Plastic Surgery Showering Instructions: Before & After Your Procedure
Proper hygiene is essential before and after you undergo surgery. It can prevent infection and improve your chances of a full and problem-free recovery. It’s one of the reasons why we offer comprehensive pre-op and post-op instructions to patients before going through with body contouring surgery and other procedures.
The team at our Halifax, NS plastic surgery center would like to go over some basic showering instructions for plastic surgery patients. This should give you a good idea of what to expect as you prepare for surgery and recover.
Instructions for Showering Before Surgery
The night before surgery and the morning before the procedure, you will want to shower thoroughly using soap and water. Remove all makeup the night before surgery before your shower, and be sure to avoid wearing any lotions, creams, or other items after showering. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
Your surgeon may instruct you to use a special antibacterial soap when showering. Be sure to follow all instructions to the letter to Haig with the pre-op process.
Avoid Showering for the First Few Days After Surgery
After your surgery has been performed, you will want to avoid taking a shower for the first 48 hours or so. This will help prevent water getting directly onto the incision sites, increasing risk of infection. Additionally, this will also help prevent the stream from the shower affecting the stability of the sutures and stitches.
Taking a Sponge Bath After Surgery
Instead of a shower, patients are instructed to take sponge baths in the early part of surgical recovery. Using lukewarm water and a washcloth, patients can clean their skin and feel refreshed. Be sure to use soap approved by your surgeon.
When taking a sponge bath, patients will be instructed to avoid cleaning the incision sites directly as this can re-open wounds and cause problems with healing. It is important to. After facial plastic surgery, be careful with washing your hair, as the slight tugging may disturb incision sites.
Post-op Showering Instructions
When you do return to showering, it’s important to follow these instructions:
- Keep Incision Sites Dry - Be sure to prevent water from coming into direct contact with the incision sites. Cover the incision areas up, or keep that part of the body turned away from the shower stream if possible.
- Use Lukewarm Water - Hot water and steam can increase the risk of inflammation and infection. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water when showering for the first week or so after surgery.
- Use the Gentlest Showerhead Setting - Since your skin will still be delicate, be sure the showerhead is set at its most gentle level.
- Keep the Shower Brief - Don’t linger in the shower for too long. Keep your shower brief and focus on getting clean and feeling refreshed.
- Gently Pat Yourself Dry - After your shower is over, gently pat yourself dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing too hard, and rely on the air to help you completely dry off.
When Can I Take a Bath Again?
You’ll want to avoid baths for at least two weeks after surgery. More time may be needed depending on the nature of your surgery. Be sure to ask your surgeon during your follow-up visits.
Contact The Landings Surgical Centre
For more information about proper hygiene before and after your surgery, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in much greater detail.
