Showering After Knee Surgery: What You Need to Know

When you’ve had a total knee replacement, a surgical procedure to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial one, one of the first things you’ll ask is: When can I shower? It’s not just about cleanliness—it’s about healing. Getting your incision wet too soon can lead to infection, but staying dirty isn’t an option either. Most doctors say you can shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, as long as your incision is covered and you avoid soaking it. The key isn’t timing alone—it’s wound care, the process of protecting and cleaning a surgical cut to prevent infection and support healing.

After knee surgery, your skin is fragile. Even a small leak under a bandage can turn into a serious problem. That’s why many patients are told to use waterproof covers or plastic wrap to keep water away from the incision. You don’t need to scrub. Just let lukewarm water run gently over the area. No loofahs, no harsh soaps, and definitely no soaking in baths or hot tubs until your surgeon says it’s okay—usually after staples or stitches are gone, around two weeks in. If you notice redness, swelling, pus, or a sudden spike in pain after showering, call your doctor. These aren’t normal. They’re red flags.

It’s not just about the incision. Your whole body is adjusting. You might feel dizzy, weak, or unsteady on your feet. That’s normal after surgery. But it’s also why you need a shower chair or grab bars. Falling in the bathroom can undo months of recovery. Many people skip this step and regret it later. Use what your hospital gives you—a non-slip mat, a bench, a handheld showerhead. These aren’t luxuries. They’re part of your recovery toolkit, the essential items and habits that help you heal safely after surgery. And yes, you can wash your hair while seated. You can even wash your legs without standing. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be safe.

Some people wait days longer than they need to because they’re scared. Others rush in and pay the price. The middle ground? Follow your surgeon’s instructions, but trust your body too. If your skin feels tight or the incision stings when water hits it, that’s okay—it’s healing. But if it burns, throbs, or leaks, that’s not okay. Your body talks. You just have to listen.

Showering after knee surgery isn’t just a chore. It’s a milestone. It means you’re moving forward. You’re getting back to normal. But normal doesn’t mean rushing. It means being smart. The posts below cover everything from how long to keep the dressing on, what to do if your knee swells after showering, how to dry properly, and even what to avoid when you’re on blood thinners. You’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—not just textbook rules. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about healing right.