I am 3.5 weeks post op and I have a trip planned to the river at 4 weeks post op, should I go?

Question

I am 3.5 weeks post op and I have a trip planned to the river at 4 weeks post op. My doctor said I should be alright to get in the water and sweat while being in the sun as long as I kept my incisions covered. I just wanted a second opinion.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear mk0333,
  
Thank you for your question. For most surgeries, I tell my patient it is okay to travel by airplane at 4 weeks post-op. With that being said, they still have a lifting restriction in place for 6-8 weeks. I advise them to have someone help them carry their bags, especially if their luggage needs to be placed in the overhead compartments. As far as swimming under water, I tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks to get the incisions wet and only if they are completely closed. However, I suggest you follow the recommendations set in place by your plastic surgeon. I hope this was helpful and best of luck to you!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The board certified plastic surgeon who performed your surgery is the best person to recommend your period of recovery.  Active water sports may require 6 to 8 weeks in uneventful healing.  The water always makes many PSs nervous, because it can harbor so many pathogens.  Make sure that the incision has been well closed for a month before considering this.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mk0333,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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I suggest you contact your plastic surgeon to get his/her recommendation.  Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc”
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council

I am 3.5 weeks post op and I have a trip planned to the river at 4 weeks post op, should I go?

Answers (4)

Answer: Post Operative

Answer: Post Operative

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I am 3.5 weeks post op and I have a trip planned to the river at 4 weeks post op, should I go?

Answers (4)

Answer: Post Operative

Answer: Post Operative

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