Can You Shower with a Surgery Scar? A Guide to Post-Op Incision Care

October 1, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, patients with steri-strips or sutures can often shower just 24 hours after surgery, unless advised otherwise by their doctor. Knowing the specific instructions for your situation is critical, as waiting times and precautions can vary based on the type of incision closure and procedure. Understanding how to properly handle your incision is key to a swift recovery and minimizing scarring, so before you even think 'can you shower with a surgery scar', you need to get the all-clear from your medical team.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on when and how to shower safely after surgery. It covers best practices for different types of wound closures, proper cleaning techniques, and potential risks to avoid during the healing process.

Key Points

Check with Your Surgeon: Always follow your specific post-operative instructions, as timing for showering varies based on the type of surgery and wound closure.
Wait 24-48 Hours: Many surgeons advise waiting 24 to 48 hours before showering to allow the wound to become watertight, but this can differ depending on the procedure.
Shower Instead of Bath: Brief showers are safer than baths, hot tubs, or swimming, which can cause infection by soaking and weakening the incision.
Clean Gently: Use mild, unscented soap and let warm water run over the wound without scrubbing or rubbing.
Pat Dry with a Clean Towel: After showering, gently pat the area dry with a fresh, clean towel rather than rubbing, which can irritate the healing tissue.
Protect the Wound: Use a waterproof dressing if instructed, and be careful with steri-strips, which should fall off on their own.
Avoid Direct Pressure: Position yourself so the shower spray does not hit the incision directly to prevent trauma and irritation.
Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs like redness, swelling, warmth, or unusual discharge and contact your doctor if they appear.
Sun Protection is Key: Protect the healing scar from direct sunlight for up to a year to prevent permanent discoloration.

Timing Your First Shower After Surgery

The timing of your first shower post-surgery depends heavily on the type of closure used for your incision. While many sources suggest a 24 to 48-hour waiting period, you must always follow your surgeon's specific instructions. The initial period is crucial for the wound edges to seal and for the wound to become watertight, which significantly reduces the risk of infection. For some procedures, especially more complex or larger incisions, you may need to wait longer or take special precautions.

For most people, a sponge bath is recommended during the first 24-48 hours to keep the rest of your body clean without getting the incision site wet. When you do get the go-ahead, remember that a brief shower is always safer than a bath, hot tub, or swimming pool, which can lead to infection and weaken the healing tissue.

How to Shower Safely with a Surgery Scar

Once you have permission from your surgeon, follow these steps to ensure a safe and effective showering process:

Use lukewarm water: Avoid hot water, which can increase swelling and irritate the incision area. A gentle temperature is best for sensitive, healing skin.
Avoid direct water pressure: Do not let the shower stream spray directly onto the incision. Instead, stand with your back to the water and allow it to run gently over the area. A handheld showerhead can help you direct the water more precisely.
Use a mild, unscented soap: Fragrant or harsh soaps can irritate the healing wound. Opt for a gentle, mild, unscented soap or an antiseptic wash like Hibiclens if recommended by your doctor.
Do not scrub or rub: Gently cleanse the area by letting the soapy water run over it. Using washcloths, loofahs, or scrubbing directly on the incision can disrupt the healing process and cause damage.
Pat dry, don't rub: After showering, use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the area dry. Rubbing can irritate the wound and should be avoided. Letting the area air dry is also a good option.
Cover the incision, if necessary: Depending on your surgeon's advice, you may need to apply a fresh, dry dressing after the shower. In some cases, allowing the wound to air dry and remain uncovered is acceptable. Always confirm the best practice for your specific wound.

Protecting Your Incision from Water

Sometimes, you may need to shower before your surgeon gives the all-clear to get the incision wet. In these cases, there are several methods to protect the wound:

Waterproof dressings: You can purchase specialized waterproof transparent film dressings, such as Tegaderm, that create a barrier to keep the incision dry. Make sure the edges are sealed properly to prevent water from seeping in.
Plastic wrap: For larger areas, you can use kitchen cling wrap secured with medical tape to create a makeshift waterproof barrier. Ensure the seal is complete to avoid leaks.
Sponge baths: For the first few days, sticking to sponge baths is the safest option. Use a damp cloth to clean the rest of your body while completely avoiding the surgical site.

