How Soon after Breast Augmentation can I go Swimming?

breast augmentation, there are really two things to keep in mind:

• The ability of water to penetrate incisions and cause infection
• Excessive stretching of skin or overexertion of muscles in the treatment area

In regards to the first issue, three weeks is typically enough time for incisions to heal sufficiently that infection is no longer a risk. As such, you can likely submerge yourself in water by week three without risking any real postoperative complications. The second issue however will require you limit what activities you perform while in the water.

Swimming means different things to different people. If by “swimming” you mean hanging out in the water and maybe taking a few gentle laps, you should be good to go within a month. If, on the other hand, you swim hard – crawl, breast, or butterfly strokes for example – you will need to wait up to three months to resume. These swimming strokes and similarly advanced forms of water exercise that focus on chest movement can impact the formation of the capsule around your breast implant and alter final results. Dr. Corey will provide you with more information about exercises to avoid while recovering during your breast augmentation planning phase.

Breast augmentation recovery is different for every woman, making it difficult to say with certainty when you will be able to resume normal activities without first meeting with Dr. Corey. If you would like to have a realistic timeline for when you can begin swimming after your breast augmentation procedure, please contact our Scottsdale plastic surgery office online or by calling 480-767-7700 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, and all surrounding areas of Arizona.