Can I take a shower or get the surgical site wet after the operation?

Whether or not a patient can come into contact with water or take a shower after surgery should be determined according to the actual situation. If the procedure was minimally invasive and the wound has already healed, generally speaking, contact with water is permissible. However, if it was a major surgery or the wound hasn't fully healed, contact with water should be avoided. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the surgery performed was minimally invasive, such as laparoscopic or arthroscopic surgery, the incisions are usually small and heal in a relatively short period of time, typically 3–5 days after surgery. Once the wound starts to heal and preliminary scar tissue has formed, patients may cautiously take a shower, but should avoid prolonged soaking of the wound in water.

For major surgeries, open surgeries, or procedures involving sensitive areas such as the abdomen or chest, doctors may advise avoiding contact with water for a period of time post-surgery to prevent an increased risk of infection. Furthermore, if the surgical wound hasn't fully healed, contact with water might allow bacteria or other pathogens to enter the body and cause infection. Therefore, contact with water should be avoided until the wound has completely recovered.

During the post-operative recovery period, patients should keep the wound dry and clean, and follow medical advice regarding wound care to promote recovery.