Typically, 24-48 hours is all that it takes for a well-sutured incision to resist water. While a shower at 4 days is perfectly fine, you wouldn't want to aggressively scrub the area nor to immerse in water like a bath that early--best to wait more like 2 weeks for that. A soft support bra early post-op is helpful for comfort, swelling reduction, and implant positioning but it is perfectly ok to be without the bra for periods of time early during the first couple of weeks. After that, the decision is up to you although a bra should be worn most of the time to help minimize stretching and potential droopiness (and definitely during vigorous exercise).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you are cleared to shower, that means that it is OK to get the incision wet. Usually the patient can also go braless.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

These are questions for your surgeon and not a forum. My patients are permitted to get the incision wet and must wear a bra for 6 weeks. Each individual surgeon has his/her preferences. Ask your surgeon!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You can shower, but not submerge. Also, wear the bra.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Our patients must wear the sports bra for two weeks. Taking a shower is fine. But, you must read your post op instructions from your surgeon, if he has any specific protocol. Call his office and ask the nurse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I usually let my patients shower after a day or two, and I let them get the incision wet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

These are questions you need to ask your surgeon as each surgeon has his own preferences and post-operative instructions. In my practice, I let patients shower the day after surgery. I usually place a steri-strip (tape) over the incision which can get wet in the shower. I also have patients wear any comfortable sports bra after surgery which they can choose to wear or not wear any bra. I think its a good idea to have some support during the first week to minimize any discomfort, but the bra is not mandatory. I just tell my patients not to wear any underwire bras until the implants have settled, which is usually 3 to 4 months. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Call your surgeon! You trusted him or her to do your surgery and you need to follow their particular instructions. Do not pay attention to any advice from anyone but your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You may shower without your bra and get the (covered) incision wet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. I let my patients shower 24 hours afterwards and allow the incision to get wet (not a bath). Most of my patients need to wear the breast garment (bra or binder) depending on the specifics of the breast procedure. Check with your surgeon who should have preferences specific to your case. Hope this helps and best wishes for the best results!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Every surgeon has his/her own preferences- you need to call your surgeons office and ask the staff these important questions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Every surgeon has their own post-operative instructions that they ask their patients to follow. You should check with them for the answer to these questions since a lot depends on the technique used, sutures in place, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Great question. I allow my patients to shower the first day of surgery after breast augmentation. You will want to check with your plastic surgery office to make sure but I suspect they mean you can get everything wet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question.
This is best answered by your surgeon as he/she knows your situation and recovery progress best.
Best wishes for an outcome you will be pleased with.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Please ask your surgeon for their specific recommendations. If the wound is closed, showering is permitted while bathing is deferred until 10 days. Garment wear will depend on the type of surgery performed and the appearance of the breasts and position/placement of the implants. Bras may be encouraged/discouraged or even modifications (shoelace or cutout bra) may be advised. In some instances braless is acceptable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012