When Can I Go in the Hot Tub After TT, BA? I Am 6 Weeks Post-op and my Doctor Said I Could Swim, but I Wasn't Sure About Hot Tub
Answer: My advice-- wait 6 weeks! After a big surgery like you had there definitely is a period of down time when it just is not safe to return to normal activities. In the case of swimming and hot tubs there are the added concerns about what is in the water and the temperature. The key issue for swimming in general is that all of your incisions need to be completely sealed without any little openings or stitches poking out in order to avoid infection. Lake and ocean water are the most notorious for having undesirable bacteria and contaminants, but even clean pool water or spa water can harbor nasty inhabitants. Since your doctor has said it is ok for you to swim I would assume he/she feels your wounds are adequately healed to prevent infection risk (and about 6 weeks is average for that). The further concern with a hot tub is the heat of the water. Most spas are kept at 102-104 which is not enough to burn regular skin to any significant degree, but if skin has swelling or an alteration of the blood supply it becomes more susceptible heat because to blood does not flow through it as quickly, cooling if from the inside. The blood flow does not improve enough to tolerate the heat of a hot tub until the swelling has had a chance to resolve which is usually between 6-8 wks. This is also why heating pads are not recommended on surgical sites. The best advice is to closely evaluate your healing and if there is any swelling left, then hold off on the spa.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: My advice-- wait 6 weeks! After a big surgery like you had there definitely is a period of down time when it just is not safe to return to normal activities. In the case of swimming and hot tubs there are the added concerns about what is in the water and the temperature. The key issue for swimming in general is that all of your incisions need to be completely sealed without any little openings or stitches poking out in order to avoid infection. Lake and ocean water are the most notorious for having undesirable bacteria and contaminants, but even clean pool water or spa water can harbor nasty inhabitants. Since your doctor has said it is ok for you to swim I would assume he/she feels your wounds are adequately healed to prevent infection risk (and about 6 weeks is average for that). The further concern with a hot tub is the heat of the water. Most spas are kept at 102-104 which is not enough to burn regular skin to any significant degree, but if skin has swelling or an alteration of the blood supply it becomes more susceptible heat because to blood does not flow through it as quickly, cooling if from the inside. The blood flow does not improve enough to tolerate the heat of a hot tub until the swelling has had a chance to resolve which is usually between 6-8 wks. This is also why heating pads are not recommended on surgical sites. The best advice is to closely evaluate your healing and if there is any swelling left, then hold off on the spa.
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CONTACT NOW August 12, 2015
Answer: Wait, 6 weeks. Patients are eager to return to normal activity as soon as possible following surgery.Unfortunately, returning to normal activity too soon can result in an increased potential for complications.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 could 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 your plastic surgeon before getting in to the water.
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CONTACT NOW August 12, 2015
Answer: Wait, 6 weeks. Patients are eager to return to normal activity as soon as possible following surgery.Unfortunately, returning to normal activity too soon can result in an increased potential for complications.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 could 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 your plastic surgeon before getting in to the water.
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December 16, 2014
Answer: Hot tub after mommy makeover You should ask your surgeon for their advice as it may be different, however I recommend you wait for at least one month after your surgery. Generally, swimming and hot tubs follow the same guidelines, so if your surgeon said 6 weeks for swimming, then it should be okay for the hot tub as well.
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Answer: Hot tub after mommy makeover You should ask your surgeon for their advice as it may be different, however I recommend you wait for at least one month after your surgery. Generally, swimming and hot tubs follow the same guidelines, so if your surgeon said 6 weeks for swimming, then it should be okay for the hot tub as well.
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July 2, 2012
Answer: Hot Tub after Mommy Makeover?
Congratulations on having undergone the mommy makeover surgery. Always in your best interests to check with your plastic surgeon regarding specific postoperative activity, given that he/she is ultimately responsible for your care and is aware of your progress ( and/or any complications you may have experienced).
Best wishes.
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Answer: Hot Tub after Mommy Makeover?
Congratulations on having undergone the mommy makeover surgery. Always in your best interests to check with your plastic surgeon regarding specific postoperative activity, given that he/she is ultimately responsible for your care and is aware of your progress ( and/or any complications you may have experienced).
Best wishes.
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September 15, 2017
Answer: Hot tub after mommy makeover
I would stress caution about a hot tub this early after tummy tuck...as one of the doctors has said, the skin of your tummy will not respond normally at this time during the healing process...I have had one patient have a third degree burn in her tummy after sunbathing too early after a tummy tuck (right through her one piece suit!)...patience and you will be able to enjoy things after a few more weeks...
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September 15, 2017
Answer: Hot tub after mommy makeover
I would stress caution about a hot tub this early after tummy tuck...as one of the doctors has said, the skin of your tummy will not respond normally at this time during the healing process...I have had one patient have a third degree burn in her tummy after sunbathing too early after a tummy tuck (right through her one piece suit!)...patience and you will be able to enjoy things after a few more weeks...
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