Most doctors feel you can bathe 24-48 hours after surgery. However, and this is very important, if you have any bandages do not get them wet. If during your operation your doctor used drains you cannot get these areas wet until at least twenty four hours after the drains are removed. If stitches are exposed or you have paper tapes it is fine to get them wet, but do not massage the area of the incision or rub soap into the tapes. Be careful that you do not catch your stitches on your comb when combing or brushing your hair.