How long after tummy tuck can i swim

It should not be a problem going to the beach if you do not swim. As far as swimming it would depend on what was done at surgery. (Jay M. Pensler, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Swimming after tummy tuck

An excellent and timely question. In terms of getting into a pool, the drains and sutures must be removed, so that is about two weeks.

The same would apply. As for actually swimming, I would wait three weeks for the pool.

You have to be sensible not to overstrain and certainly not to place yourself in a situation in which you are not physically able to handle strong currents in open waters.

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Also, if you have an open wound, then the foregoing would not apply and, in such case, you should stay out of the water. You have to use good judgment and, if in doubt, don’t do it! (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck, recovery, exercise, swimming

After a tummy tuck, how soon you go to the beach depends on your surgeon’s post op regimen and how much activity you plan to do while sitting at the beach. New incisions should never be placed in the sun for at least 90 days.

They are unable to handle UV light and can get red and swollen. As for swimming, it depends on sutures used (technique) and level of activity in the water. A safe rule of thumb is try gentle activity at 4 weeks and progress to very active swimming at 6 weeks. Never go in a pool, the ocean or a bathtub until your surgeon has checked the abdominoplasty incision and tells you it is completely healed.

How long after a tummy tuck can i swim

Small, transparent subcuticular sutures that may be sticking out could be a root of entry for bacteria. Remember, don’t take unnecessary changes and ruin the great job your surgeon did. (S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS, Honolulu Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck and Swimming

Barring complications, you can return to the beach for tanning in two weeks, providing you protect the incision from direct sun exposures. Light swimming could be resumed in four weeks and you will not have any restrictions in physical activities in six weeks. (Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)

How long after the tummy tuck can i swim

First, I would not want you to be in the sand while you have fresh bandages or drains. Usually the drains are out after one week. As long as all of the incision lines are healing well and “sealed” I would let you wade into the ocean at three weeks. i wouldn’t want you to go all the way in because you might be a little unstable and get pushed over by the waves going in and out. A pool should be perfectly fine by 3 weeks, though no diving or swimming for exercise for six. Check with your own surgeon. (Ronald Schuster, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)

How Soon After a Tummy Tuck Before I Can Swim?

How long after tummy tuck surgery can i swim

While showering is fine shortly after surgery, bathing, hot tubs, and swimming require more time before patients should engage in these activities. It takes two weeks or more before the water resistant layers in the skin of the incision heal enough to ensure protection against effects of soaking.

Also, since every patient heals at their own rate and speed, the person who best can advise you when it is safe to return to the water is your plastic surgeon.

Even after getting back to the pool or beach, it is a good idea to dry off both your suit and incision after you get out of the water.  (Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD, Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon)

Swimming and any other physical activity should be limited

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It is OK to get wet after your wounds have fully healed, but swimming and any other physical activity should be restricted after a tummy tuck. IF you have muscle tightening done, you should be wearing your abdominal binder and avoid any activity which flexes/uses your abdominal muscles for at least 6 weeks.

That being said, it would be OK to just hang out on the beach, and perhaps just float / play in the water once your wounds are fully closed (check with your surgeon first).

Getting into a pool is probably easier than getting into an ocean where large waves come and go and you are still ‘flexing and working out’ as you fight the waves to stay upright and not get swept away.  (Martin Jugenburg, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)