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

One to two days after surgery is usually all the time required before you shower.  You should always check with your surgeon's office in case they have a specific reason for wanting you to not shower that soon.  If you have drains in place it is usually best to wait until they are removed before showering.

 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.

Hello! Every plastic surgeon is a little different depending on the dressing he or she uses. Typically, you can shower 48 hours after surgery. Good luck!

Dear KboobiesDD,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. Most plastic surgeons would recommend you to wait 48 hours.I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I would reccommend you follow the post op instructions your board certified surgeon suggested. I tell my patients they can shower 48hrs after the procedure. 

I appreciate your question. On my patients, it’s 48 hours. However, your surgeon might have a different recommendation. I suggest you call them.Dr. Aldo

Thank you KboobiesDD for your question.  I tell all my patients they can shower 48 hours after surgery.  You can absolutely wash from the waist down before that time.  Best of luck to you. 

Usually, patients are not advised to shower for the first 3 or 4 days post-surgery. hot showers may cause bleeding in breasts which can result in hematoma formation. However, your best resource of information is your board certified plastic surgeon as each has his/her own protocols and should know your condition best.