When is it ok to submerge my breasts after explanting?

Question

When is it ok to submerge my breasts after explanting? I will be 10 days post op, no drains, capsules not removed, no lift, no replacement. I will be on vacation and would like to know if simple submersion would be ok 10 days out. Thanks!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This depends somewhat on where you are "submerging".  Ocean? Community pool? Your own bath?  I recommend that you speak to your surgeon as opinions may vary.  Generally speaking you will want to wait at least two weeks and in some cases longer.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your incision should be completely healed before submersion in sea or lake water to reduce the risk of a serious infection.   Discuss this matter with your surgeon before taking unnecessary risks.

Michael E. Ciaravino, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

After this procedure I recommend that my patients wait at least 2 weeks before submerging the incisions during a bath, and 4 weeks before submerging in any other types of water (ocean, pool, Jacuzzi). The reason for this is to reduce the risk for exposing the tissue to a bacterial infection before your incisions are completely closed.

When is it ok to submerge my breasts after explanting?

Answers (3)