Caring for the Surgical Site - Surgical Guide to Right Total Knee Replacement

• A dry sterile dressing may be placed over the incision. The incision can often be left open to air without a dressing.
• Please inform your surgeon if you notice increasing redness or drainage from your incision.

Showering/Dressing

You cannot take a bath or shower until your staples or sutures are removed which is generally 10-14 days after surgery. Your surgeon’s office will give you specific instructions.

Showering in a Tub/Shower

Transferring in and out of the shower may be difficult initially after surgery. However, in both the short and long run, you should be concerned with safety as you enter and leave a tub/shower. You may want to equip your tub/shower with safety handrails and a non-slip surface to maximize your safety. Please arrange for this to be done before your surgery, if possible.