When should I remove the dressing after my breast augmentation?

Each plastic surgeon has his own method of dealing with the postoperative incision and garment. Assuming you already had your surgery, you should check with your plastic surgeon regarding instructions.

I would ask your plastic surgeon.  Each plastic surgeon has a slightly different "formula", and I think in general it is better to let the plastic surgeon remove the dressing when he or she checks you rather than doing it on your own. For my patients that have had breast augmentation, I typically have a simple removable dressing that I remove at the patient's one week after appointment.  If it falls off in the shower before then, then it's no big deal. I hope that helps!

Every surgeon has a different protocol for removing dressings and therefore, you should discuss this with your own plastic surgeon.  Most of us all wait at least 48 hours after surgery, which is the time it takes for the wound to seal and be waterproof. I typically leave there dressings on for a week, mainly to protect the incision from rubbing on the bra, though from a medial standpoint I believe it would be safe after 48 hours.  Again, please call your own surgeon to see what he or she prefers you do!

This is your second question to RealSelf about post operative issues that appear to have NOT been discussed pre operatively with you?? CALL your surgeon for specific instructions. In my practice I remove the dressings at day 2 or 3, but you are not in my practice. So again see your surgeon ASAP.

Thank you for posting your question.  It is best to follow your plastic surgeon's post-op instructions.  We all have different plans of treatment for after surgery.  Typically, I have my patient remove the gauze pad the day after surgery but leave the Steri-strips in place.  Hope this helps you but check with your plastic surgeon for her/his advice.