Are incisions healed by 8 wks post op from breast reduction surgery?

Question

I will be undergoing breast reduction surgery in a few weeks. Eight weeks from surgery date I have a beach vacation planned. Are there any concerns I should be aware of being 8 woks post op and in the salt water and wearing a bathing suit?

John K. Wakelin III, MD, FACS · Answer

In nearly all cases you should be able to do completely unrestricted activity and swim in a pool or the ocean 8 weeks after surgery  - in fact, this is usually possible after about 4 weeks.  However, this does not mean that this is recommended 100% of the time.  Occasionally you could have delayed healing that could take longer to heal.  Check with your surgeon before your trip if you have questions regarding this.

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

By 8 weeks the incisions should be healed and ready for any activity, including swimming in the ocean. It is best to keep fresh scars covered and out of the sun to prevent permanent darker discoloration. Good luck with the surgery and enjoy your vacation.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

By eight weeks after surgery, your incisions should be healed sufficiently to go into the ocean. However, this should be confirmed with your plastic surgeon.  If any wounds are open, you should not swim. Also be aware that the chest skin should not be exposed to sun, meaning that you must apply sun screen repeatedly and that a bathing suit is not armor against UV rays.  Try to avoid sun exposure to insure continued healing of the scars.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Each individual patient is different when it comes to the healing process but at 8 weeks all incisions should be healed.  If they are healed by this time you can enjoy swimming!

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, lindseybrooke6!
You may go and swim in the beach as long as  your incisions are healed, and they can heal as early as a month after surgery. 
But take note that healing time differs from person to person. If you swim even when you’re incisions have not yet fully healed, you’re putting yourself at risk for infection.
Make sure you go attend follow-up consults with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon just to make sure that you’re on the right road to recovery.
Best of luck!

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