How soon can I go in a hot tub after Breast Augmentation?

Thank You for your question. It is very important that you do not contaminate your incisions. You've gone through a lot of recovery and cost for this operation, and your surgeon has worked hard to give you the best possible result, so it is paramount that you remain patient and not take any chances! Recommendations vary but I usually suggest 3 weeks for a chlorinated pool and 4-6 weeks for a lake or potentially contaminated waterways. I've been in practice for 25 years, doing all breast work in a lake community, so I am very strict with those instructions. I've had a Breast cancer patient with a trivial suture "spitting" in an otherwise healed wound come in 3 weeks post op with a full blown infection after taking a dip in the lake, requiring removal of her implant! So I must admit I'm a bit paranoid about it and actually prefer seeing a fully healed wound on my post check before giving the OK. I'd be worried about increasing the chances of bleeding the first 10 days by fully submerging the chest in a hot tub as well. So be CAUTIOUS! We always have your best interest in mind!

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. For this reason, patients should be cautious about getting into a hot tub or Jacuzzi following surgery.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 submerged in a hot tub or Jacuzzi. Each of these environments may have unique and in many cases, antibiotic resistant bacteria that could lead to a significant infection. For these reasons, it's important to make sure that the skin edges are sealed before getting into a hot tub. This usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks to occur.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.

Thank you for your question.As long as your incisions are healed you should be fine to go in your hot tub. Generally, about three weeks after surgery. Check with your surgeon for specific  guidelines. Best of luck.

Each plastic surgeon may have a different answer.  Our office typically will make sure that epithelization is going well before allowing our patients to submerge.  Of special note is hot tubs.  Even the cleanest hot tub may have a bacteria called pseudomonas.  We therefore wait a little while longer for the healing incision to be further along in the healing process.  Please contact your plastic surgeon for his/her protocol.

It is wise to wait at least three weeks
after breast augmentation surgery before soaking in a bathtub, hot tub or pool.
At that time, although the incisions are still healing, they are healed enough
so that water won’t penetrate them and possibly cause an infection.



As far as
swimming, the earliest is three weeks, too. The best advice is to listen to
your body; if you are comfortable it’s okay.

At 2 weeks after your surgery, you should be okay to go underwater if your recovery is going well. Swimming should not be done until about 6 weeks after surgery, since it is quite vigorous and requires upper body strength. However, please follow your surgeon's advice if they advise something different.If you're outside, please make sure you cover up your incisions from sun exposure, as not doing so can make your scars much more noticeable.  

Generally after a breast augmentation your skin will be sealed in a couple of days.  However, the risks of bacteria getting in around the implant are high.  I generally advise caution.  I would not suggest swimming for at least a week and would be after assessing the wound to ensure there were no concerns. Rodger Shortt, MDPlastic Surgeon Oakville

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  You will fins that this answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons.  Overall, if your incisions are well-healed and without any concerns, there should not be any issue with proceeding with what you wish to do.  I typically allow showering after 48 hours and to get into baths, hot tubs, pools, jacuzzis, etc. at 4-6 weeks postoperative, given your incisions are healed.  These types of stagnant waters can certainly impact the incision and cause infections if not fully healed.  Discuss this with your plastic surgeon and follow his/her instructions.  Best wishes!  

Dear Newby,    You will get different post operative instruction from different doctors. If you like your doctor's results than follow his recommendation. In my practice my recommendation are as follows : 1. Shower after 2-3 days with lookwarm water and stream away from breasts for 2 weeks to avoid bleeding . 2. No bath for 2 weeks, again,  to avoid bleeding. 3 . Light excersize , 2 weeks after surgery for 2 weeks. 4. No limitation of activity after 1 month . 5. Implant displacements massage, 3 times a day with 3 repeatitions starting 3 days after surgery. 6. Antibiotics for 5 days. This instructions are based on 27 years of practice and will reduce complications to a minimum. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results. Also, check the reviews.     Best of luck,                      Dr Widder

I usually recommend waiting for six weeks prior to going into hot tub or lake water after breast augmentation. However, it's best to contact your plastic surgeon and ask for his/her recommendations.