DM - just leaving it is not an option, the boobie is glued to my post surgical bra (which now needs a washing which is another whole kettle of fish).

Lulu - I think eucy might be a bit harsh. Also it's a very big area & there's nearly 30 cms of suture lines involved. I would usually try it but not this time.

Starrysky - baby oil's probably a really good idea. The nurse today was saying something about non-soap washes and I've got some that has a parrafin oil component along with a small amount of lavender - that might do the trick...if not I'll give baby oil proper a shot (just don't have any in the house right now).

Trill I'm going to try the sorbolene first...not sure the bicarb would work so well without a scrubbing effect. Maybe the sorbolene will help soften it up

ETA
MG - just saw that you use eucy at work - is it diluted at all or just neat from the bottle? Do you think that is gentler than alcohol or is alcohol gentler?