How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Got to the Beach?

Patients are eager to return to normal activity as soon as possible following breast augmentation surgery. Unfortunately, returning to normal activity too soon can result in an increased potential for complications. Swimming is an activity that can potentially have negative consequences if resumed too soon.Theoretically, once the skin edges have sealed in about 48 hours following surgery, these activities can be resumed. In reality, small absorbable sutures may break through the skin and become exposed. In this situation, infection could occur in a patient who is submerged in a Jacuzzi, pool, pond or ocean. Each of these environments may have unique and in many cases antibiotic resistant bacteria that could lead to a significant infection. In addition, plastic surgeons generally don't recommend resumption of strenuous activity for at least six weeks following breast augmentation surgery. Swimming can create significant strain on the core muscles and should, therefore, be avoided in the immediate post-operative period.It's important to realize that every patient's procedure and post-operative course is unique. For these reasons, make sure you consult your plastic surgeon before getting into the water.

It is always best to follow the recommendation of your board certified plastic surgeon as to your exercise tolerance. Your surgeon will know about your tissues, how much he had to do with the pocket, etc. When you do get the OK, make sure to wear very good sports bras. Also ease into it. Don't run a marathon the first day. We see patients post op and let them know their limitations at their appointment. Running is usually about 8 weeks out. Swimming will depend on many variables, including how strenuous your swim is going to be. Are we talking long competitive swims in the ocean, or cooling off in the pool? Please talk to your plastic surgeon and make a plan about your exercise tolerance.

Keep the sun away from scars is your best bet. Scars behave differently in different people and can become too dark permanently (hyperpigmentation or dyschromia) if exposed to the sun. Better to spray tan if you want to hide it. Definitely use a strong SPF (>30) sunscreen on it even though it is hidden by your bathing suit as some sun goes through the fabric.#tanningpostop#scarmanagement

At a month after your surgery, you should be okay to go underwater. However, this is only if your surgeon says it's okay and your recovery has been going well. You should keep physical exercise to a minimum, though. Regardles, however, please make sure you cover up your incisions from sun exposure, as not doing so can make your scars much more noticeable.  

Hello! Thank you for your question! After any surgical procedure, you should be careful with incisions as well as avoidance of direct UVA and UVB rays in order to lessen the chance for hyperpigmentation of the skin and scars, which can take several months to resolve, if it ever does. Sunblock is recommended regardless. The ability of the affected area to heal has been slowed and you should try to avoid additional swelling to the area. The area will likely be numb for several weeks to months and will be difficult to feel when sunburn is coming on. Typical recommendations include wearing a hat and/or sunblock to the affected area for at least 6-12 weeks following the procedure. It takes up to one year for scars to fully mature. You should also avoid trauma to the area for several months to protect the refinements made during the procedure. Also, avoidance of pools/lakes/jacuzzis/etc for 4-6 weeks is usually recommended to allow adequate healing and protection from stagnant water, that could potentially harbor bacteria. Lifting/exercise restrictions are common for at least 7 weeks. Certainly discuss the postoperative instructions with your surgeon, as thoughts differ among surgeons. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

One month following breast augmentation, swimming would likely not be a great idea.  Tanning and sun exposure in general will cause the scars to hyperpigment.

Every doctor has his/her own protocol for post-operative care.  You should check with your doctor on this.  In my practice, I allow patients to resume non-physical activity as soon as they feel up to it and physical activity after three weeks.  If you were my patient then I would be fine with your going to the beach or participating in strenuous/physical activity on the date that you mentioned.

While I was recommended working with your plastic surgeon to follow his/her protocols, I generally look for my patients to be about 6 weeks out after breast augmentation before resuming full activities.  On the other hand, with my "24-Hour Breast Augmentation Recovery Plan" I do allows some patients to shower and most patients to go out to dinner the night of surgery.  So... going to the beach alone would not be restricted, but protection against sunburn or significant activities should be taken under advisement. wirthplasticsurgery.com

Thank you for the question.Your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to guide you in regards to activity resumption after breast  augmentation surgery. From the healing standpoint most patients are able to swim again starting 3 to 6 weeks after surgery.From the safety standpoint,  much of the timing of returning to swimming will depend on exactly what you mean by “swimming while on vacation”. For some people this means wading knee-high in small waves;  for some people it may means swimming  long distances in choppy water.  For this reason, return to activities should be individualized  and gradual.  I hope this helps.

Every surgeons has his own recommendations but I usually tell my patients to wait 6 weeks before they exercice.  Going in the water at one month should not be an issue if your scars have healed normally.  I would recommend that you follow your surgeon advice.

Enjoy your cruise!