Could everyone answer this please?

Ok it's just a couple of questions so I get an idea as I haven't really been told exact times for these things so thought I could get an average and use that until I can somehow get in contact with my surgeon lol
Ok when could u get your incisions wet? I had my waterproof dressings taken off on Thursday and they are healing fine, I was told I could go swimming by next week so I take it I could have a normal shower just now?
Also when I saw the surgeon before I went home he said to wear a sports bra all the time for a few/ couple of weeks, it seems to be an average of 6 weeks on here to wear one for but I specifically remember thinking it didn't seem very long!
I won't see my surgeon now till Xmas so was hoping to just go by the average answers I get in here lol
Thanks, misty xx

Hi misty,

I was told once I had my waterproof dressings off that I could shower, but my surgeon had put thin tape over my scars to help flatten them..I'm not sure if that is why I can shower. I was told I couldn't swim properly (as in, with my arms) for 6 weeks so that there isn't too much strain on my chest. I've also been told to wear the sports bra day and night for 6 weeks...I've been taking little 15 min breaks every night where I let them loose haha :) But i would suggest wearing them for the 6 weeks so that you know you've done everything to help them heal properly.

Let us know how you get on :)

Freckle x

Hiya. My ps told me last week that I could leave the sports bra off at night - Im just gone two weeks. I queried it saying that I had read that six weeks seemed the average advice Id read and he said it was un-necessary. I tried that night but to be honest I felt wrong without it on and a bit scared so I put it back on - much to DF's displeasure

My PS said I couldnt damage them - which is what I had worried about - I even asked when I could start to run again and he said that also I could start then albeit gently at first and be guided by my body.

Whilst I trust my ps completely I feel better being that bit more cautious.

x

oh and I have been having baths since I came home - I had massive waterproof dressings on that there was no way water was getting in and after they came off little steri strips. I was told bathing was ok right from day one -something I hadnt seen on here from anyone else. Ive found the bath a really good way of easing creakiness! My scars are healing beautifully - Im amazed how little they show - so, for me at least, bathing/showering was ok from day 1.

Hope thats helpful to you hon. xx

I went for my 1 week check today with the nurse who told me i could shower normally now (I had dressings removed today) although not to use anything oily around my incisions which she said looked great and very neat. She also told me i could sleep flat now as there was no swelling and frm next week (2 weeks post-op) i could sleep braless if i felt comfortable! I couldnt believe that as i still feel like they might drop off at the moment although they are feeling a little more like they belong to me now lol xxx think advice varies from person to person so best check with ur ps or nurse about what u should be doing xx

Oh yes forget to say cant swim til 6 weeks post op xx

Hi, I go for my two week post op a week on Monday when I will have my dressings removed. I have been told I can bathe from then if my incisions have healed well! x

Thanks everyone! Yeh she said no actual swimming lengths or anything but I really meant when could I take my boys in for a dip lol (I don't do swimming haha) il try phoning the hospital on monday and hopefully will get to speak to someone for more info, that's the only prob with nhs lol!! X

I see your not aloud to put oil on your scars? Iv bought bio oil expecially for it. Is that just for before hand? Xx

Bio oil should be fine once your scars have healed but I wouldn't put anything on them for a wee while after x

Hey I was told sports bras for 6 weeks then non wired bras till 12 weeks when see my ps! Couldn't bath till 5 weeks but could shower from 2 weeks although with steri strips on till 3rd week and had to hairdry incisions dry until week 5! No oil until scars where fully healed ur nurse/ps will advise u when to start using oil otherwise u can cause infection, I'm using oil now was strange first few days as I hadn't touched my scars can't believe how thin they are xx

Oh bra less night from 5 weeks but I still sleep with mine and will till I see my Ps again don't feel ready to let go xx

Hi Hun



You can only go with how you feel and from guidance from your PS and PC. I was told no exercise at all for first six weeks and have only this week just started back at Zumba etc. No oils or creams on scars for six weeks also and of course sports bras only. I am back to my normal wired bras in the day but I feel comfortable sleeping in my sports bra and have done now since my original op 2 years ago.

xxxx

Hi Hun,

It looks as though every PS offers different advice. I was advised I could shower from day 2 as long as I put additional micropore tape over the tape that is already there covering the incisions. However I was advised no swimming for 6 weeks. My dressings don't come off for another 2 weeks either, though I know some have had dressings removed one week post op!

I was also told to wear the sports bra and the chest strap for a full 6 weeks. When I went back to see the nurse one week post Op she was pretty insistent that I do this as my surgeon is quite particular apparently. Gosh the thought of this strap for a further 4 weeks!!!!! Lol

Hope you are doing really well hun xxx

I think swimming in. Public pool would be a very bad idea until your scars are closed. You should be able to shower now hun. Not sure about a bath. If you think your scars are fully closed you can do anything.

hmmm, I was told I could use the bio oil at my two week check last week too - and I have been doing. Scars are looking really well, am very surprised how well to be honest.

Ive had four children and section deliveries with them - so had c-section scars and they always looked really angry red and swollen for a while after the op. These scars are barely anything. They are fully closed tho and the first time I used the oil I checked thoroughly (had to use a mirror - now that was new - YEY NEVER had that 'problem' before haha).

It actually helps my creaky feeling too - the little massage to put it on. Thats a bit odd doing that - feel like I should be pouting/lickin my lips when Im doing it (like in one of 'them' films) - never worried about it beforehand, putting moisturiser on/sun cream etc but with my new bits its very different hahaha.

I slept first night without the sports bra last night - i MADE myself do it - an you know what - I felt great this morning. I also thought my nips could do with the rest from being squished in the sports bra all the time too and being braless obviously helped that cos they have been super sensitive lately but this morning feel a lot less.

Sorry about the ramble - used to be a typist before I had the kids so its far too easy for me to ramble on