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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

It is unlikely you did any damage.  However, I suggest calling your plastic surgeon since only he/she knows about your surgery.Best wishes

Thank you for your question. This is not an uncommon occurrence. Usually within 24 hours a surgically closed wound is sealed and applied water will not enter the surgical site. Many surgeons use Steri-strips or sterile paper tape over their incisions offering an additional layer of protection. In my practice, I use paper tape and let patients shower on post-op day 1 and just pat the tapes dry. It sounds like you'll be just fine. I would however caution you in the use of a blow dryer. Be careful, your skin can be a bit numb and the heat from the blow dryer may be sufficient to cause a burn without you knowing it. Check all this with your surgeon and enjoy your surgical result.