Saltwater pool. When can I swim after brachioplasty, abdominoplasty and lipo?

Hello, thank you for the question regarding when can you swim in a saltwater pool after brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, and liposuction. Your incisions should be completely healed before you go on a saltwater pool. Every patient heals differently; however, on average, you should be able to return to the pool two to three weeks after a brachioplasty. After an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, you should be able to return to a saltwater pool at about three to four weeks. After liposuction, you should be able to return to a saltwater pool approximately seven to ten days. Thanks for your great question. Yes, I agree with you that saltwater has definite healing properties. However, you should get much better results from a board certified plastic surgeon closing your incisions than allowing saltwater to heal tummy and arm wounds. You mentioned yourself in  your statement “she should’ve had stitches”. Also, when you’re in a saltwater pool, salt is absorbed by your body. Salt in your body causes tissue swelling and can take water from your blood circulation leading to dehydration. Swellling or edema is not good for healing. Dehydration is not good for healing either. Therefore saltwater pool is good, but a closed incision done by experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is better.

Swimming after surgery, especially major procedures like brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, and liposuction, requires careful timing to avoid complications like infection or delayed healing. Even in a saltwater pool, which may be gentler than chlorinated water, it's essential to ensure that your incisions are fully healed.

General Guidelines for When to Swim:
Wait for Incisions to Close: The most important factor is ensuring that your incisions are fully healed and sealed. This usually takes 4-6 weeks, but it can vary depending on your body's healing process and your surgeon’s protocol. Even though a saltwater pool might help with healing, swimming too soon can introduce bacteria into open or healing wounds, increasing the risk of infection.

Consult with Your Surgeon: Every case is different, and your surgeon will have the best understanding of your healing progress. They can advise you on when it's safe for you to swim based on the condition of your incisions and how well you're healing.

Check for Signs of Healing: Before swimming, ensure that there is no scabbing, redness, oozing, or irritation around the incision sites. The skin should be fully closed and look healthy.

Estimated Time for Swimming:
Brachioplasty and Abdominoplasty: Typically, swimming is not recommended until at least 6 weeks post-op or until your surgeon gives you the all-clear. These are major surgeries with large incisions that need time to heal properly.
Liposuction: If it’s minor liposuction, the healing process is quicker, but it’s still wise to wait until all wounds are closed and healed (around 4-6 weeks).
Saltwater Pool Considerations:
Gentle on Skin: Saltwater pools are gentler than chlorinated pools, but they still carry bacteria, so it’s crucial not to rush back into the water.
Showering After: Once your surgeon clears you for swimming, always shower with clean water and gently pat the incisions dry after swimming to remove any potential contaminants.

Ask your PS for advice as he/she will know if you have healed sufficiently to swim.  I recommend that my patients not enter pools or the like until wound healing is complete, which will take at least 6 weeks.  The last thing you want is an infection following this procedures.  You might want to alternate with free or back stroke initially; postpone breast and butterfly strokes until later.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA