I Had Mohs Surgery on Lower Leg. When is It Safe to Swim?

Question

I had surgery yesterday to remove squamous cell (about the size of a nickle. I have three inside stitches, and a bandage that will be changed every 4 days by the Dr. thanks!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

I recommend to my patients that they do not swim until at least one day after the stitches are removed and the wound evaluated. There is no such thing as a guaranteed water proof dressing or bandage so I would not suggest you take a chance. The lower leg does not heal as well as other areas because of its poor circulation. Infection, if develops, can be very serious, so don't take a chance.

Kavita Mariwalla, MD · Answer

Wounds on the lower leg are typically under a great deal of tension. In addition, pool water can harbor bacteria (especially busy public pools because the chlorine levels are sometimes not kept up to snuff). To maximize the cosmesis of your wound, refrain from any exercise (including swimming) until your stitches are removed. Remember, at the end of one month, your wound is only 40% of its original strength. Good luck, Dr. Mariwalla

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

This is really a personal preference of your own surgeon so I would recommend that you ask him. In our practice if you have sutures in your lower leg we do not recommend swimming for 2 weeks.

I Had Mohs Surgery on Lower Leg. When is It Safe to Swim?

Answers (3)

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