I would suggest showers instead of baths after a tummy tuck
I’m in agreement with the other doctors, this is one question that is best left answered by the operating surgeon. In my practice I prefer showering to immersion in a tub.
Keep in mind, most plastic surgeons would prefer the wound to be carefully cleaned with soap and water rather than not cleaned since this reduces bacteria in the skin and the risk of infection in the wound. (William Franckle, MD, Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon)
Showering after a tummy tuck
In general you can resume showering much earlier than taking a bath. Before soaking in a bath tub, swimming pool, or Jacuzzi we would like the wound to be water tight and most surgeon will not allow you to do this for several weeks.
When it comes to taking a shower most surgeons are little more liberal and will allow you to shower within two to three days. Remember you will have drains after the surgery and your Plastic Surgeon is the best person to guide you after surgery.
Wound healing and wound care is a specialty of Plastic Surgery and your Plastic Surgeon will have specific instructions on when it is safe to shower or bathe. Hope you have a quick and comfortable recovery. (Michael Zarrabi, MD, Santa Monica Plastic Surgeon)
Bath After Tummy Tuck
I agree that this is a question which should be addressed to your plastic surgeon. I also recommend showers rather than baths for several days after a tummy tuck and generally allow my patients to begin showering on the first post-operative day. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)
Baths after Tummy Tuck
You should address this question to your surgeon. In general in my practice, for any procedure which involves an incision – tummy tuck, breast implants, etc – I recommend shower only for the first two to three weeks. Once the incision in healed properly you can resume taking baths. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Bathing After A Tummy Tuck
Every plastic surgeon has their routine on how to manage their patients during the post-operative period. Most develop these routines through years of training, reading about new recovery treatments, and going to scientific meetings. The best person to address your concerns would be a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in performing tummy tucks. Most plastic surgeons will limit the soaking of a fresh incision during the healing phase but many will allow you to shower.
Exactly when you are allowed to shower is highly variable. For the first few weeks after an incision, the wound while closed is not fully water resistant. Soaking in bath water, a hot tub, or a pool can increase the risks for wound complications. Once the water resistant barrier is built up, then you can resume your normal bathing routine. Again, this is a great subject to discuss with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. (Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD, Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon)