My doctor won't let me shower until 72 hours after getting lipo and a Breast lift. How come I have to wait 72 hours?

Question

I feel so yuck. Its been over 48 hours and I really need to shower, but how come I have to wait 72 hours? I did a lift and Lipo. I have a pain ball in both my breasts and It's slowly emptying out.. maybe thats why?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question.  The answer will vary among surgeons.  Typically, incisions without complications will be sealed in 48hrs (up to 72 hrs).  Surgeons often times do not want this to occur before cleansing of the incisions, with the possible introduction of bacteria and such after removal of the dressings.  I recommend the similar time frame but allow you to sponge bathe, wash hair, and clean other areas (just keep the dressings clean & dry) during this time period.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Incisions take roughly 48 hrs to reepithelialize, i.e, skin to seal and waiting at least this amount of time avoids exposing the wounds to any bacteria that could cause an infection.  Every surgeon has different recommendations for this depending on experience, etc.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own idea about when is the best time to resume showering after surgery. i don't like my patients to shower while there are any tubes or drains in. I thnk that tis might allow a way for an infection to develop.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

After surgery, incisions are sealed after 18 hours. I suggest showering after 48 hours just to be sure and most patients do not feel up to showering before the second day after surgery.

Craig W. Colville, MD, FACS · Answer

Waiting 72 hours is letting your incisions seal so that it is safe to shower and get them wet. It can be frustrating to have to wait but it's much more safe this way and better for your overall healing process.

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually most surgeons don't allow the incisions to get wet for about 48-72 hours. That allows them to seal and become waterproof. Waiting that 72 hours decreases your changes of getting infected. Also, pain pumps or drains are not supposed to get wet either.  Good luck on the rest of your recovery.

Manuel Marte, MD · Answer

Tnaks for your question. I recommend my patients to wait 72 hrs after a procedure  to avoid infection of wound opening. You cant clean others areas with sponge bath to be clean and dry until that period, after this is safe to take a shower . Hope this help for you !

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

This is individualised to the surgeon. I actually recommend keeping the scars dry for a week but if really necessary showering after 3 days would be fine.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

I also recommend that patients wait 72 hours for the incisions to "heal and seal". In the scope of the procedure, this isn't much to ask and. If it can avoid a wound opening or an infection, then that is well worth one more day. You can sponge bathe and wash your hair in the sink if that helps

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Showering after surgery really depends upon what type of surgery you had, whether you have drains, etc..  Always best to ask your surgeon.

My doctor won't let me shower until 72 hours after getting lipo and a Breast lift. How come I have to wait 72 hours?

Answers (11)

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