How soon can I go in a hot tub after Breast Augmentation?

Thank You for your question. It is very important that you do not contaminate your incisions. You've gone through a lot of recovery and cost for this operation, and your surgeon has worked hard to give you the best possible result, so it is paramount that you remain patient and not take any chances! Recommendations vary but I usually suggest 3 weeks for a chlorinated pool and 4-6 weeks for a lake or potentially contaminated waterways. I've been in practice for 25 years, doing all breast work in a lake community, so I am very strict with those instructions. I've had a Breast cancer patient with a trivial suture "spitting" in an otherwise healed wound come in 3 weeks post op with a full blown infection after taking a dip in the lake, requiring removal of her implant! So I must admit I'm a bit paranoid about it and actually prefer seeing a fully healed wound on my post check before giving the OK. I'd be worried about increasing the chances of bleeding the first 10 days by fully submerging the chest in a hot tub as well. So be CAUTIOUS! We always have your best interest in mind!

Thank you for your question. Best to run this type of question by your plastic surgeon who knows exactly how you are healing. You will want to avoid “unclean” water exposure and the risk of infection; wait until all incision lines have completely healed ( around six weeks post assuming no complications).   Be careful about the temperature of the water, given that some numbness (usually temporary loss of sensation) will likely be present. Best wishes.

Patients are eager to return to normal activity as soon as possible following breast augmentation surgery. Unfortunately, returning to normal activity too soon can result in an increased potential for complications. For this reason, patients should be cautious about getting into a hot tub or Jacuzzi following surgery.Theoretically, once the skin edges have sealed in about 48 hours following surgery, these activities can be resumed. In reality, small absorbable sutures may break through the skin and become exposed. In this situation, infection could occur in a patient submerged in a hot tub or Jacuzzi. Each of these environments may have unique and in many cases, antibiotic resistant bacteria that could lead to a significant infection. For these reasons, it's important to make sure that the skin edges are sealed before getting into a hot tub. This usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks to occur.It's important to realize that every patient's procedure and post-operative course is unique. For these reasons, make sure you consult your plastic surgeon before getting into the water.