When can I take a tub bath after a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am 8 weeks post op tummy tuck and lipo, showering daily but I Love a tub bath, how long do I have to wait ?

Joshua Lampert, MD, FACS · Answer

I typically allow my abdominoplasty patients to gently shower early and then pat their incisions and drain sites dry with a new fresh towel.  I don't like patients to reuse the towel, especially while they still have drains in.Once all drains come out, and the skin edges have epithelialized (healed over) a clean bath should be ok.  Community hot tubs are another story.  Improperly maintained hot tubs are a more common source of skin infections, such as pseudomonas folliculitis.  Of course, all people heal differently.  Patients should always ask their board certified plastic surgeon about when to shower and bath in the tub.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

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

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

This question is best answered by your plastic surgeon.  Most of us will allow patients to use a bath once the incisions are completely healed.  So your plastic surgeon needs to look at you and verify that everything is well healed prior to submersing yourself in water.

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

The answer to this question should come only from your doctor. The  recommendation I make to my patients who want to take a tub bath is to wait at least 2 days after the drains are removed. If no drains are placed then my patients can shower at 2 days post op and  take a bath 5 to 7 days post op.

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

There is no absolute rule and your best plan would be to check with your surgeon if you have had any issues after your surgery.  Incisions typically have new skin cells bridging them at 48 hours or so.  The healing is very fragile at that point, though, and those cells are very easily disrupted. It seems that 2 weeks is a common rule for submersion and is the one that I use if everything is healing as we would expect.  At two weeks the incision is still weak in terms of how strong it will be but likely strong enough in most cases to tolerate the swelling that happens with baths.Best,Dr. Pyle

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I usually let my patients shower in 1 day and tub baths after two weeks., assuming drains are out an incisions are healed. Check with your plastic surgeon as protocols do vary.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Dear Debip,Most plastic surgeons will be fine with you taking a bath 8 weeks after a tummy tuck if there are no open areas and you do not have other issues such as an ongoing seroma, etc.  I would check with your plastic surgeon but I suspect he or she will be fine with it.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Wait until there are no openings in the scar.A tummy tuck can be done as a solitary procedure.  Many times the results are enhanced by adding
liposuction to the hip and love handle area. 
A tummy tuck is also done in combination with a breast augmentation in a
mommy makeover.

Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide.  These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

When can I take a tub bath after a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

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