May I Take a Tub Bath Being 7 Days Post Op from a Breast Lift/implant?

Until your incisions and all of the communications from your breast ducts (ending with the surface ar your nipples) have healed durably and completely, immersing these areas in any sort of bacteria-filled water is asking for infection (meaning removal of implants) or possibly "just" bacterial biofilm formation leading to capsular contracture.

Since your rectal and genital areas are immersed in the same water that touches and communicates with any microscopic openings in your skin, incision, or ducts, this is tempting disaster.

I tell my patients to wait at least 3 weeks or until everything is completely healed and no crusts, scabs, or any open spots at all. This includes tubs, hot tubs, spas, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, or ocean swimming.

Why risk it? Take a shower! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

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. Soap and water are good for wounds. We usually advise our patients to let the water run over the wound. 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 would not recommend submerging your implants in a bathtub or pool 7 days after surgery. It is not worth taking the chance of water seeping through a not quite healed incision. Shower is okay because the water merely runs over the incision. I usually recommend at least 2 weeks before submerging.