What is the best way to keep my incisions dry after surgery?

Question

I had my MM on 10/5 and was given the ok to shower. I have two band-aids with gauze under them on the areas that the drains were taken out of. The gauze gets wet every time I shower and I pat dry and it stays wet. I'm seeing all of these posts about people getting infections. Won't the wet gauze against an open wound cause an infection? I'm asking here because it's a Saturday and my is office is closed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's okay if the area gets wet from showering as the water is clean.  Do not submerge in a tub. Face away from the spray as much as you're able to minimize the pressure from the water.  Once finished showering pat the area dry with clean gauze and replace with new dressings as directed by your surgeon.  If the new dressings become saturated replace them with clean, dry dressings.  Closely follow the post op instructions provided by your surgeon.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

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

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

My patients are permitted to #shower 2-3 days after most every surgery. They are provided #after-care instructions to how to properly care for the surgical sites.  For additional after-care recommendations, it's best to ask such of your board-certified plastic surgeon or their licensed medical staff. You may also find it helpful if a loved one, friend or partner is available the first time you shower #post-up to assure you are strong enough and able to access hard-to-reach areas.

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.  Someone in his/her office should be returning phone calls on the weekends.

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

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your mommy makeover.  Unless your surgeon specified, you need not keep your gauze and bandaids on while showering.  Take these off and shower as normal, avoiding any scrubbing or tension along your incision lines.  Once done, pat yourself dry and apply fresh clean gauze and tape to the areas of opening.  Hope this helps.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

Remove the band aids before showering and then replace with a dry clean dressing once you have finished showering.

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What is the best way to keep my incisions dry after surgery?

Answers (6)

MOMMY MAKEOVER PROVIDERS NEAR YOU