What's the deal with baths post surgery? I've been taking showers etc and that's all fine. My doctor said my healing is going well and i can even go swimming (8 days post op), so i'm assuming baths without oils etc is fine...right?
Asking your own doctor is typically better since he / she is most familiar with the problem and techniques used. For my patients I usually use an
After Gynecomastia Surgery Dressing that permits brief showers just 24 hours after surgery (this time gives the glue a chance to bind better to the skin). Like any bandage however, the dressing only tolerates so much soaking before it starts to come off.
When a drain is used, washing the wound can be a significant risk. (It is rare for my gynecomastia patients to need a drain.)
For wounds, a sealed wound is the issue. Shower water is typically safer than pool water (chemicals and what else might be in the pool). Again for my patients, once the wound is sealed a dip in the pool is no different than time in the shower. The length of time in water is a factor for any healing wound. Too long an exposure can disrupt any wound. Additives to the bath can also be an issue for dressings and the wound themselves.
Swimming also entails physical activity, the arms in particular. Too early activity can hurt healing tissues causing new swelling and slow recovery.
Hope this helps,
Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Male Breast Reduction
