Following Smart Lipo, when is it safe for me to swim in the ocean? What can I expect as far as arm strength?

Question

I am planning to have smartlipo done on my upper arms and bra roll on 4/9. I have a tropical vacation planned 4 weeks later, where I will be swimming in the ocean frequently, including needing to tread water for 30-45 minutes at a time, so I need arm strength. While my doctor has given me the OK, I want to hear additional opinions on realistic timing. It is a good idea for me to get this treatment done before my vacation, or should I wait? Before is preferred, but it isn't a must.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

You should wait until your lipo incisions have healed shut before swimming. Four weeks should be enough for most people. Swimming and treading water have nothing to do with liposuction. Shoulder strength and cardiovascular endurance are more important than arm strength for prolonged treading in water so you should probably hop on a treadmill or elliptical machine regularly. If not, take a flotation device with you.

Gregory Pisarski, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations,Smartlipo is a great procedure! I allow my patients to retutn to exericise after two weeks and swimming as long as the surgical sites are healed. Any questions, check with your surgeon. Best wishes and enjoy your vacation.

R. Scott Yarish, MD · Answer

I put very few restrictions on any of my liposuction patients, whether I use Smart Liposuction, laser, ultrasound, or power lipo.  Time to completely heal may vary with the technique, but since the incisions are small and there is no muscle involved in the procedure, my only restriction is no soaking in water (bath or beach) for 5 days.  Any activity one wants to do otherwise is limited only by how much discomfort it causes.  I do find that impact exercise (e.g. running, tennis) is uncomfortable for about 3 weeks.  But strenuous activity without impact, including weight training and recumbent bike etc, is possible in 1-2 weeks, depending upon how much and in what areas the liposuction was done.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After
the SmartLipo, rest is recommended for 24 hours. You must refrain from hot tubs
or strenuous exercise for one week. If your vacation is 4 weeks after the
treatment, it should be fine. However, swelling or bruising can take longer
than 2 weeks for some patients. It is ultimately up to you and your
doctor.

Roberta Gartside, MD, FACS · Answer

In general after about two weeks you should be comfortable enough to go in the ocean and to do light low impact activities as long as all incisions are healed.  Your only potential issues would be if there was a complication, which is very low, that might effect your vacation.  Also at only four weeks, there may be some resolving bruising and you could still feel a little tender.  If you surgeon allows, massage will help get past that faster.

Elena Vega, DO · Answer

If you are planning on a tropical vacation 4 weeks following Smartlipo you have given yourself more than enough time to heal and be able to swim and enjoy the ocean water.  If you have any additional concerns or issues regarding your surgery, you should communicate this with your physician so you are informed in the best way possible and can make the right decision for yourself.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i have done over 600 Smartlipo cases. you can swim in the ocean after one week with no problem. To say you need more than that is being way too conservative. they are very small incisions that will heal very, very quickly. i would let you swim in the ocean after 5 days. you will have full arm strength because the procedure does not affect the muscles. You can be a little sore but i let all of my patients work out as hard as they want after only 5 days. some patients will wait 10-14 days before they do super intense workouts but many go full steam at only 5 days. i have my patients return to work the next day. i think the sooner you get back to your routine, the faster you will recover. david berman md

Windell C. Davis-Boutte, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Treading in the water sounds fine.  However, at 1 month post-op, you may still feel some soreness and tightness, and if you are treading in rapid waves, you feel exhausted more quickly than usual.  Immersing in water is fine 2 weeks post-op, in general. Enjoy your vacation!

Sherwood Baxt, MD (retired) · Answer

I allow my patients to exercise when ever they are comfortable. The only issue with your particular question is the sun exposure. Might want to moderate it for the first month or two. No reason you could not be in the water swimming actively with a shirt covering your suit. Enjoy the vacation.

Following Smart Lipo, when is it safe for me to swim in the ocean? What can I expect as far as arm strength?

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