How Soon Can I do Water Sports After a Mommy Makeover?

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.Watersports, swimming and spending time in a Jacuzzi are 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,
many patients have drains in place for three weeks or longer.Additionally, 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
and, in some cases, antibiotic resistant bacteria that can lead to a
significant infection.In
addition, plastic surgeons generally don’t recommend resumption of strenuous
activities for at least six weeks following Mommy Makeover surgery.Watersports and swimming can create
significant strain on the core muscles of the abdomen 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 with your plastic surgeon before getting into the water.

Thanks for the question. After 6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can do water sports and also do other activities.

This all will depend on your healing and recovery.  Usually 4-6 weeks is the transition to more vigorous activities.  The recovery is different for everyone.

Return to regular activity after primary breast augmentation is about three weeks. If you have an augmentation with a lift, three to four weeks.

Activity after tummy tuck, is usually light after four weeks.  Full activity, can generally be resumed after six to eight weeks.

Let discomfort be your guide.

I recommend to my patients waiting 6 weeks before any contact sports or extreme physical activity, including amusement park rides.

Most surgeons agree that at the six week point most patients are able to return to full exercise and sports activities. I would recommend that you listen to your body as you get back into your sports, take it slow at first and gradually increase. Do some warm up exercises before plunging in.

I would wait about six weeks after surgery before you perform water sports/activities.  Provided the scars all heal properly you can actually get things wet after a week or so. Consult with your plastic surgeon to ensure you are in fact healing well prior to going into the water (pool, ocean, etc.)

Water skiing may be uncomfortable on your chest, especially if you are having a breast augmentation as a part of your mommy makeover.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Returning to activity after a Mommy Makeover is a gradual process. After two weeks patients can return to work and light daily activities. After four weeks they can resume low impact exercise. After six weeks patients can resume strenuous exercise as well as submerge in a bath, pool, or the ocean. It is important to return to activity slowly. Visit with your plastic surgeon to learn what is recommended for you.

After a mommy makeover, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for a safe and successful recovery. The timing for resuming water sports or any physical activity can vary depending on your individual healing progress and the specific procedures involved in your mommy makeover. Typically, you should avoid strenuous activities, including water sports, for several weeks to months post-surgery.
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific guidelines for your recovery, including when it’s safe to gradually reintroduce physical activities. It’s crucial to prioritize your healing and follow your surgeon’s recommendations to avoid complications and achieve the best results. Always consult with your plastic surgeon for recommendations regarding your recovery timeline.

Thank you for your post. In general, your incisions need to be perfect, all drains removed and the drain site healed perfect, and the muscle repair needs to be mature with no areas of fluid collection. If the incisions are not perfect, or drain site, then you are at risk of infection in pools, hot tubs, oceans/lakes. You don't have to have perfect incisions to shower, just not submerge in bath or the above. However, I ask my patients to wear their abdominal binder non-stop, except for showers, for at least 4 weeks, so unless you want to hang out at the beach with your binder, then no beach. Physical water sports, however is a different story.  You should only start doing heavy physical activity at 6 weeks, and then slowly ease into it, not all at once.Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD