When can one go swimming at the beach or pool after a tummy tuck?

I agree with the other surgeons. As I no longer use drains and I dress the wounds with dermabond, the wounds are essentially water tight. In these cases I am comfortable to allow my pateints to immerse in still water (properly chlorinated pool, bath) after 2 weeks. I would not recommend sea water til at least three weeks.

I recommend my patients to wait at least 4 weeks post surgery before going swimming at the beach or pool. Generally at 4 weeks, all dressings have been removed and the incision has completely healed.  It is important to know the effects of the sun are damaging to the skin. Exposing the treated areas to the sun may result in increased scarring, colour changes and poor healing.  You must avoid any direct sun exposure to the treated areas especially within the first 6 months after surgery. Ensure you apply sunscreen directly on the incisions and the surrounding areas and re-apply regularly throughout the day.

I generally advise patients avoid submerging themselves in water for at least 1 month after their surgery. But if you are just going to be on the beach and not going in the water, then it should be okay. however, you should make sure to cover your incision lines up very well as sun exposure can permanently darken them. You may also need to wear your compression garment 24 hours a day, so I'm not sure if this will be comfortable while lounging around on the beach.However, please ask your surgeon as they may have different advice.

Hello! Thank you for your question! On average, a period of approximately 3-4 weeks on average is typical. Submerging in stagnant water, be it bathtubs, jacuzzis, pools, lakes, oceans, etc. can certainly increase your chance for infections. I usually await the incisions to be fully healed prior to allowing for this type of activity. If you do have any wound issues or delayed healing, expect that you will be restricted from doing such things. However, I allow my patients to shower and clean incisions at 3 days postoperative.  You should also protect your incision from UV light to optimize the appearance if your incision. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question.  As long as you are healing normally and do not have any open wounds, most plastic surgeons would let you go to the beach in 4-6 weeks.  Ask you plastic surgeon what his or her specific instructions are. Swimming for prolonged periods of time after surgery are probably not recommended.

Hi Rosalita,

Sure you can go to the beach after your TT surgery, just not let the ocean water get anywhere near your incision until it is completely healed. By this I mean no gaps, scabs, or drainage of any kind. Ocean water contains extremely harmful bacteria that can actually cause the dreaded 'flesh eating bacteria', so please be careful. Of course, always check with your PS to make certain your wound has healed enough to go dipping in any sort of body of water. Take care,

Dr. H