Scuba diving after breast augmentation - wait 6 months?

Question

I have read that by 6-8 weeks post op it is okay to scuba dive. However, my surgeon suggested to me 6 months. When I asked why, he said because I had tubular breasts and the implants haven't 'bottomed out' yet, that there is more risk of swelling if I scuba dive as it is a high impact sport. He had earlier said contact sports at 8 weeks was fine. I am currently 4 weeks post op and want to scuba dive at 10 weeks post op. He said it wouldn't cause permanent damage but maybe just cause swelling. Any answers?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can do scuba diving and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

My patients, with or without tubular breasts, are able to go scuba diving, sky diving, kick boxing, and competitive body building by three months after their breast augmentation surgery. They have all healed well. Hope this information is helpful. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Lutgardo Caparas, MD · Answer

It is better to wait at 10 weeks post op, to avoid any complications. But before doing any sport related activites better to do a check up first with your doctor for safety purposes.

Edmund Ek, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. While you may be healed sufficiently to resume strenuous exercise, if your surgeon said you should wait, you should wait. He is familiar with your body and your specific case, so his advice is what you should go by. You’ve spent money and recovery time on your breast augmentation - why risk something going wrong? Again, your surgeon knows you best, so I recommend following his instructions.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Since your surgeon has seen you in person, he is going to be the best one to give you advice. Obviously, you can choose not to follow it, but you've spent all this money and time on your breast augmentation, is scuba diving really worth the risk? Only you can answer that question...

Scuba diving after breast augmentation - wait 6 months?

Answers (7)