Should I get my incision wet after surgery?

Question

Hello, I had gynecomastia surgery on March 20. I am going to shower tonight March 24, but should I keep the incision dry? I dont mind doing this for as long as possible if it is going to be helpful, or is it beneficial to get it a bit wet? Thanks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Good
question.  Every plastic surgeon has
their own set of instructions for patients after any procedure especially
gynecomastia or male breast reduction surgery. 
If your plastic surgeon did not give you a set of post-operative instructions,
please call their office to have a set of orders sent to you.

In
my male breast reduction practice, there are basically 3 types of
patients.  The first type of gynecomastia
patient is one who has just liposuction. 
For these gynecomastia patients, I allow them to shower 3-4 days after
the procedure. The second type of gynecomastia patient is one who has
liposuction and a “small” incision.  The
incision is usually around the areola. 
Typically, for these gynecomastia patients I allow them to shower 7-10
after the breast reduction.  The third
type of gynecomastia patient has liposuction and a longer skin incision with a
drain.  I do not let my patients shower
with a drain.  I let my patient shower
2-3 days after the drain is removed.

I
prefer to keep my gynecomastia patient’s incisions dry.  If the wound is sealed and healed, I believe
the skin should be kept dry during the healing phase.

Good
luck with your gynecomastia surgery recovery.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear gynofree, Every surgeon has different instructions about showering post operatively. For my gynecomastia patients, they stay in their compression vest for a full week without unzipping it, and are only allowed to shower after they see me for their one week post op appointment. Even then, I instruct them to shower with their back to the stream, so that the water pressure is not hitting them directly on the surgical site. It would be best to check with your operating surgeon and see what their recommendations are for showering post operatively. Good luck!

David F. Pratt, MD · Answer

Most of my male breast reduction patients are treated through a 1/4 inch armpit scar which is closed with dissolvable stitches.  For the first 2 days, the incision is kept clean and dry.  I allow my patients to shower at 48 hours, and afterwards thoroughly dry off and apply a clean gauze dressing.  Hot tubs and other types of soaking are avoided for at least 2 weeks.  I hope this helps answer your question.  Good luck!

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello! I advise my patients to shower after 48 hours following the surgery. They are allowed to get the incision wet and dab it dry (not rub). I ask them to apply an antibiotic cream and cover it up with a sterile dressing. All the best!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Every surgeon is a bit different in terms of post-operative care instructions.  Best to ask your surgeon what he prefers.  Good luck.

Should I get my incision wet after surgery?

Answers (5)

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