you have this resolved by now

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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