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

Question

When is it safe to go swimming or soak in a hot tub after a breast lift with augmentation?

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

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

Eddy Dona, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

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.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

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

F. True Lansden, MD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.
Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to guide you in regards to activity resumption after tummy tuck surgery. From the healing standpoint most patients are able to swim again starting 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. You will want all incision lines to be completely healed.  You will also want to be mostly pain-free and free from concern such as muscle spasm.
From the safety standpoint, much of the timing of returning to swimming will depend on exactly what you mean by “swimming”. For some people this means wading knee-high in shallow water;  for some people it may means swimming  long distances in choppy water.  For this reason, return to activities should be individualized and gradual.
In other words, start slow and "listen to your body" as you gradually progress in intensity/duration of exercise. Best wishes.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

For the average patient, my recommendation for when one can go swimming after a breast lift and breast augmentation is around four weeks. for those with slower healing or other issues, this can be even longer. If you have had or are having this procedure, you need to ask and follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations and restrictions of activities.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Questions such as this are best left for your operating plastic surgeon. While there is no direct science on what these rules should be, some hard and fast recommendations can be given. I will allow my patients to swim in a chlorinated pool after a week and ocean or lake after two weeks. In theory, the skin is sealed from the outside in about 48 hours. As far as hot tub, it's the heat that needs to be dissipated with increasing blood pressure and heart rate that's the worry. It could cause bleeding. I would wait at least two weeks for that. Still, ask your operating plastic surgeon what he or she recommends. Congratulations on your surgery.

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