When can I use the sauna after breast augmentation?

Question

How long is it recommended to wait until using the sauna again following breast augmentation surgery? I do the infrared sauna.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Most patients should avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and infrared sauna until incisions are fully sealed and the surgeon has cleared them, often at least 4 to 6 weeks after an uncomplicated breast augmentation. Heat can increase swelling, throbbing, dehydration, bruising, and inflammation, and sweating around healing incisions may irritate the skin or increase infection risk. Infrared sauna still heats the body, so the same basic precautions apply.

Ask your own surgeon because implant pocket, incision location, dressings, drains, and healing progress all matter. When you restart, keep the first sessions short, stay well hydrated, avoid very high heat, and stop if you notice breast tightness, increased swelling, redness, drainage, fever, or worsening pain. Those symptoms should be checked by your surgical team before continuing sauna use.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for the inquiry! Typically, once your incision has closed, you can submerge in water.   Discuss any restrictions with MD at your next follow-up.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

If healing well with no complications, you may resume this around 4 weeks post op - as always, consult with your surgeon as they may have a different recommendation.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks before using a sauna after breast augmentation. Saunas, especially infrared, increase your body temperature and encourage sweating, which can interfere with the healing process and increase the swelling, inflammation, or the risk of infection. Also, heat can impair the settling of the implants. Check with your surgeon to confirm that your incisions are fully healed and that there are no concerns about using heat before returning to the sauna. When you’re cleared to return, start with shorter sauna sessions and monitor how your body responds.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Littemiss,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Each surgeon has their own post-op instructions so please refer to your surgeon’s. Generally speaking, sauna use would be after your incisions have closed.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking. Generally patients are full healed by 6 weeks if there are no issues and I typically let my patients resume all activities before or by then. Have you asked your plastic surgeon? Every case and situation can be unique and each individual can vary. Best wishes!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients to wait at least 3 weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You should always check with your surgeon for something like this.  If everything is healing well, I would recommend a minimum of 2 weeks.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is the best one to answer this question as opinions may vary.  Typically after six weeks restrictions are lifted and you can return to most regular activities.

When can I use the sauna after breast augmentation?

Answers (13)

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