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.