Can I take a bath with water proof silicone sheets 4 weeks post op breast augmentation?

Question

Thanks in advance for your time! I got 300cc silicone smooth round under the muscle, inframammary incision. I am 4 weeks post op and healing very well, no issues at all. My surgeon gave me water proof silicone sheets to wear for 3 months post op. He told me to shower with them then pat dry and change once a week. Is it okay to take a bath with them on and still just pat dry and change once a week? Or would it be best to remove them for the bath and put fresh ones on afterwards? Thank you!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

The main role for silicone sheets is to keep the incisions hydrated during the remodelling phase of the scar maturation.  This allows the underlying cells to work in a more optimized fashion.  The brand is less important but compliance usually follows ease of use.  Silicone usually has less skin irritation concerns with use compared to adhesives.  They can also be re-used.I would check with your surgeon to see if you are safe to bathe.  I often describe 'water resistant' (e.g. showering) differently than 'water proof' (e.g. swimming/bathing).  If there is any water that gets trapped under the dressing then you may get skin/incisional irritation.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

That should be fine but it's always a good idea to check with your board certified plastic surgeon. They or a member of their staff should be able to let you know based on how well your incisions have healed.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Take the sheeting off before bathing, if water gets under it, the skin can become macerated and irritated. The silicon is washable and if the stickiness goes away you can hold the sheets in place with tape. Biocorniumn silicon cream is often more comfortable and easier to use. Use the sheeting or cream for 8 to 12 weeks for ideal results.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question.  At this point your incision should be healed but only your plastic surgeon would know how well it has healed.   My patients can take a bath at 4 weeks following BA if it has been a smooth recovery.  If you do take the bath, please take the silicone sheet off but please check with your plastic surgeon before you do anything. Best of luck.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

At four weeks postop your wounds are sealed on their own.  It should be no problem to take a bath.  I would remove the silicone to bathe.

Daniel M. Calloway, MD · Answer

It is always best to follow the specific instructions of your surgeon.  However, submersion in a bath can allow water to seep under the sheeting and diminish the benefits or even result in inflammation, irritation or dermatitis of the underlying skin.  The sheets are designed to be removed prior to bathing or vigorous activities that may result in sweating under the silicone sheets.  Anti-scar therapy is usually performed until the desired appearance of the incisions has been achieved.

John J. Bandeian, MD · Answer

Assuming that your incisions were well healed with no drainage, you should have been able to take a bath after 2 weeks, and should have been able to shower after one week.

Can I take a bath with water proof silicone sheets 4 weeks post op breast augmentation?

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