When can you shower after breast augmentation?

Patients who come to our Santa Monica facility for body contouring or facial plastic surgery should be well-informed about the pre-op and post-op instructions. Following these instructions can assist you in having a quick and successful recovery. Our experts will provide you with showering recommendations before and after plastic surgery to help prevent infection and problems.

Showering after plastic surgery or a cosmetic operation like a stomach tuck or breast augmentation can help keep your wound or incision area clean, as well as relax and rest while you heal. You should not, however, shower right after surgery. Because it takes 48 hours for an incision to heal completely, you should wait at least 48 hours before showering. Showering too soon after surgery might cause your incision to reopen, slow the healing process, increase the risk of infection, and make your surgical scars worse.

TAKE A SOAP BATH WITH A SPONGE

If you still want to stay clean in the days after your surgery, try taking a sponge bath. Fill a sink or bucket halfway with lukewarm water and sponge yourself gently with a soft towel and a small amount of mild soap. Cleaning near the incision should be avoided. You should also avoid washing your hair because the stretching actions can cause your incision to re-open. Until your incision is entirely healed, enlist the help of a friend or family member to wash your hair.

DO NOT USE THE BATHTUB

After 48 hours, you may shower but not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool. Soaking wounds in water exposes them to bacteria, which can lead to infection. Bathing should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.

TIPS FOR SHOWERING

After your surgery or cosmetic operation, your doctor will instruct you on how to shower properly. While you’re recovering, you can use these general principles to help you prepare for showering.

Make it happen quickly

To avoid difficulties throughout the healing process, take fast showers. You may feel faint after surgery if you stand for long periods of time, so shower as soon as possible. You might wish to invest in a shower stool or enlist the assistance of a friend or family member when showering.

Keep your cool

Hot water should not be used because it can create irritation. Instead, bathe in lukewarm or cool water.

Maintain a dry environment

Keep any dressings, stitches, casts, or clips out of the water by either holding the region out of the water or covering it with a waterproof covering or plastic bag. If your doctor agrees, you can remove your dressing or bandages entirely before washing.

Be kind with yourself

For breast surgery apply minimal pressure to your incision and don’t scrub it too hard. Using a soft cloth, gently clean with soapy water. To help prevent infection, use antibacterial soap, but avoid placing soap directly on the wound. Adjust the shower head’s spray to the gentlest setting, or keep the spray away from your incision.

Allow to air dry

After a shower, gently pat your incision area with a cloth, but do not rub it. Allow the incision to air dry to prevent the wound from reopening.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR?

After your surgery, see your Santa Monica doctor for precise advice on when and how to shower. If you develop a fever after showering or detect swelling, redness, discharge, or warmth in the incision area, call your doctor right once.