After a breast reduction, it is common to wonder, “How long after a breast reduction can I swim?” Following a breast reduction, a patient must wait several weeks before returning to the water. This is because the incisions in the breasts have not entirely healed. It is also essential to avoid the sun and sea until the marks have flattened out. The healing process can take months or even a year.
Avoiding sea, surf, and sun
There are a few reasons to avoid the sea and surf after breast reduction surgery. The ocean is a habitat for millions of bacteria and microorganisms, and even chlorinated swimming pools can contain a high level of bacteria and debris. Although the skin usually protects itself from harmful microbes, your incisions are still susceptible to infection, particularly during the first four to six weeks following surgery. To avoid these complications, doctors recommend waiting four to six weeks before diving.
In addition to protecting the surgical site, it is essential to avoid sun exposure. Direct sun exposure can lead to darker scars and worse postoperative inflammation. It’s best to avoid sun exposure for at least four to six weeks after your procedure. You can cool off by dipping your toes in the water, but you’ll want to avoid getting the incision sites wet.
Getting back into aerobic exercise
Getting back into aerobic exercise after a surgical procedure can be a challenge. You may experience fatigue for a few days following your system, but you should start slowly. You should stick to light exercises for the first two to three weeks. Light cardio workouts and lower-body exercises can help you gradually ease into physical activity. Make sure to wear a supportive bra during these activities.
While jumping back into exercise after a breast reduction may be tempting, you should avoid excessive activity. Your body needs time to heal and get stronger. It will take at least a month to resume vigorous aerobic exercise. Once your body is recovered, you can begin exercising with weights or moderate cardio. Remember to be gentle and only exercise if you feel comfortable and are not tired. If you feel faint or weary, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Getting back into aerobic exercise after surgery can be difficult, but it can help reduce side effects and help you return to your normal lifestyle sooner. Before beginning an exercise program, consult with your surgeon and physical therapist. Do light aerobic exercises for the first few days, such as riding a stationary bike at the gym or walking on an inclined treadmill. It would help if you avoided strenuous upper body exercises such as push-ups or other activities targeting the chest muscles for a few weeks. In addition, you should avoid heavy lifting or high-impact workouts for six to eight weeks.
Avoiding baths or showers
It is essential to avoid taking baths or showers for at least 48 hours after your breast reduction surgery. This is because water can get into the incisions, which can cause infection and prolong recovery time. The water may also reopen the incisions. Also, the stream of water from a shower head can damage the incisions.
It is best to take short showers as long as you don’t spend too much time standing. You may feel dizzy or faint if you stand for too long. If you are afraid of falling, purchase a shower stool or ask a family member to hold you up. It would help if you were careful with the temperature of the water, as hot water can cause inflammation.
After your procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to bathe. Most surgeons will provide clear instructions. In addition to bathing with lukewarm water, you should avoid shaving or shampooing your hair until your surgeon says it is safe. You should keep the water stream to the lowest setting during your shower and prevent the shower’s powerful stream.
Avoiding underwire bras
If you’ve recently had breast reduction surgery, you may want to avoid wearing underwire bras. These bras can cause unnecessary irritation and discomfort, and they can move your implants. Plus, they can cause lumps, which may require further surgery. Fortunately, there are some options you can use instead.
Before buying an underwire bra, you need to know a few things about these bras. The wires in an underwire bra can poke out and irritate your incisions. To avoid this, you’ll want to find a front-closure bra. This will minimize strain and movement while still providing compression. Alternatively, you can opt for bras with zippers or clasps.
After the operation, you’ll need to wear a postoperative bra for about six weeks. You can take it off during the day but be sure to wear it at night. You’ll be able to switch back to an underwire bra after six to eight weeks. The exact time required varies from patient to patient, so check with your doctor to see what works best for you.
The most crucial factor to consider when choosing a bra for post-procedure is comfort and fit. An underwire bra can irritate the healing incisions and make your recovery more uncomfortable.
Avoiding bikinis
For several weeks after breast reduction, it is essential to avoid wearing a bikini, including a bikini top. This is to ensure your incisions have healed and are no longer visible. It would help if you also avoid direct sun exposure. However, you can still wear soft sports bras to help support your breasts without pushing them up. Underwire bras are also not advised, as they can irritate the incisions and lead to discomfort.
If your breasts are more significant than usual, try choosing a bikini top with wider straps. Halterneck and cupped bikini tops are more flattering and will keep your breasts in place. Tie-back bikinis are also more practical than clasp-back bikinis since you can adjust the straps to make them tighter or looser. String and bandeau bikinis, on the other hand, could be more practical and offer more support. Choose a style you feel comfortable in that gives you the most confidence.
Two-piece bikinis are generally available in different sizes, which makes it easier to choose the correct fit. The best way to select the right size is to buy a swimsuit that fits your pre-surgery cup size and bottom size. Remember that some swimsuits will have padding inside the top portion, so you may want to remove this if you have had your procedure done.
Avoiding steam rooms
If you have undergone a breast reduction, you should avoid steam rooms and saunas for six to eight weeks. These types of facilities can irritate the incisions and cause bacterial infections. Additionally, they can have an unpleasant effect on your new, larger breasts. You should consult your plastic surgeon for personalized recommendations.
Your surgeon will provide you with a compression garment for two weeks following your surgery. You can remove it during the day to shower or wash it. You can replace it with a new garment if it becomes uncomfortable. At three weeks, you may decide whether or not to wear the compression garment. It would help if you also avoided extreme heat during your recovery. Overheating your body during this time will only worsen your swelling and inflammation.
Saunas contain infrared radiation, which may damage your synthetic implants. While infrared saunas can promote wound healing, they can also contribute to tissue infections. In addition, these facilities increase moisture levels in the body, which may be a breeding ground for bacteria.
