Can you do your hair after surgery?

Question

Ok now this question may be a tad but silly but I've googled and can't find much of an answer, I'm getting my breast done dec 21st which obviously is close to the holidays so one question I have is can you even do your hair after surgery ? Or even reach to wash it? I ask because I've had girls tell me the doctor they used said no that it could mess with your stitches?

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

It depends on what your surgeon says. It may be possible to lift your hands over your head to reach your hair a couple days after surgery, but you should do this very slowly and not strain yourself.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

These daily activities can likely be performed without issue, but always ask your plastic surgeon about these things. The surgery has different incisions, different planes of placement, and some are more complicated and require additional techniques.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It is not a silly question at all. Your surgeon will tell you when it is okay to shower and wash your hair. I let my patients do this 2 days after surgery, but make sure you follow your surgeon's advice. Merry Christmas!

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

There are two answers to your question. The first has to do with showering and washing your own hair. Typically, patients are able to wash their own hair once their doctor permits showering- this varies from practice to practice. You can expect some discomfort for a few days, but this subsides fairly quickly.

	There is an alternative if your surgeon wants you to wait a few days, and that asking a friend or significant other to wash your hair in the sink or go to your hair salon.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems like everyone has their own protocol but even this varies depending on the surgery. If healing and swelling is at a minimum I allow my patients to shower a couple of days after the surgery

Can you do your hair after surgery?

Answers (10)