How Soon After Breast Reduction Surgery Can I Go into my Swimming Pool (Salt Water)

Patients are
eager to return to normal activity as soon as possible following cosmetic
surgery.Unfortunately, returning to
normal activity too soon can result in an increased potential for
complications.Swimming and time in the
jaccuzzi are both activities that could potentially have negative consequences
if resumed too soon.Theoretically, once the
skin edges have sealed in about 48 hours following surgery, these activities
can be resumed.In reality, small
absorbable interrupted sutures may break through the skin and become
exposed.In this situation infection
could occur in a patient who is submerged in a jacuzzi, pool, pond, or
ocean.Each of these environments may
have unique bacteria that may be antibiotic resistant.In addition, plastic surgeons generally don’t
recommend resumption of strenuous activities for a least six weeks following
breast reduction.Swimming can create
significant strain on the core muscles and should therefore be avoided in the immediate
post-operative period.

Thank you for your question. I would suggest waiting about 3-4 weeks for swimming. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

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. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

How Soon After Breast Reduction Surgery Can I Go into my Swimming Pool (Salt Water)
My surgery is scheduled for July, how soon after can i go into my swimming pool (salt water, heated pool). I realize i probably cannot start swimming laps around the pool, but just going in the water to cool off? thank you

 

Usually at about 2-3 weeks time the incisions are pretty much healed.  So as long as my patients dont have any open areas I allow them to submerge the incision sites.  As far as swimming goes and exercise can be resumed at 4 weeks time.

Make sure you discuss this with your surgeon as each surgeon has their own formula for recovery and when to do the do's and don'ts.

Good luck.

It is advised that you avoid going in any pools for at least 3 weeks. You want to make sure your wounds are healed before going swimming as this can increase your risk for infection.

Thank you for your question.

Of course you will need to check with your physician, but generally if everything is well healed between 6-8 weeks post op surgery, you can go into the pool.  Keep in mind that sometimes there is delayed wound healing after surgery and if that occurs, you would need to wait and not go into a pool until all incision lines are healed.

I hope this helps.

 

I ask my patients to refrain from using swimming pools or hot tubs for two to three weeks after surgery.  It is important to ensure that the incisions from the surgery are well healed.  Otherwise, pool water that is contaminated with bacteria may enter the surgical wounds and cause an infection.

It takes about 2-3 weeks for the incision to really seal nicely.  Soaking in a pool at 3 weeks is probably not advisable.  While you probably can wade in the pool as long as your breasts do not soak, it is probably ok. I hav emy patients  wait about 6 weeks to swim.

In my personal practice I request at least 3 weeks healing and all wounds healed. No scabs or open areas should be present. 

Clean soap and water is great even the day after breast reduction. Swimming should be OK as soon as the incisions are healed, clean, and dry without any suture spitting, usually after two to three weeks. Cool chlorinated pool water is best. Heated saltwater is more of a primordial stew where critters abound. Be sure you are well healed. Until then perhaps a run through the sprinkler to stay cool.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd