How soon can you shower after your BA? Or do you need to take sponge baths?

Dear K,    The main concern with initial shower is that the hot water and the water stream can cause bleeding, which,  if results in significant  hematoma requires surgery to evacuate the blood clots, or, if the hematoma is small , it can cause capsule contracture down the road.    That is why surgeons are reluctant to allow showers or baths right after surgery. In my practice I instruct my patient to take lukewarm  shower on the 3rd day after surgery , but only on the back and lower body and avoid the chest directly for 2 weeks after surgery. On the first 3 days "bird's bath" is safe and preferred.              Hope this helps,                                     Dr Widder

 Each plastic surgeon differs somewhat  with regard to postoperative instructions and care after breast augmentation. Personally, I  use a waterproof dressing called Tegaderm, which allows my patients to shower the day after surgery. Some surgeons permit only sponge baths for 2-3 days after this operation.Address your concerns about showering with your board-certified plastic surgeon prior to surgery. Best of luck.

Hello,
In general, I advise my patients to use showers over wounds after 2 days. If they have a dressing (as in BBA surgery), they can have showers after the dressing comes off one week following surgery. It is possible to very gently use a sponge to wash the breasts but to avoid the dressing after 2 days. If there is no problem after one week, the dressings can then be left off (unless they are getting irritated by the support bra). After two weeks, soap and scar massage can be started. I would be careful with baths until the wounds are healed since this is standing fluid with bacteria.
Please check with your surgeon what they prefer.