Why wait after 6 weeks to get into pools or hot tubs?

Hi. Surgeons have different protocols and you should follow yours. I personally do not like pools or tubs becasue they are not hygenic like the ocean. Therefore, in my patients I ask for four weeks. It's all precautionary. Good luck Dr. PG

Thank you for your question.  The reason to wait is because submerging the incision for prolonged periods of time can cause the incision to get macerated and it can actually break down.  Usually by 6 weeks you are well healed and I let my patients get into the water.  Always follow the instructions of your surgeon.

First of all, follow the instructions of your own surgeon. In my own practice I permit patients to get into a pool (although swimming is not allowed) as soon as a sutures are out and the incision is completely sealed. This is usually about a week.

One very good reason many surgeons ask their patients to wait 6 weeks before
going into pools, jacuzzi's, spas, and the ocean is because bodies of water have bacteria that can increase the chance
of infection if the wounds are not completely healed, which in turn can result in post-operative complications and a delay in healing.  You should be fine to go into the pool, but I would highly suggest you don't do any vigorous activity (i.e.: pool sports, swimming, diving, etc.) You could very well compromise healing that way as well.  My best suggestion is to contact the surgeon who did your surgery and discuss further.  Have a great Holiday.

Thanks for your question. The reason some surgeons as that their patients wait 6-8 weeks before going into any body of water is because bodies of water (like pools, hot tubs, oceans) have a plethora of bacteria that can increase the chance of infection if the wounds are not completely healed (to avoid a delay in the healing process caused by possible infection). It is best to give your surgeon a call to address your concerns. All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Hello,I ask my breast augmentation patients to avoid baths/pools/hot tubs for 2 weeks post op. Each Plastic Surgeon has their own preferred post op protocols however. I suggest you contact your Plastic Surgeon, let them know how your incisions look and ask them to advise you.All the best!

"6 weeks" is more of an arbitrary number.  What is most important is how the incision is healing.  As long as the entire wound is fully closed and healed over, and there are no open areas, then you should be safe.  Have a great weekend!

Thank our for your question.  You should be perfectly safe to go into a pool or hot tub this far out from your surgery. Enjoy your July 4.Best of luck,

The
reason why patients are instructed to avoid pools, hot tubs and bodies of water
until six weeks after their surgery is to protect against infection. During
this stage, your incisions may still be healing, and the bacteria present in
water could lead to an infection, which would then cause complications in the
healing. Once incisions are completely closed and healed over, you’re no longer
at risk of infection via water. Though you may enter the water, it’s still
advised to avoid vigorous activity so as to not interfere with your recovery
process. Your surgeon is in the best position to offer you advice.

Hi, MuddyGirl.  There is no specific time when you can go into pool or hot tub.  You want to make sure that your incision has healed completely prior to submerging your incision under the water.  Please see your plastic surgeon and get the clearance from him/her.  Your plastic surgeon will make sure that you are healed to go into pool/hot tube.  Please remember that plastic surgeons vary in our post-operative regimen.  Since your plastic surgeon has the opportunity to evaluate you in person, it would be best to follow his/her recommendation.  Good luck.