How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

Question

I am in the process of scheduling my procedure. We have a trip to HI planned in 9 weeks. Is it realistic to think I'd be able to swim (splashing around nothing vigerous) at 4 weeks post op?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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!

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Most likely you will be fine. Most patients heal well and are able to swim 3-4 weeks after surgery. But if you don't heal perfectly and have any parts of the incisions that have not completely sealed, you might be stuck watching everyone else in the pool.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. A trip to Hawaii sounds lovely! The amount of time it takes to be ready for the water differs from person to person. I usually tell my patients that they can submerge their incisions once they are fully closed. This is usually after all the scabs have fallen away. On average it's three to four weeks. If you have no complications or any delay in healing, four weeks post op should be fine. Best to chat about it with your surgeon and follow her or his instructions. Aloha!

Margaret Skiles, MD (retired) · Answer

It is possible that you would be ready for letting your incisions/scars soak in water while swimming assuming that there are no problems with healing. And, of course, it is when we are counting on nothing going wrong that things seem to. It would probably be safer to plan your surgery after your trip but talk with your surgeon and see what he or she recommends. Good luck to you.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Maybe, but it's pushing it...if you have some delayed healing, which is not unheard of and not otherwise a problem, then swimming and exercising may not be okay.  If you can't do the procedure sooner it may be more prudent to wait until after your trip.You should, of course, discuss this with your own plastic surgeon to see if he or she has specific recommendations.I hope that this helps, and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

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Answer: Swimming after breast reduction

Answer: How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

Answer: How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

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How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

Answers (6)

Answer: Swimming after breast reduction

Answer: Swimming after breast reduction

Answer: How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

Answer: How long after Breast Reduction surgery (average) is it ok to go swimming, in a pool, in the ocean?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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