Following a breast reduction, the incisions should be completely healed before returning to swimming. However, there are a few precautions you should follow to prevent complications. For example, you should avoid alcohol and submerging your incisions in water for at least three weeks. It would help if you also avoided prolonged exposure to sunlight until the incision marks are flat and healed.
Resting
You’ll be exhausted after your breast reduction surgery, so it’s essential to rest correctly and listen to your body. Relaxing at home will reduce the risk of blood clots and promote faster healing. Make sure to get plenty of sleep during the first 72 hours after surgery. Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach, which puts pressure on the incision. In addition, if you have small children, designate someone to care for them while you recover.
It may take two to six weeks for your body to recover after your breast reduction fully. Everybody heals at different rates. For example, a passive person may only need a week off work, while an active person may need two weeks. To maximize your recovery, try to limit your physical activity.
If you must drive, avoid doing so for a week or more. You should only go if you are comfortable using the steering wheel and wearing your seatbelt. If you cannot do so, you can put a pillow between your chest and the seatbelt to prevent strain on your chest. You can also avoid driving while on prescription pain medications.
Once you’re feeling better, you can resume household chores and light exercise. However, don’t engage in strenuous activity, including jogging or jumping. It can strain your chest muscles and may result in complications. Instead, do low-impact exercises like walking or the elliptical. Listen to your body, and wear supportive bras when working out.
Avoiding alcoholic drinks
The benefits of avoiding alcohol consumption after breast reduction surgery are numerous. Alcohol can interact with certain medications, making them ineffective or causing adverse reactions. It also increases the likelihood of infection and postoperative bleeding. Alcohol may also impair the immune response to infection, increasing the chance of septic shock or sepsis. In addition, it may delay wound healing, requiring blood transfusions.
Research has also shown that alcohol consumption after breast surgery increases the risk of breast cancer. One drink contains about 12.5 grams of alcohol. Despite this risk, alcohol consumption is generally considered safe for most adults. However, a person should avoid drinking alcohol before driving or operating heavy equipment. Moreover, the definition of “one drink” may vary depending on the type of alcohol and the serving size. More giant glasses and more alcohol added to a mixed drink will increase the alcohol in the drink.
In a recent study, researchers reviewed data on alcohol consumption among women with breast cancer at one public referral center. They found that 20% of women had had alcoholic drinks in the past 30 days. However, alcohol consumption did not increase the risk of surgical wound complications. However, women with a history of breast cancer should avoid drinking for at least a year after surgery.
Before surgery, alcohol consumption should be avoided. It can interfere with the effectiveness of sedatives and anesthesia. It can also decrease pain tolerance. Therefore, the doctor recommends that the patient refrains from drinking for a week or two.
Avoiding submerging incisions in water
After breast reduction surgery, it is essential to avoid submerging the incisions in water for 48 hours. This will help prevent infection, and it will also help the incision heal faster. Submerging in water can weaken the newly healed tissue and cause more visible scarring.
The incisions are often so sensitive that submerging them in water can open them up and increase the risk of scarring. It’s also important to remember that everyone heals differently. Depending on the extent of the surgery, it can take several weeks to recover your incisions fully. Therefore, waiting until your doctor gives you the all-clear before you get back in the water is essential. In addition to avoiding submerging the incision sites, cover them when you’re not in the water.
In addition to sun exposure, you should wait about four weeks after your surgery before you go swimming. This is because exposure to sunlight can exacerbate post-surgical swelling and lead to darker scars. During this time, you can cool off by dipping your toes in the water but not fully submerging yourself.
It is also essential to avoid baths until your incisions are completely closed. Bath water introduces bacteria to the newly sutured skin, which can cause infection. This can lead to complications after breast reduction surgery. To minimize this risk, take warm showers. Warm water can also help to relax sore chest muscles.
Getting back into the pool or ocean
While you may be anxious to get back into the pool or ocean after breast reduction, avoiding injury to the surgical area is essential. Most surgeons recommend waiting four to six weeks before getting back into the water. This gives the incision time to heal and minimizes the chance of infection.
The healing process will be more rapid if you avoid physical activity for three to four weeks after your surgery. Gentle movements are ideal, including gentle walks. This will keep the blood flowing and prevent post-surgical complications. It would help if you waited until six to eight weeks after your surgery to perform more strenuous physical activities such as swimming laps.
After your breast reduction or tummy tuck, you should avoid strenuous activity. It can stretch the scars, raising your blood pressure can lead to internal bleeding. You should also wait at least four weeks after your surgery before engaging in strenuous activity, such as swimming or water slides.
Getting back to exercise
Getting back to exercise after breast reduction can be difficult. You may experience feelings of fatigue, but it is natural. You are following your doctor’s recommendations for the first week after surgery is essential. Afterward, you should slowly increase your physical activity and intensity of your workouts. Walking is ideal after breast reduction surgery because it promotes blood circulation and healing. It can also help you reduce boredom and keep your mind stimulated.
It’s important to start slowly after breast reduction. You can start with light exercises and gradually increase your intensity. Once you feel comfortable, you can begin weight lifting and cardiovascular activities. However, ensure you listen to your body and don’t do exercises targeting the chest. Avoid swimming, rowing, and running for the first few weeks, and start with lighter weights.
You should be able to resume regular activity in about a month after your breast reduction. This includes light exercise, such as walking or doing yoga. However, make sure to wear a supportive bra while exercising. A supportive bra will be helpful if you are in discomfort, but you should not push yourself too hard.
A plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, recommends that women begin walking at least once a day in the first week following breast reduction surgery. This improves circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots. Returning to exercise after breast reduction surgery should also incorporate range-of-motion exercises. These involve activities that involve raising and lowering the arms.
Getting back to exercise after breast reduction can help reduce side effects from the surgery and help you get back to normal activities sooner than expected. Before starting a routine of physical activity, consult your doctor and physical therapist. If you notice any discomfort or swelling, stop and rest until your doctor gives you the okay.
