There’s nothing that can make you feel quite as good as a shower. It revitalizes you, especially if you have been feeling under the weather. This is certainly also the case for your first shower after your cosmetic surgery.

However, there are some specific rules you will need to follow for that first shower, as well as for how to shower the night prior to your surgery. This will ensure that your risk of getting an infection at the incision site is minimal.

Here, Dr. Paul Pin outlines the showering instructions you should follow before and after your cosmetic surgical procedure.

Before Cosmetic Surgery

You will need to take a shower on the evening before your surgery. During this shower, we advise patients to remove as much bacteria as possible from the skin.

For the shower, you will need: freshly washed washcloths; freshly washed towels; and four ounces of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (4% CHG) antiseptic soap, which often goes by the brand name of Hibiclens or Exidine.

  • Wash your hair with your normal shampoo. Rinse the shampoo from your hair and body.
  • Apply the antiseptic soap to a clean damp washcloth, and then gently apply it from your neck to your toes, applying to your groin last. Do not apply to your face.
  • Repeat with the second washcloth
  • Let the soap sit on your skin for at least one minute, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Dry yourself with a clean towel.
  • Do NOT use any lotions, creams or moisturizers.
  • Wear clean pajamas and have clean fresh sheets on the bed the night before surgery, and clean clothes for the day of surgery.

Don’t shave within 12 inches of the incision area for at least three days before your surgery, to avoid infection from micro-cuts due to shaving.

After Cosmetic Surgery

You should wait about 48 hours after surgery for your first shower, so that your incisions have time to initially close over. You can do sponge baths with lukewarm water, a soft washcloth and mild soap, being careful to avoid the incision sites.

Here are some other tips:

  • Do not wash your hair during those first 48 hours, as the stretching motion may cause your incision to pull open. Ask if a family member or friend can help you.
  • Although you can shower after 48 hours, keep it as brief as possible to keep the chance of infection to a minimum.
  • A shower stool can keep you from having to stand for long periods if you are still feeling weak after surgery.
  • Use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can increase inflammation, which may lengthen healing time.
  • Try to keep any dressings or sutures dry by keeping them out of the water spray or shielding them with a plastic bag or a large waterproof first-aid bandage.
  • Clean the suture area gently, without scrubbing. Use antibacterial soap on a soft washcloth, but don’t let the soap get directly onto the incision. Use the gentlest spray setting for the shower head.
  • Finally, let the incision site air dry, rather than rubbing it.

Good hygiene is crucial, both before and after your surgery, in order to prevent complications and ensure the best possible results.