Hi Erica. The AI answer you received has helpful information, but it did leave out a couple of things. It should have mentioned not to start any sort of bandage changing or cleansing of your incisions until after your doctor says it's ok. Both times I had breast cancer I was told not to remove my bandages or shower until after my first post-operative doctor appointment which was a week after each surgery. Once I was cleared to change my bandages on a daily basis and given the OK to take showers my surgeon had me clean all of my incisions using Dial unscented antibacterial soap until my incisions were completely closed up and healed. Good luck and best wishes for a quick and uneventful recovery ❤️

It should be on your discharge instructions. If you are able to shower, keep your back to the shower, do not scrub the incisions, but ok to let the warm soapy water run down. Same for drains if you have them. Might be hard to wash your hair, maybe someone could help with that. Carefully pat dray the incisions, clean clothes. Your instructions should say if you should put a new dress on open to air.
My plastic surgeon said no to showers until my drains were out. Luckily only a week. The best shower of my life!

I know that gross funky feeling all too well. I didn't think to mention in my first response that you can use wet wipes like baby wipes to clean up where you don't have incisions, bandages, and drainage bulbs. Another thing I have done, which felt so go, is to go to a hair salon and have them wash my hair. Clean hair goes a long way towards making you feel human and semi normal 😀

Thank you! I have been holding out to see my dr, but, I just feel so gross.