Can I shower with stitches?

Thank you for your question about showering after breast augmentation. I typically have patients shower beginning the day after surgery, but this will vary surgeon-to-surgeon based on what dressings have been used -- best to call your surgeon's office for a specific answer.In general after surgical procedures, I have patient's shower fairly early, even with drains in place (say, for a body-coutouring procedure). Typically I use a sterile surgical tape over incisions and it is important to let this air dry after showering. Note, however, that it's a whole different story to go UNDER the water in a tub, pool or beach. For this, we recommend two-weeks after breast augmentation at a bare minimum: It is critical that the skin is healing well and is fully intact, that the time in the water be limited at first, and that the skin be allowed to dry when you get out of the water (for example, don't leave a wet bathing suit against a fresh incision early after surgery). If at any point the incision line becomes irritated, we need to stop getting in the water and call your surgeon.Hope this helps.Nick Slenkovich, MD FACSDenver Plastic Surgeon

Each board certified plastic surgeon may have a different protocol. This should be in their post operative instructions. We usually see patients back day 3 post op. They can shower after that. Stitches can get wet.  No submerging the wounds. We continue to follow and advise as the patient heals.  Contact your board certified plastic surgeon and see what their particular protocol is.

I generally advise patients wait until the second day after their surgery before they start showering, but you should listen to your surgeon.When taking a shower, remove your bra and gauze. Don't remove the steri-strips. Wash with gentle soap then pat dry.  

I allow my patient's to remove their dressings and shower 2 days after their surgery, I give them detailed instructions for their suture care. However, each surgeon has their own post operative instructions, it is best for you to follow what your surgeon advises. Good luck.

Each surgeon will have their own protocol.  I tend to use absorbable sutures that don't need to be removed when I do breast augmentation surgery and the incisions are also treated with a skin glue covering the surgical site.  Therefore, I allow my patients to shower much earlier than it appears some other surgeons.  I have also been refining my technique over the past several years and at Wirth Plastic Surgery be off for a "24-hour breast augmentation recovery plan".  For more information please visit our website. wirthplasticsurgery.com

Every plastic surgeon have their different protocols after Breast augmentation even with regards to showering with stitches. I do allow my patients to shower after 2 days of BA. I suggest that you avoid completely submerge your wound in a bath until your sutures have been remove.

Every surgeon is different when it comes to post-operative care, but I typically allow my patients to shower 2 days after their surgery with no direct contact to your incisions.  Avoid completely submerging your incisions in baths, a jacuzzi, the ocean, lakes or rivers for about a month after surgery.  Post-operative care is something you should really ask your surgeon about so follow up with him/her before doing anything.  Congratulations on your surgery!! ac

Each of us is different about post op care!In breast augmentation I have chosen to spend time reviewing
photographs with patients to fully understand their expectation of size and
shape. Many times this simply raises
more questions. I will make measurements
and use the implant guides to allow the patient to understand exactly the sizes
that are reasonable for their body type and measurements.



Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide. These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

There is so much variability in post-surgery instructions that I hesitate to offer mine. Call your surgeon with this one. All the best. 

Generally, most people can shower within 48 hours after breast augmentation. You should contact your surgeon to clarify this.