Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

Question

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. In general, I recommend to all my patients to refrain from submerging in water after breast implant surgery for a minimum of 4 weeks.  This includes bathing, hot tubs, swimming pools, as well as ocean and lake swimming.  I believe this helps lessen the risk of breast implant infection.  Should infection occur, it would usually require more surgery starting with the removal of the implant.  When a breast lift is done together at the same time as breast implants (breast augmentation), the incisions usually take a bit longer to heal, usually at least 6 weeks.  So I extend this advisory to my patients that want to swim to at least 6 weeks or until the incisions are completely healed.  I hope this is helpful.  I would definitely return to swimming pool water before ocean or lake in general because of high concentrations of bacteria in the ocean or lake.  Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tkbear23,you should wait until you are fully healed. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, each surgeon has different protocols, so ask your surgeon.  I usually let my patients swim after six weeks, good luck.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Tkbear23
Congratulations on your recent breast augmentation with lift.
Each plastic surgeon has different post-op regimen/instruction.  It would be best to check with your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendation.
For my patients, I examine them to make sure that all incisions have healed prior to giving them a clearance for swimming. Usually, it is 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Best wishes with your recovery.

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every plastic surgeon's office has their own post operative protocol and set of instructions and precaustions that they recommend their patients follow. I encourage you to refer back to these instructions. If there is nothing specific related to activities or swimming, please call your surgeon's office and ask.

Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

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Answer: Swimming after breast lift

Answer: Swimming after breast lift

Answer: Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

Answer: Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

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Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

Answers (9)

Answer: Swimming after breast lift

Answer: Swimming after breast lift

Answer: Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

Answer: Recently had a breast lift with implants. How long after surgery do I have to wait before swimming?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.