I am 5 weeks post-op. Can I have a bath? When can I get fitted for bras?

Most surgeons provide their patients with post-operative guidelines following their surgeries.  Your questions were likely covered in those instructions.  If not, phone your surgeon's office for advice as post-operative protocols differ from surgeon to surgeon. i recommend that my patients refrain from submerging themselves in water until wound healing is complete, which will take at least 6 weeks.  At six weeks you might safely go on a lingerie shopping spree with a professional bra fitter.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question! Typically before your surgery, you would have been provided with information on pre and post-op information. Did you receive any kind of instructions or information around the procedure? At this point after surgery, you should be able to do most things, within reason. Only submerge yourself in water when the wound is fully healed, which it should have been by now. At this stage, there will still be some swelling and you'll find yourself at a fully settled state in about a months time. Fitting for bras, leave a few months. Would be a great idea for you to return to your surgeon so he can address any burning questions you have around your healing process.Good luck!

It is important to consult with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon regarding recovery protocols. Each surgeon will have specific post-operative instructions that are successful in their practice. In my practice, I have patients wear a surgical compression bra for 6 weeks following their breast augmentation procedure to minimize swelling and allowing the breast to settle appropriately. After 6 weeks, I clear my patients to begin shopping for their new bras, given that at this time their incisions are fully healed, and the breast have settled. At this point in your recovery it is acceptable to go braless for a few hours. It would be best to hold off on a bath until you are completely healed. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a breast augmentation, I recommend they wait at least 3 weeks before submerging incision underwater. All of the dermabond surgical glue must be off of the incisions and they must be completely closed and healed prior to submerging them underwater. As for getting fitted for bras, it is best to wait until you are at least 6 weeks post op because the implants are settling into final position and a majority of the swelling resolves in the first 6 weeks after surgery. My only bra restriction is no underwire bra for 6 weeks post op. It is ok to go bra-less for a night. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Hello,Thank you for your question. Regarding your questions you are advised to follow your plastic surgeon's post op instructions. I recommend my patients to take a shower after a week post surgery and avoid swimming in the pools, sea and saunas for 3 months after the surgery. For more information please click on the attached link. Best Regards 

ShanLAxo, Thank you for submitting your question. It is important to make sure your incision is completely closed before submerging in any body of water. If there are still small openings on your incision that increases the likelihood of bacteria causing an infection. My advice would be to call your surgeons office and follow the post-op guidelines they recommend for you. Best of luck! 

Thank you for your question.  Each surgeon has their own post operative care instructions that they would wish you to follow.  I typically tell patients after 4 weeks they can go back to all normal activities.  In regards to the underwire bra, as long as it is not uncomfortable on the incision it should be ok.  With that being said I would suggest to follow your surgeons recommendations.  Congratulations on your surgery and the best of luck while you continue to heal.  

Dear ShanLAxo,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

These questions are best answered by your surgeon as opinions may vary. Generally I advise patients they can take baths, swim in a pool or ocean at six weeks. You will be in a sports bra for several weeks after surgery. Once swelling has resolved and the breasts have dropped and fluffed you can go for a bra fitting. If you do this too soon you may end up needing to do it again. For your question about going without a bra, supporting the tissues is important as they heal. It may be okay to go for a few hours without a bra depending on your plans. I advise checking with your surgeon who is most familiar with the details of your case and how you've been progressing through recovery.

The best course of action would be to schedule an appointment with your board certified plastic surgeon as he knows your condition best. Every surgeon has different post-op protocol so it is important to consult and follow any post-op instructions he/she gave you.