After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath).
You should be able to wash normally after your stitches, dressings and clips have been removed. It's usually better to have a shower until the wound has healed to avoid soaking it completely.
The original dressing can be left in place for up to two days (or as advised by the nurse/doctor), as long as it is not oozing. The wound must be kept dry for two days. If the dressing becomes wet from blood or any other liquid, it must be changed.
Avoiding post‐operative bathing or showering for two to three days may result in accumulation of sweat and dirt on the body. Conversely, early washing of the surgical wound may have an adverse effect on healing, for example by irritating or macerating the wound, and disturbing the healing environment.
If you have had open surgery, you will need to wait until your surgeon takes out the staples keeping the incision closed before you take a bath. This typically happens about two weeks after surgery.
After those first 48 hours, though, it's totally fine to get your stitches briefly wet via the light spray of a shower. But emphasis on "briefly" here. Dr. Yaakovian stresses that you'll want to avoid soaking or submerging your stitches in water for about four weeks.
If your surgical wound is secured by staples, you will most likely need to wait until your surgeon removes the staples before you take a bath. This typically happens about two weeks after surgery. If you have any gaps in your incision, you must wait until they are closed to swim or take a bath.
After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath).
Avoiding post-operative bathing or showering for two to three days may result in accumulation of sweat and dirt on the body. Conversely, early washing of the surgical wound may have an adverse effect on healing, for example by irritating or macerating the wound, and disturbing the healing environment.
Make sure to use cool or lukewarm water when you shower for at least a week or so after surgery. Use the Softest Shower Setting - To minimize potential harm to the incision site, make sure to use a gentle showerhead setting when you take your first post-op showers.
Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.
Contrary to folk wisdom, wounds need moisture — not air — to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered can slow down the healing process.
Most surgical wound infections show up within the first 30 days after surgery. Surgical wound infections may have pus draining from them and can be red, painful or hot to touch.
Is it safe to bathe or shower? It is important for people to follow their doctor's care instructions after having dissolvable stitches. In many cases, a person can shower 24 hours after the wound closure. However, a doctor may advise a person to avoid soaking in a bathtub for a specified period.
Steri-Strips: You can wash or shower with Steri-Strips in place. Clean the area with mild soap and water and gently pat dry with a clean towel or cloth.
Generally, avoid high-fat meats, eggs, dairy products, and sugary sweets. According to the National Institute of Aging (NIA), these foods are low in fiber and may lead to constipation.
These are the usual time periods: stitches on your head – you'll need to return after 3 to 5 days. stitches over joints, such as your knees or elbows – you'll need to return after 10 to 14 days. stitches on other parts of your body – you'll need to return after 7 to 10 days.
Most types should start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two, although it may be a few weeks before they disappear completely. Some may last for several months. Ask your doctor about the type of stitches you have been given and how long they should take to dissolve.
Don't do activities that cause heavy sweating. Protect the wound from sunlight. Don't scratch, rub, or pick at the glue.
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
You may shower over the steri-strips, (after 48 hours and dressing is removed), blot gently to dry.
It is very important to clean your skin before surgery to reduce the risk of infection. For your health and safety, you are required to shower twice before surgery using a surgical detergent. You must have a shower the night before, and the morning of your surgery.