Post Surgery Ace Wrap

[ChestBrah]

Hi everyone!

I just had my surgery two days ago and everything went smoothly. I just want to make sure I am doing the recovery portion correctly. I have a few questions and would appreciate if anyone could help out. 

1. I woke up in bandages tied around me. The doctor said to keep those on for 48 hours and then remove then. Then he said to put an ace wrap around my chest until the post op visit (which is in 3 days). Most people on this site were told to wear compression vests. Does the ace wrap serve the same purpose?

Maybe it would also be easier to wear the compression vest in a few days because raising my arms through it is too difficult for now. Right now, I just have the ace wrap around myself.  

2. After the surgery, how long should we sleep on our backs? When is it okay to sleep on the side again?

3. When showering, is it okay to let water directly onto the chest? Or should I wait a few weeks for that?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Most of your questions should be posed to your surgeon -- he knows what was done -- we don't.

I don't use ace wraps because they are difficult to apply and somewhat clumsy.  Also, I want compression for at least 4-6 weeks.  Therefore, either a vest or a binder is my preferred method of post op care.

Dr JAcobs