Special Considerations for Different Wound Closures


Closure Type	Initial Shower Timing	Showering Instructions	Additional Care Notes
Staples or Sutures	24-48 hours post-op	Let warm, soapy water run over the area. No scrubbing.	Do not remove sutures or staples. They will be taken out by a medical professional.
Steri-Strips	24-48 hours post-op	Normal showering is okay. Do not pull, tug, or rub the strips.	Steri-strips will fall off on their own over 1-2 weeks. Trim loose edges but do not remove them completely.
Surgical Adhesive (Glue)	Keep dry for the first 5 days.	After 5 days, showers are permitted. Avoid scrubbing the area.	Avoid picking at or trying to remove the glue. It will fall off on its own within 5-10 days.
Surgical Drains	Consult your surgeon.	Use waterproof dressings or cover drains carefully. Avoid pulling or tugging.	Keep the drain tubing secured to avoid dislodging. Record drain output as instructed.

Risks of Improper Showering

Getting a surgical wound wet before it has sealed carries several risks. The most significant is the potential for infection, as water can introduce bacteria into the incision. Infection can lead to a more noticeable and complicated scar, and may require further treatment. Soaking the wound in a bath can also cause the skin to macerate (soften), which can weaken the incision and potentially cause it to reopen. For incisions closed with tissue adhesive, soaking can cause the glue to come off prematurely, compromising the closure.

What to Monitor During and After Your Shower

While showering, and afterward, always inspect your surgical site for any concerning signs. Look for redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. While some tingling or itching is normal, increased pain or any unusual changes should be reported to your healthcare provider. If a waterproof dressing becomes saturated or loose, replace it immediately.

Post-Shower Scar Care and Longevity

Beyond the initial healing phase, there are several steps you can take to improve the long-term appearance of your surgery scar. Once the incision is fully closed and dry, your surgeon may recommend starting massage with a plain, unscented moisturizer like Vaseline or Aquaphor. Additionally, protecting the scar from sun exposure is critical for the first year, as UV rays can cause permanent discoloration. Silicone sheets or gels, a proven treatment, can be applied to keep the scar hydrated and help it fade over time. For more comprehensive information, you can refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on postsurgical scar management.

Conclusion

While showering with a new surgery scar is generally safe, the timing and technique are crucial. You must follow your surgeon's explicit instructions based on your specific wound closure. For most patients, a brief shower with mild, gentle care is permitted within 24 to 48 hours, while baths and submerging the wound are strictly off-limits. Protecting the incision from direct, high-pressure water and using gentle, unscented soap is key to preventing infection and ensuring a successful recovery. Always keep an eye out for signs of infection and seek advice from your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Taking these precautions will promote optimal healing and help minimize the appearance of your scar in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must wait for your surgeon's clearance, which is typically 24 to 48 hours after surgery for many standard incisions. For incisions closed with surgical glue, you may need to wait up to five days to ensure the wound remains dry.

Yes, in many cases, you can get stitches or staples wet in a shower after the initial 24-48 hour period, as long as you follow your surgeon's directions. Allow soapy water to run over the area gently and pat dry afterward. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the site.

No, you should avoid submerging a new incision in a bath, hot tub, or pool until it is completely healed and sealed, which can take several weeks. Soaking can increase the risk of infection and damage the healing tissue.

Use a mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh chemical fragrances or exfoliates that can irritate the sensitive, healing skin. Your doctor may recommend a specific antiseptic soap.

If a surgical wound gets wet before it is properly sealed, it can increase the risk of infection. Moisture can also cause the skin around the incision to soften and weaken the healing tissue, potentially reopening the wound.

Use a clean, soft towel and gently pat the area dry. Do not rub the incision. Letting the wound air-dry completely is also a safe and effective option.

If you need to keep your incision dry, you can use a waterproof transparent film dressing or wrap the area with plastic cling wrap and medical tape. Always check with your surgeon if a waterproof dressing is needed.