When to Shower after Plastic Surgery

The process of bathing has an incredibly rejuvenating effect on patients. For this reason, Dr. Marcus Crawford, a top Atlanta plastic surgeon, prefers to let patients shower as soon as possible after surgery. However, patients may need to refrain from showering for a few days after undergoing certain plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Crawford will advise each patient on how long they should wait to shower after surgery; during this waiting period, patients may sponge the face and body clean in all areas except the one that was operated on.

Dr. Crawford always advises patients that it takes about 48 hours for an incision to close. Taking a shower while the incision is closing could inhibit healing and re-open the incision. For this reason, it is ideal to wait 48 hours after surgery to shower.

When patients do shower after plastic surgery, it is recommended that they follow these tips:

• Avoid baths: Sitting in a bathtub, or a hot tub or pool for that matter, can expose the healing wound to bacteria. Most surgeons recommend that patients stop taking baths for at least two weeks after plastic surgery.
• Drains: If drains have been placed after plastic surgery, a practice that is common with the tummy tuck operation, Dr. Crawford may ask you to wait to shower until the drains are out.
• Take quick showers: In the week following plastic surgery, patients should try to take quick showers to avoid wound-healing problems. In addition, in the first few days after surgery, the patient may begin to feel faint after a long shower; getting in and out of the shower in an expedient manner allows the patient to return to the recovery area and rest.
• Use antibacterial soap: Before patients undergo plastic surgery, they should buy some antibacterial soap. Use of antibacterial soap will minimize the patient's risk of infection.
• Take care when cleaning the incision site: When washing the incision and the area around the incision, use a soft cloth to gently clean the area. It is important to clean the incision site to reduce the risk of infection. However, patients want to avoid vigorously rubbing at the wound, as this could cause the incision to re-open and worsen post-operative scarring.
• Don't use hot water: Heat increases inflammation, especially in the first few days after plastic surgery. Try to use lukewarm water when bathing to reduce swelling.
• Be mindful of the sharp spray of water: If the patient's healing incision is hit directly by a strong spray of water, it could pop the stitches or cause the wound to open. If possible, adjust the spray of the water so it comes out more gently, or keep the incision site completely out of the spray of water.
• Pat yourself dry: After you shower, pat the area around the incision dry. Do not rub at the incision with the towel, as this action can result in the re-opening of the wound.

To schedule a plastic surgery consultation at the practice of Dr. Marcus Crawford, contact us in Marietta or Hiram today.