When can one go swimming at the beach or pool after a tummy tuck?

I agree with the other surgeons. As I no longer use drains and I dress the wounds with dermabond, the wounds are essentially water tight. In these cases I am comfortable to allow my pateints to immerse in still water (properly chlorinated pool, bath) after 2 weeks. I would not recommend sea water til at least three weeks.

After a tummy tuck, how soon you go to the beach depends on your surgeon's post op regimen and how much activity you plan to do while sitting at the beach.  New incisions should never be placed in the sun for at least 90 days.  They are unable to handle UV light and can get red and swollen.  As for swimming, it depends on sutures used (technique) and level of activity in the water.  A safe rule of thumb is try gentle activity at 4 weeks and progress to very active swimming at 6 weeks.  Never go in a pool, the ocean or a bathtub until your surgeon has checked the abdominoplasty incision and tells you it is completely healed.  Small, transparent subcuticular sutures that may be sticking out could be a root of entry for bacteria.  Remember, don't take unnecessary changes and ruin the great job your surgeon did.

I recommend my patients to wait at least 4 weeks post surgery before going swimming at the beach or pool. Generally at 4 weeks, all dressings have been removed and the incision has completely healed.  It is important to know the effects of the sun are damaging to the skin. Exposing the treated areas to the sun may result in increased scarring, colour changes and poor healing.  You must avoid any direct sun exposure to the treated areas especially within the first 6 months after surgery. Ensure you apply sunscreen directly on the incisions and the surrounding areas and re-apply regularly throughout the day.

I generally advise patients avoid submerging themselves in water for at least 1 month after their surgery. But if you are just going to be on the beach and not going in the water, then it should be okay. however, you should make sure to cover your incision lines up very well as sun exposure can permanently darken them. You may also need to wear your compression garment 24 hours a day, so I'm not sure if this will be comfortable while lounging around on the beach.However, please ask your surgeon as they may have different advice.

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.  You should also protect your incision from UV light to optimize the appearance if your incision. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question.  As long as you are healing normally and do not have any open wounds, most plastic surgeons would let you go to the beach in 4-6 weeks.  Ask you plastic surgeon what his or her specific instructions are. Swimming for prolonged periods of time after surgery are probably not recommended.

Hi Rosalita,

Sure you can go to the beach after your TT surgery, just not let the ocean water get anywhere near your incision until it is completely healed. By this I mean no gaps, scabs, or drainage of any kind. Ocean water contains extremely harmful bacteria that can actually cause the dreaded 'flesh eating bacteria', so please be careful. Of course, always check with your PS to make certain your wound has healed enough to go dipping in any sort of body of water. Take care,

Dr. H

Typically I tell my patients to allow 4 weeks of healing before bathing, swimming, or going to the beach.  Everyone heals at different rates and there are some patients that may heal more slowly and possible require more time, but this is rare.  If there was some breakdown areas (which sometimes happens with a tummy tuck) than that would be another reason it may take more than four weeks.  I hope this helps!


Sincerely,

 

James F. Boynton, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Boynton Plastic Surgery

It is OK to get wet after your wounds have fully healed, but swimming and any other physical activity should be restricted after a tummy tuck.  IF you have muscle tightening done, you should be wearing your abdominal binder and avoid any activity which flexes/uses your abdominal muscles for at least 6 weeks.  That being said, it would be OK to just hang out on the beach, and perhaps just float / play in the water once your wounds are fully closed (check with your surgeon first).  Getting into a pool is probably easier than getting into an ocean where large waves come and go and you are still 'flexing and working out' as you fight the waves to stay upright and not get swept away.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD, FRCSC

Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute

First, I would not want you to be in the sand while you have fresh bandages or drains. Usually the drains are out after one week. As long as all of the incision lines are healing well and "sealed" I would let you wade into the ocean at three weeks. i wouldn't want you to go all the way in because you might be a little unstable and get pushed over by the waves going in and out.. A pool should be perfectly fine by 3 weeks, though no diving or swimming for exercise for six. Check with your own surgeon.

If all is well healed at 3 weeks I would say ok to go in the water.  Very important is to wear sunscreen as the tummy skin will be very sensitive after surgery for about 2 months. Good luck!