How long do I have to wait before I submerge myself in water after breast augmentation?

Every surgeon has different rules.  I recommend 2 weeks before swimming.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I do not recommend exposure to sunlight for any of the scars for the first year.  In addition, no pools or the like should be entered until wound healing is complete, which will take at least 6 weeks.  The last thing you want is an infection following your procedure.  I would also recommend that you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until six weeks post-op. I allow patients to sleep on their sides at this point in recovery or in other positions as long as the breasts do not receive pressure. Recommend that you ask your plastic surgeon these questions as he or she knows your recovery progress.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question. Most patients can resume daily activities after a breast augmentation; however, the first few weeks are the most crucial as far as formal physical exercise, such  as lifting, pushing or pulling. 6 weeks at a minimum would be advisable to wait. I recommend also waiting about 6 weeks after surgery to submerge yourself into a pool or beach.  Always defer to your surgeon when it comes to timing as well as they will be able to advise you best.  Andrew T. Lyos, M.D., FACS

I recommend waiting at least four weeks before swimming or submerging yourself after a breast augmentation. You could ask your surgeon if he is okay with you doing so sooner or if he recommends any dressings to protect the area. #StayBeautiful @RealDrWorldWide

HI ashley,You need to be in contact with your surgeon who should be answering these questions for you.I typically tell my patients that they cannot go swimming until the wounds are totally healed . The time for total healing can vary depending on the activities of the person, infection, bleeding , etc. Please discuss with your PS who can better evaluate you for these issues.Best,Dr, Christine Rodgers

It is best to discuss these issues in detail with your surgeon to hear their protocols and preferences. We allow our patients to submerge themselves in water once the wounds have healed, usually 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Dear ashleyc219,it would be the best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon because every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I wouldn't recommend submerging before your wound is fully healed. It usually take 3-4 weeks for the wound to fully heal. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

I advise my patients that it is safe to submerge under water three weeks after their breast augmentation surgery, so you should be close enough at 18 days. My patients may shower the next day. When at the beach, it's a good idea to use sunblock with SPF 30 or more. My breast implant patients may sleep in any desired position that is comfortable for them from the night of surgery on. My belly sleepers tell me, in general, that they are comfortable at about three weeks. It always a good idea to check on your surgeon’s protocol.Dr. Ted EisenbergBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  For most patients with an uneventful recovery I recommend not submerging the incisions for at least 4 weeks after surgery.  Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question. Your surgeon should be giving you his preferences to these answers during standard follow up appointments. For breast augmentation, I recommend an in-office evaluation of the patient's recovery. Typically I have my patients wait 3-4 weeks before submerging into water, including pools, sometimes longer depending on the case and how well the incisions are healing. Definitely no submerging into hot water, including hot tubs, or jacuzzis for 6-8 weeks, possibly longer. I would not go swimming until it is advised by your surgeon. It is best to be cautious.
For sleeping, I recommend not sleeping on your side for 2-3 weeks post surgery. If you do sleep on your side, it is recommended to have your arm up at shoulder level, so that the breast is not being pushed up and in. But as previously stated, consult with your plastic surgeon, as each physician has different guidelines.