I will be 6 weeks Friday for bilateral reconstruction. Is it ok to swim in a pool?

Question

My doctor is out of the country. Nothing for my depression has helped medicine wise so I am going to push myself to exercise.

C. Andrew Salzberg, MD · Answer

Hello,

	As far as being released to go into a pool, I usually advise patients that once their incisions are closed and all wounds are healed, they may go into a pool or the ocean. This is usually around 3 weeks post-op. I advise patients to avoid hot tubs as the warm water can harbor bacteria. In terms of exercise, I usually release patients to resume their exercise routine at 3 weeks after surgery but caution them to go slowly and avoid pectoralis activities (swimming, yoga, push-ups, chest presses) for 3 months. These restrictions apply for tissue expander or implant reconstructions. If my patient has had a TRAM or DIEP flap, I advise them to resume activities closer to 4-6 weeks post-op. I would check with your surgeon before pursuing any strenuous activity. Good luck!

Randy Proffitt, MD · Answer

I assume you are talking about breast reconstruction. 6 weeks is the magic number that I tell my patients they have to wait to perform strenuous exercise. With that said I make conditions that the incisions have to be well healed, eg no open areas. Also there should be no other limiting conditions peculiar to your case. As a general rule I like to tell my patients to use good common sense. Meaning that if you feel a twinge or pull somewhere, back off on what you are doing or ease up. It takes time to get back to the level of activity you were at before surgery.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Its difficult to answer your question without knowing what kind of procedure(s) / reconstruction was completed.   usually, by 6 weeks, patients are OK to swim.  But, you really need to ask your plastic surgeon's office for his/her recommendations.  Wishing you a speedy recovery.

	Dr. Basu

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you speak to whoever is covering for your surgeon before making this decision.  

	You may want to start off with a less aggressive exercise routine such as a treadmill because swimming involves a lot of pectoralis muscle and chest wall movement which can cause potential damage to the reconstruction at only 6 weeks.

	In addition, any bacteria from the pool can infect your fresh scars.   With an implant reconstruction, there is a weak blood supply and a big foreign body, making it difficult to get rid of any potential infection.

	For these reasons, I hope that you check in with your plastic surgeon or their covering doctor to ensure your safety and reconstructive success.   Best wishes.

	Dr. Gill

I will be 6 weeks Friday for bilateral reconstruction. Is it ok to swim in a pool?

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