Why do doctors refuse exposure to sun and swimming in a pool after Smart Lipo? How many weeks is better to wait?

The timing for sun exposure is due to 2 reasons: 1 is the presence of bruises, that can perpetuate with sun exposure. 2, the skin is more delicate for a while after lipo and can get irritated by the exposure, even produce areas of stains and hyperchromia (dark spots). About swimming, there is also the factor of exposing the scars and wounds the water, that is not sterile at all. So the answer is around 2-3 months for both activities, depending in how fast the patient heals: some people tend to have very little bruising and scar recovery, other people not so much...

Liposuction by any technique leaves tiny scars which can act as entry ways for bacteria. Pseudomonas is a very common infection in swimming pools and could easily infect your lipo areas creating a much larger problem. By 6 weeks, your scars should be healed enough for swimming. Exposure to the sun can cause scars to darken in the early healing and should be protected from the sun for 6-12 months.

It is best to stay out of submersion for water for infection risks and swelling. I tell patients to wait 4 weeks after surgery.  Best, Dr. Emer.