When it is safe to go swimming after a breast lift with augmentation?

HI DA,  I usually tell my patients not to go into a public pool, hot tub, lake or ocean for at least 3 weeks. If there any opening at all along the incision line, the time is longer due to the bacteria present in water in gym pools and shower heads.Hope this helps. Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

As long as all wounds have completed healed you will be able to go swimming after 4 weeks post surgery.   Please consult with your plastic surgeon and follow their recommendations. 

While your skin is generally water tight after as little as 48 hours after surgery, pools and hot tubs contain a ton of bacteria (along with other substances) and are really not what you want to bathe your fresh incision in right after your procedure.  My patients can all shower the day after surgery but are asked to avoid bathing, swimming, and hot tubs for at least 3-4 weeks following their procedure.I would ask your surgeon what his/her preference is for this?I hope that helps!  

I ask my patients to wait until the incisions have healed for a few weeks before swimming. They can shower gently in a few days but that is different then swimming

Thank you for your question. After breast augmentation and mastopexy you should not soak in water until all of your wounds are healed and all suture material removed. We don't recommend a great deal of upper body movement, as used in swimming, until six weeks post-op. Consult with your plastic surgeon for his/her individual preferences.