Can I go swimming after breast reduction?

Question

Hi, I'm on a very competitive college swim team, and have very large breasts (DD). I'm 5'6 and very tiny and muscular elsewhere. I was wondering if I were to get a breast reduction, how soon I could resume swimming (at an intense level) Thank you

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.  I usually restrict vigorous activity as such for about 4 weeks.  Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

David Stoker, MD · Answer

You should wait at least three weeks before swimming if you have a breast reduction.  Intense exercise may be resumed at around the six week mark.  Use your own judgment and be reasonable about your activity.

Edward J. Bednar, MD · Answer

I would wait for at least 2 months before starting up with swimming -like lap swimming-that way you know you are fully healed

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Assuming you do well after breast reduction surgery ( all incision lines heal without complications),  it will likely be at least 6 to 8 weeks before you are swimming at an &ldquo;intense level&rdquo;. Please let me know if you set  new personal records.

	I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Patients that undergo most plastic surgery procedures should avoid vigorous workout acitivities for at least 6-8 weeks.  If wounds have not healed, then they shoudl wait a bit longer.

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Can I go swimming after breast reduction?

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