How long does it take for incision to be closed enough to prevent infection.

I was taught that wounds are biologically sealed 6 hrs after the surgery, so whatever inoculum there is has already occurred. I think you will be fine but prob a good idea to check with your doctor

I would suggest that after two weeks it is best to leave the bandages off.  I would not use chemical wipes or reapply the bandages.

Hello Ellie. If incision edges are well closed, after 24 hours the wound is allready impermeable, that's why we usually recomend not to remove the gauze until the next day after surgery. The most probable is that you were told not to remove your bandages to diminish tensión on the wound.Regards.

By two weeks your incisions should be healed well enough not to need any bandages. When we do areolar or under the arm pit incisions and use steri strips, patients often leave them on only until they "fall off", and they do not need replacement. A phone call to your surgeon's office would save you the worry of what to do. We like when our patients err on the side of caution and care to handle their recovery correctly!