Many of our Sacramento patients, especially those who schedule plastic surgery procedures in the summer months, ask us when they will be able to resume activities like swimming after a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, mommy makeover or other cosmetic surgery. While you might feel ready to take a dip in the pool or ocean, it’s important that you wait until your surgeon has given you the green light to start swimming again to ensure the best results and a minimized risk of complications while you heal.
Why Can’t You Swim After Plastic Surgery?
Swimming too soon after plastic surgery may lead to a number of complications, which is why our doctors ask that you refrain from swimming in pools, oceans, lakes and other bodies of water until your incisions are fully healed. Some of the potential issues with submerging incisions in water before they are healed include;
- Infection. Bodies of water like pools, oceans and lakes all contain bacteria. While this bacteria is not usually a problem, it can lead to serious infections if you have incisions that are not fully healed and closed after surgery.
- Healing complications. Submerging unhealed incisions in water can saturate sutures or surgical glue, softening them and interfering with the healing process and closure of the incision. This can result in wounds reopening or healing improperly and may require a revision or touch-up procedure to fix.
- Worsened scarring. When incisions are exposed to water or become irritated, they are more likely to develop thick, raised or discolored scars. Keep your incisions clean, dry and protected while they heal to help ensure the best possible outcome.
- Physical strain. You will also need to limit physical activity in the early stages of plastic surgery recovery. However, it can be easy to overdo physical exertion when swimming because water creates a “weightless” feeling.
When Can You Go Swimming Again?
Generally speaking, you should be able to go swimming around 4 to 6 weeks after getting plastic surgery. However, this greatly depends on the type of plastic surgery you had and how well and quickly you are healing. For example, most people are able to resume swimming and other regular activities sooner after a breast reduction than after a mommy makeover, since a mommy makeover is a more extensive procedure and often involves incisions in multiple areas.
It is also important to note that you may need to stay out of hot tubs and jacuzzis for longer than pools and other bodies of water. This is because the high temperatures can increase inflammation, soften healing tissue and increase the risk of infection.
Don’t go swimming or use a hot tub before talking to your plastic surgeon and getting the go-ahead from him or her first.
Still Have Questions About Plastic Surgery Recovery?
Whether you’ve already scheduled your procedure or are just beginning the planning process, we are here to help at every step along the way. If you still have questions about your specific plastic surgery recovery process, or would like to schedule a consultation to discuss a particular procedure with one of our sought-after Sacramento plastic surgeons, please call us at 916-983-9895 or contact us online.
