How long should I wait before showering after surgery?

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

The timeframe for showering after surgery varies greatly, with many experts advising a wait of 24 to 48 hours for standard closed wounds. Knowing exactly how long should I wait before showering after surgery is a critical step in preventing infection and promoting a smooth recovery.

Quick Summary

Most patients can shower within 24 to 48 hours, but the precise waiting period depends on the incision's location, size, and closure method (stitches, glue, staples). Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions, prioritizing keeping the incision clean and dry during the initial healing days to minimize infection risks.

Key Points

General Rule: For many closed incisions, wait 24–48 hours to shower, but always follow your surgeon's advice.
Incisions with Glue: Keep surgical glue dry for 5–10 days before allowing water to run over it during a shower.
Showers over Baths: Prioritize showering over bathing or soaking to prevent infection and weakening of the incision site.
Safe Technique: Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and let the water gently run over the incision, patting it dry afterward instead of rubbing.
Monitor for Infection: Watch for increasing redness, swelling, unusual pain, or discharge, and contact your doctor if these occur.
Avoid Soaking: Do not enter a bathtub, hot tub, or pool until your surgeon explicitly gives you permission, which is typically several weeks post-surgery.

Why Waiting to Shower is Important

Waiting to shower after surgery is not an arbitrary rule; it is a critical part of preventing complications. In the hours and days immediately following an operation, the surgical incision is a fresh wound. Introducing water too soon can cause several problems:

Increased Risk of Infection

An unhealed incision is vulnerable to bacteria. Water, especially from a public or unfiltered source, can introduce microorganisms directly into the wound, leading to an infection. Keeping the area clean and dry is the best way to create a sterile environment for healing.

Weakened Incision Site

Soaking the wound can cause the edges to become macerated, or softened, which can weaken the closure and cause it to reopen. This is particularly true for closures like surgical glue and dissolvable stitches. Prematurely wetting the area can also cause adhesives to peel off too early.

Delayed Healing

The body's natural healing process creates a scab or seal over the wound to protect it. Over-saturating the area can disrupt this process, potentially delaying wound closure and prolonging recovery.

How Incision Closure Affects Your Shower Time

The type of material used to close your incision is one of the most important factors determining your waiting period. Always defer to your surgeon's specific instructions, as they know your procedure best.

Surgical Glue

If your incision was closed with surgical glue (or tissue adhesive), you typically need to keep the area dry for five to ten days. While some glues are waterproof, it is best to avoid direct stream pressure. The glue will naturally flake off as the wound heals.

Stitches or Staples

For incisions closed with sutures or staples, many surgeons allow showering within 24 to 48 hours. The key is to allow the incision to be exposed to water, but not soaked. Never scrub the area, and pat it dry gently afterwards.

Steri-Strips

These thin strips of adhesive tape are often used to provide extra support for an incision. It is generally okay to shower with Steri-Strips, allowing water to run over them. Do not peel, pull, or rub the strips; they are designed to fall off on their own within a week or two.

Safe Showering Techniques After Surgery

Once cleared to shower, follow these steps to ensure a safe and hygienic experience:

Wait for the 'All Clear': Ensure you have waited the minimum period advised by your surgeon. If you feel unsteady, wait for assistance or use a shower chair.
Prepare a Clean Space: Make sure your shower area is clean to minimize exposure to bacteria. Place a non-slip mat down for safety.
Use Lukewarm Water: Avoid hot water, which can increase swelling and irritate the incision site. Lukewarm water is best.
Protect the Incision: If instructed, use a waterproof bandage or cover to keep the site dry. If a direct spray is allowed, turn your back to the showerhead to let water gently run over the incision rather than directly onto it.
Cleanse Gently: Use mild, unscented soap. Do not apply it directly to the incision; instead, use your clean hand to gently lather around the area and let the rinse water run over the wound.
Pat, Don't Rub: After showering, use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the incision area dry. Do not rub, as this can irritate the healing tissue. Allow the area to air dry completely before dressing.

Showering vs. Bathing: What's the Difference?

For any surgical incision, a shower is always preferable to a bath or hot tub during the initial recovery period. Soaking an incision in still water can cause maceration and significantly increase the risk of infection. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to submerge your wound in a bath, hot tub, or pool, which is often several weeks post-surgery.

Comparison of Post-Surgery Showering Guidelines


Incision Type	Initial Waiting Period (General)	Cleaning Method	Bathing/Soaking	Special Considerations
Surgical Glue	5–10 days dry	Don't scrub, allow rinse water to flow over	Avoid until glue falls off	Glue naturally falls off as wound heals
Stitches/Staples	24–48 hours (or as advised)	Gentle rinse with mild soap, pat dry	Avoid until surgeon gives approval	Timeframe depends on dissolvable vs. non-dissolvable
Steri-Strips	Shower over them (as advised)	Gentle rinse, do not scrub or pull	Avoid until strips fall off	Let strips fall off naturally over 1-2 weeks
Large/Open Wound	Per surgeon's instructions	Often requires professional guidance	Avoid completely	Specialist wound care team may be involved

What to Do If the Incision Gets Wet Accidentally

If your incision accidentally gets wet before your surgeon has cleared you, do not panic. Instead, act quickly and carefully. Gently pat the area completely dry with a clean, soft towel. Do not rub. Contact your doctor to let them know and ask if any further steps are needed. They may advise monitoring for signs of infection or may instruct you to change the dressing.

When to Call Your Doctor

While some redness and swelling are normal, you should contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any of the following signs of a potential infection:

Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision.
Discharge from the wound that is thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling.
Increased or unusual pain that isn't managed by prescribed medication.
A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
The incision begins to open or separate.

Conclusion

Waiting to shower after surgery is a critical part of your recovery. While a general guideline is to wait 24 to 48 hours, the specific timing depends on the surgery type, incision closure, and your surgeon's instructions. By using proper showering techniques, avoiding soaking, and monitoring the wound for any signs of infection, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications and promote safe, efficient healing.

For more comprehensive information on wound care, you can refer to the detailed guidelines provided by authoritative sources like Cleveland Clinic on Incision Care.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can typically wash your hair when you are cleared to shower. For procedures that require more care, like cataract surgery, it's advised to keep your head tilted back or have someone help you to prevent water from running into the incision site. For abdominal surgeries, you may need a shower chair to prevent straining the incision while washing.

Yes, waterproof bandages can be used if your surgeon approves. Some surgeons prefer you to remove dressings for showering so the wound can be cleaned and air-dried. Always check with your doctor for guidance on your specific case.

Use a mild, unscented, and antibacterial soap. Harsh or perfumed soaps, as well as products like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, can irritate the skin and delay the healing process. Never apply soap directly to the wound unless your doctor instructs you to.

If your incision accidentally gets wet, gently pat the area completely dry with a clean, soft towel. Do not rub. Then, call your surgeon's office to inform them and ask if you need to take any additional steps.

You should not take a bath until your incision has completely healed and your surgeon gives you approval. Soaking the wound can significantly increase the risk of infection and damage the healing tissue. The waiting period can be several weeks depending on the surgery.

Yes, it is generally safe to get Steri-Strips wet in the shower. You should let the soapy water run over them but avoid scrubbing the area. The strips are meant to fall off naturally and should not be peeled or pulled.

The timing for showering after a drain is removed will be advised by your surgeon. It will depend on how the drain site is healing. Always follow their specific instructions, as getting the site wet before it has sealed can increase infection risk.