Hot tub 3 weeks post BA, would I get an infection?

Question

I went into a private hottub(salt water) 3 weeks post my breast augmentation surgery 3 days ago. If i were to have caught an infection because of it, wheb would that develop? If I am ok by now is the risk gone? I am freaking out because my doctor said I shouldn't have gone in before 6 weeks

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Different microorganisms are responsible for different infections, and they can develop at different rates. Keep an eye on your incisions in the meantime, and be sure you’re honest with your surgeon during your follow-up appointments. If you notice redness, tenderness, oozing, or other symptoms at your incision sites, contact your surgeon right away. 
If incisions have healed and no scabs are visible then your chance of infection are very, very low.  I recommend 2 to 3 weeks of no hot tubs if no healing issues with my patients, so you are right in that window.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

Well let's hope for the best.  Try not to worry so much until you have to.  Hopefully, your incisions are closed and no infection will occur.  Maintain open communication between you and your plastic surgeon. At this point you will want to keep an eye out for any fever or redness along the incisions. If this happens then contact your surgeon.Best of luck to you !

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We do recommend 6 weeks. If you don't have an open areas you should be okay. However, please follow up with your plastic surgeon for regular in-person assessments.

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

The most important factor is that your skin is well healed before getting in a hot tub.  No scabs, no open spots, well sealed.  If you are well healed, you are probably fine, but there have been some funky, weird infections from hot tubs, like Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas.  Nothing that you would want, so be conservative.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

If you are healing well and don't have any open areas then you should be safe. Infections can develop at different rates depending on the microorganism responsible for the infection. Sometimes they occur very quickly and other times they can develop more slowly and smolder. Chances are better than not that you will not develop an infection. If you have any concern that you might be developing an infection see your surgeon without delay.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If your incisions are completely closed with no open areas or scabs you should be fine.  Some signs and symptoms of infection include increased redness and tenderness of the breast, increased swelling, and fever.  If you have any concerns check with your surgeon.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

An infection would be apparent by the presence of redness, swelling, warmth and or pain.  If you do not have these and don't have a fever, you don't have an infection.

Heather Rocheford, MD · Answer

First of all thank you for the question.  I recommend to my patients not to go into a hot tub or swimming until 4-6 post of as long as the incision are well healed and there is no open or sore areas.  Best of Luck.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Your incision should be water tight and you should be healed enough by three weeks to enjoy a hot tub.  Unless you have had a problem with your incisions healing, you should not get an infection from the hot tub

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

Although you probably got lucky, the warm water bacteria (Poikliotherms) like Pseudomonas live in warm water and are nasty in wounds. I personally clear patients once I am absolutely sure that there is complete healing of all wounds, prior to allowing my patients in hot tubs.

Hot tub 3 weeks post BA, would I get an infection?

Answers (14)

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