Showers or Baths After Tummy Tuck?

Patients are eager to shower following any type of cosmetic
surgery.We generally recommend that
patients wait at least 24 to 48 hours following surgery to shower.At this point the wound edges have sealed.Although
it’s reasonable to shower one or two days following surgery, it’s important not
to soak in a bath tub.This could
ultimately cause infections and other complications.Each
surgeon has his own protocols.For
instance, some surgeons don’t allow showering while drains are in place.For this reason, it’s important to discuss
bathing with your surgeon before undertaking this activity.

Hello! Thank you for your question! On average, a period of approximately 3-4 weeks on average is typical. Submerging in stagnant water, be it bathtubs, jacuzzis, pools, lakes, oceans, etc. can certainly increase your chance for infections. I usually await the incisions to be fully healed prior to allowing for this type of activity. If you do have any wound issues or delayed healing, expect that you will be restricted from doing such things. However, I allow my patients to shower and clean incisions at 3 days postoperative. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

Realize that in a bathtub, you immerse not only your incision, but also your genital and rectal area--both "chock-full" with bacteria that you and your surgeon would rather NOT have come into contact with your healing incision (and drain site, if present). Showering rinses any contaminants and bacteria away, and soap and water are not harmful to healing in moderation--but NO "Calgon take me away!" bathing marathons.

Ask your surgeon if you have a drain in place, since some (myself included) feel that a portal out of the body is also a potential portal for bacteria into the surgical area, and ask that a patient wait until the drain is out before showering. I will let patients quickly shower with an antibacterial soap if a drain is in place for a longer period of time, and if the benefits of showering outweight the potential disadvantage of staying unwashed.

Best wishes!