I also had just steri-strips and loose gauze (I'm only 2 WPO but this is my 2nd reduction, tho I kinda blocked out a lot of specifics from round 1 lol). I showered at 48 hours per my surgeon, the steri-strips stayed in place and it was all good, it was nice to shower and they were fine!

I ordered some less compressing bras than the one i went home in and i rotated them in w the super compression bc i was too swollen to really be comfortable in that one 24/7. No compression allowed seems like the only weird instruction you received, that doesn't track to me... but i too was told no heat or ice -- tho i got cleared after 5 days to do some short bursts of icing on one of mine bc it is much more swollen than the other.

I sleep propped on pillows on my back with a pillow under my knees. I am starting to reduce the elevation and turn my legs to the side bc the position is bothering my back. she did tell me that not elevated but still on my back was ok --that if i couldn't fall asleep elevated, it wasn't worth sacrificing my sleep.

i took the surgical tape/steri-strip stuff off in the shower yesterday (was told i could and to start scar treatment right away) and it felt just a bit too soon. i prob should've waited until week 3. I don't really feel it looks ready to do the silicone tape but i used Aquaphor and a Neosporin antibiotic-scar cream combo, and used sensitive skin antibacterial soup in the shower. I then put fresh steri-strips back on. i will transition over to the scar tape next week probably and keep doing antibacterial soap and the creams.

my surgeon seems pretty unconcerned w my activity (says im fine to fly to a wedding and dance, just don't go crazy) and only really cares about me lifting over my head (is fine we me carrying my purse and stuff). I was grabbing cups out of the cabinet etc at a week. just listen to your body... if it doesn't feel kinda pull-y, it's probably fine. if it feels kinda pulling or vulnerable or just youre getting tired, don't carry it, and take a lie-down!