How Soon Can I Swim After a Breast Reduction/lift?

Patients are
eager to return to normal activity as soon as possible following cosmetic
surgery.Unfortunately, returning to
normal activity too soon can result in an increased potential for complications.
Swimming and time in the jacuzzi are both activities that could potentially
have negative consequences if resumed too soon.Theoretically, once the skin edges
have sealed in about 48 hours following surgery, these activities can be
resumed.In reality, small absorbable
interrupted sutures may break through the skin and become exposed.In this situation infection could occur in a
patient who is submerged in a jacuzzi, pool, pond, or ocean.Each of these environments may have unique
bacteria that may be antibiotic resistant.In addition, plastic surgeons generally don’t
recommend resumption of strenuous activities for a least six weeks following
breast reduction.Swimming can create
significant strain on the core muscles and should therefore be avoided in the
immediate post-operative period.It’s important to remember that
every patient’s procedure and post-operative course is unique.For these reasons, make sure you consult your
plastic surgeon before getting into the water.It’s important to remember that
every patient’s procedure and post-operative course is unique.For these reasons, make sure you consult your
plastic surgeon before getting into the water.

 I recommend my patients to wait at least 4 weeks before returning to swimming. You must feel fit to return and incisions must be completely healed before submerging into water .

Thank you for your question. in 5-6 weeks you should be healed and ready to start exercising.  Follow your surgeons recommendations. Best wishes. 

Thank you for your question. Usually patients can start to soak in  pool about 3-4 weeks after surgery. It really depends on if your incisions are healed or not. If they are not all the way healed I would avoid soaking them or getting them wet. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Bord Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago 

Hello! Thank you for your question! On average, a period of approximately 3-4 weeks on average is typical. Submerging in stagnant water, be it bathtubs, jacuzzis, pools, lakes, oceans, etc. can certainly increase your chance for infections. I usually await the incisions to be fully healed prior to allowing for this type of activity. If you do have any wound issues or delayed healing, expect that you will be restricted from doing such things. However, I allow my patients to shower and clean incisions at 3 days postoperative. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!