Should I cover up my incisions while showering after my breast augmentation?

Question

(15 days post op)

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Here is a basic list of instructions provided to breast augmentation patients at our office:Rest: After surgery you will be groggy from the anesthesia. We recommend going home and resting or sleeping on your back by propping yourself up with several pillows.

Food: Once you feel up to eating, start with bland items such as toast or crackers or even a smoothie. Test your stomach to make sure you do not feel nauseous when you eat. Try to maintain a healthy well-balanced diet to improve your recovery process. Be sure to eat fiber rich foods, because the medications you are taking can cause constipation.

Medication: Be sure to begin taking all mediations as prescribed. Initial discomfort of the breasts is controlled with pain medication and a muscle relaxer.

Showering:  You may shower three (3) days after surgery.

Dressings: These will vary from patient to patient. Some patients may be placed in a sports bra; others will wear a stabilizing elastic support strap. Your doctor will decide after surgery and in subsequent weeks, what is necessary for your needs.

Sutures: Most sutures dissolve on their own within a few weeks.

Edwin Kwon, MD, FACS · Answer

Your Plastic Surgeon may have specific post-operative instructions, however, if you are over two weeks out from your surgery, you should be able to shower without covering up your incisions and to wash the area with soap.  I do however, have my patients avoid submerging their incision this early in standing water like a bath, hot tub, swimming pool, lake, etc. until you're a little further out.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

usually patients can shower if the incision is closed and healing. fresh wounds are epitheliazed after 24hours. most of our patients shower on the the 2nd day after surgery (no drains). being 2 weeks out of your surgery you should be fine, if your wound has been healing normally.but just check with the instructions of your plastic surgeon.kind regards

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

As you have read from the multiple responses from other Plastic Surgeons, bathing protocols vary greatly from surgeon to surgeon. Discussing this issue with your surgeon would be best. At 15 days post-op, most surgeons would have you showering after breast augmentation and likely also allow you to submerge(bath, swimming pool, ocean) at this point in time also. However, this question is best directed towards your surgeon and/or his nursing staff.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is always best to direct any questions related to your recovery experience to your operating surgeon as every surgeon has their own unique set of post operative instructions for their patients.  In our practice we advise our patients to  not submerge the incisions in water or take long showers for a minimum of two weeks after surgery.With kind regards,Lane F. Smith, M.D., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.O.H.N.S., F.A.B.F.P.R.S.Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

M. Dean Vistnes, MD · Answer

Contact your surgeons office and speak to his or her staff about post surgery care. They are your best resource at this time. Best wishes.Dean Vistnes, MD.Vistnes Plastic SurgerySan Francisco Bay Area#realself #drdeanvistnes #breastaugmentation

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is my practice to have patients showering 24 hours after surgery but you should check with your surgeon.  I use steri strips on the incisions and they are usually falling off at 7-10 days.  At 15 days post op, unless there is a problem with the incision, the skin should be sealed and water tight. Best Dr. L

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.It's probably best to ask your surgeon what their recommendations are.  Every surgeon has their own protocols, and I wouldn't want to recommend something that is against your surgeon's wishes.  I personally allow my patients to take showers the day after surgery, but again, other surgeons have different feelings about this.Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.In my practice I let my patients shower 1 week after surgery. water and soap are good ways to keep the wounds clean.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Should I cover up my incisions while showering after my breast augmentation?

Answers (13)

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