Is swimming post liposuction (or taking a bath) a good idea? Well, it really depends on where you are post liposuction (post op day 1 vs. day 20 or 30) and your surgeon’s orders.
If swimming is one of your main exercises, or you’re main way of washing up is the bath, when you can submerge in water will be one of the questions you’ll want to ask your surgeon during your consultation.
The Punctures May Look Healed…
But are they healed? This is actually why my own surgeon wants me to wait 3 weeks after the last wound heals before I take a bath, go to the dutch sauna, or swim. The reason being is these wounds are DEEP. They tend to heal quickly on the surface, but only a few mm under the skin they’re still not healed. By submerging yourself, you’re soaking the scabs and there’s a big chance that they can re-open this way.
While sitting in the bath probably poses less risk due to being your own personal water (this is why I’m allowed to sit in my bath 3 weeks post liposuction as long as everything is healed and the scabs are off), my surgeon still doesn’t want me going to a public water source so quickly. Even with the chlorine and other sanitizing agents, there’s still a lot of room for infection.
Some Surgeons May Say its OK to Go Swimming Post Liposuction
I’ve read some lipedema ladies claim that their surgeons cleared them to swim as quick as 8 or 9 days post liposuction. Even I personally, as a super quick healer, probably wouldn’t attempt submerging myself that quickly.
However, always follow your surgeon’s orders. They may have a good reason for wanting you to get into the pool (or not). They’re ultimately the ones responsible for taking care of you, and you’re ultimately responsible for following their orders.
Conclusion About Swimming Post Liposuction
In order to avoid infection all together, I do think waiting 3 weeks after the last puncture heals is a good rule of thumb. While it sucks you can’t get into the bath or pool, it’s better than having to go through all the trouble of going and seeing your surgeon or doctor and being on antibiotics because you re-opened the wounds and gave yourself an infection.
However, like I said above, always follow your surgeon’s orders.
PetraAnn
Latest posts by PetraAnn (see all)
- ABDOMINOPLASTY WEEK 6 POST-OP - January 29, 2020
- ABDOMINOPLASTY DAY 20 POST-OP - January 7, 2020
- ABDOMINOPLASTY DAY 18 POST-OP - January 6, 2020
