How Long Until I Can Take a Bath After Breast Surgery?
November 20, 2023
Every type of breast enhancement surgery will require incisions. Caring for your incisions is essential to reduce visible scarring. There are several things that will need to be done to keep your incisions clean and dry – not the least of which is avoiding the bathtub, swimming pools, or any other body of water that would allow your incisions to be submerged.
It can take about 48 hours for breast surgery incisions to close completely. During this time, even showering should be avoided to help prevent their reopening, which could lead to complications including infection or the development of thicker scars. As such, it is best to avoid showering within the first 48 hours of your breast enhancement procedure as well.
Many women find they have recovered sufficiently to take baths by week two or three. During your follow up visits at our Houston plastic surgery center, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ravi Somayazula will assess how well you are recovering and make personalized suggestions based on what is best at each stage of incision healing. We typically recommend that you should not take a bath until that incision is fully recovered, which is at six weeks.
Caring for Your Breast Surgery Incisions
While showering may need to be avoided for 48 hours and bathing for six weeks, it is important that you keep your incisions clean at all times during the recovery period. While the incisions are healing, this can be done with a soft cloth, sponge, or piece of gauze that has been wetted with warm water. Using a mild and non-irritating soap, gently clean the skin surrounding the incision. Be careful not to agitate or rub the incision itself.
We will provide you with specific instructions and gentle guidance during your time in our care to help make this process easier.
You can further care for your incisions after breast surgery by:
- Avoiding all forms of nicotine. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. It will cause thicker scars
- Avoiding activities that could cause the incisions to separate or stretch
- Carefully following all of our pre and postoperative directions
You may need to stop taking certain medications, supplements, or herbs before your procedure to help reduce risks. These same products may need to be avoided during your recovery phase as well. All of this will be discussed in greater detail during your initial consultation at our Houston office.
Contact Us to Learn More
Dr. Ravi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience as a breast and body cosmetic specialist. Caring, attentive, and effective, our Houston plastic surgeon is here to help you select the most effective surgical techniques for your specific goals. Please call us at 281-242-1061 to schedule your initial consultation today.
Located in Houston, Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics welcomes patients from all surrounding communities including Katy, Sugar Land, Conroe, The Woodlands, and King.
