Tanning and Swimming After Transaxillary Breast Implants

asked 3 years ago by rush32 in Collinsville, Oklahoma
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 1,467 times
Tags: transaxillary

What is the normal waiting period? Is it different than with the other surgical methods because of protecting the scar?

8 answers to Tanning and Swimming After Transaxillary Breast Implants

The answer doesn't depend on incisional approach

Regardless of the incision, you should avoid tanning any scar for at least a year so as to not make it dark. I personally ask patients not to do activities that might displace their implants into an abnormal position for at least 8 weeks after surgery. This would include swimming, tennis, and heavy weight training.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Swimming after breast augmentation

I usually have patients wait a good 4-6 weeks before engaging in vigorous exercies. You certainly do not want to develop a hematoma early post-op which could lead to further surgery and other complications.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Each surgeon has his own sets of recommendations

I think it's important to discuss these questions with your surgeon, as all of us have a different set of protocols for both tanning and postop activity. I personally ask patients to not engage in any heavy physical activites for 6 weeks after their procedure, and to not tan their incisions for a year, regardless of the type of incision used.

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Not different

All skin incisions do not reach their maximum strength until 6 weeks after surgery. This is 80% of normal skin strength and never get stronger. By 4 weeks this tissue is around 50% of normal strength. This is an acceptable time to soak the wound. Normal wetting in the shower doesn't affect the wound but continuous soaking can weaken the incision. On the other hand scars have a higher propensity for hyperpigmentation or getting darker than your normal skin. This propensity lasts for... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Use sunblock for a minimum of 3-4 months

I typcially advise sunblock for 3-4 months after surgery. The breast skin itself is more sensitive to sun exposure for a variety of reasons. The scar itself may be photosensitive for a year or two.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Protect your incisions from tanning

After surgery it is recommended to protect your incisions from tanning. It is best to put an SPF lotion over the incision or protect them from direct exposure for several months while the scar is maturing. As far as swimming, we recommend refraining from vigorous exercise for 12-14 days after surgery. From day one, we recommend that you do light exercise such as walking. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Talk To Your Doctor

I make my patients wait two weeks before vigorous activities. I advise no sun to wounds while they are red or pink. As an aside, I advise all patients to avoid sun exposure as it is bad for your skin. Few listen to this however. sek

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Transaxillary augmentation has a similar recovery

We really like the transaxillary approach in breast augmentation as the scar is located well off the breast, and the skin under the arm is lax and heals with a very kind and minimally visible scar. The healing curve is much like any other approach to augmentation and full exercise such as swimming generally should wait about four weeks. Other forms of exercise can start sooner, especially those that don't stimulate the muscles of the chest. As far as tanning, the underarm is a shaded and... more