Tips on showering after a breast lift and augmentation. Any suggestions?

Question

I was cleared on being able to shower yesterday when j got my bandages removed but I'm not sure I made the most of it. I stood with my back to the shower gear so my steri strips wouldn't fervent but I was wondering what are some more effective tips for showering so early in recovery?

Enrique Hanabergh, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking your question. Every surgeon has their own rules for when and how to shower after surgery. I tell my patients shower/wash the surgical site 48 hours after surgery regardless of the surgery. In your case (mastopexy/augmentation) I tell them to shower as if they never had surgery. They need to wash their breasts with soap and water and then pat dry. Most patients are surprised by these instructions and always ask, "what about the steri-strips? Won't they get wet?" Yes they will and that's perfectly fine. Even with showering they usually don't fall off. If they do I instruct the patient to apply triple antibiotic ointment on the exposed site until post op day #7. You need to wash the surgical site otherwise your normal skin bacteria will overgrow and cause potential issues (infection). You should discuss with your surgeon how he wantts you to shower. I hope this helps! Good luck and enjoy your new look!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a drain I usually like the patient to wait to shower till the drain is out. Assuming there is no drain, I have my patients wait 48-72 hours post op to shower. I allow them to get steristrips wet but not scrub them off. After shower pat strips as dry as possible with one or more towels and then dry strips with a blow dryer on warm or cool not hot. My steristrips usually last about 3 weeks with this effort. However, you should follow your surgeons instructions.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

After a breast lift and augmentation, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative care instructions. Generally, you should avoid direct water pressure on your breasts, so consider taking a gentle shower and letting water run over your body rather than directly onto the surgical site. Use mild, fragrance-free soap, and pat your breasts dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. If your surgeon has provided any specific guidelines, be sure to follow them closely for optimal healing.

Marvin F. Shienbaum, MD · Answer

Specific post operative instructions are given by the surgeon after the procedure on how to take care of the incisions. When given the okay by your surgeon to shower after a breast lift, all gauze and bandages should be removed. Carefully wash the incisions with soap and water. And gently pat the area dry with a clean towel before reapplying bandages if needed.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well.. Here's a list of post operative care after having breast augmentation. About the showering, I do not recommend to shower your breasts until you have at least 2 weeks, when the wounds are closed. After that, you can shower with clorexidin soap.Compression bandage / support.Medications as prescribed by your doctor.Sleeping on your back with some pillows on her back to reduce swelling the first few weeks.Cardiovascular exercises can be done after one month.No driving for 15-21 days.No lifting arms 15-21 days.You can return to work within a period of 7-10 days, depending on the type of activity required at work.No smoking.It is important to maintain a close relationship with your surgeon after your procedure.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Seems as a NON issue if steristrips stay on or off...Isn't that what you were told by your chosen "dream" surgeon as in your last written posting? If so concerned best to be seen in person by him.......

Tips on showering after a breast lift and augmentation. Any suggestions?

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