When can I swim after tummy tuck? I'm 2 weeks today!

Question

With it bing summer I’d like to swim but I’m scared of infection I don’t swim in lakes or ponds so wondering if pool time is ok ! Still wearing binder how long can I i with out it !? My PS is on vacation until next week

Bryan Armijo, MD · Answer

I recommend that my patients wait at least 6 weeks after surgery before submerging their incisions. Waiting several weeks greatly reduces the risk of infection or wound breakdown. At two weeks, your incisions are still early in the healing process. Every surgeon has a different protocol, so be sure to double check with your plastic surgeon's office.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 week your operation area is totally healed and yes you can swim and also do other sport activities. I wish you all the best.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear baderbritt, 
  
Thank you for your question. What I usually tell my patients is that they cannot swim underwater until at least 6 weeks post-operatively and the incisions must be closed completely at this time. While you can still go in the pool prior to that time, you should  not go in up to the incision site. Once you have reached the 6 week mark, pools are the best body of water for wound healing because of the chlorine. I tell my patients to wear the binder 24/7 for 3 weeks. However, I would check with your operating surgeon for his personal recommendations. Best of luck!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for this interested question.To do the swimming after TT, is one elements to consider: avoid tension in the scar and prevent infection by contaminated water. I always recommend to my patients to do swimming after 2-3 months of surgery.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear baderbritt,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, it is usually six weeks to be submerged, please discuss with your surgeon when he/she gets back.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

You should wait at least 4 weeks prior to going in a pool. You definitely can wait for your surgeon to return from vacation and get his/her recommendation. It's important that all wounds are well healed prior to going into a chlorine pool. Salt water may be therapeutic, but needs to wait.Best of luck!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

The best person to give advice on this is your plastic surgeon. I usually allow my patients to swim at about two weeks, unless there are any open wounds. I believe the most important issue is that all of your incisions are sealed. Always rinse off well after swimming.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although post operative instructions do vary from one plastic surgeon to another, my advice is to wait a full 4 weeks before swimming in the ocean or in your own private swimming pool and 6 weeks before swimming in lakes or public pools.  Certainly incisions need to be completely healed.  Best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

2 weeks is too early to go swimming, I tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks before getting into a pool and or the beach to prevent any infections. You have to make sure your incisions are completely healed.Best wishes.

When can I swim after tummy tuck? I'm 2 weeks today!

Answers (17)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Does Blue Cross Shield cover tummy tucks?

Pain after tummy tuck while running. I’m 8 weeks post-op from a fleur de lis TT with MR. (Photos)

3.5 weeks post tummy tuck - how can I tell if I ruined my results?

Can necrosis after a tummy tuck occur because to much skin was removed above the belly button pulling skin too tight? (Photos)

Can high cholesterol impact my tummy tuck?

Seroma after tummy tuck. Is it common above the belly button? 10 days post op. (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS