Following breast augmentation, it is important that you keep your incisions dry and clean. This helps prevent bacterial growth and infection. It also helps protect against unnecessary delays in healing.
Proper incision healing relies on fibrocytes producing connective tissue – a process that that can be slowed or altered by soaking the area. For this reason, it is typically recommended that you wait for at least three to four weeks after breast augmentation before entering a pool or submerging yourself in a bathtub.
Are Showers Okay After Breast Augmentation?
It is important to remember that, while external exposure to water can impact incision healing, internal intake of water is essential for a fast recovery. Several studies have shown that incisions heal better when a patient is properly hydrated. It is recommended that women consume at least 11 cups of water, or 88 ounces, a day. During breast augmentation recovery, shoot for closer to 100 oz., or right around six pint-glasses of water daily. More is never a bad idea.
What About Steam Rooms and Saunas?
While you are recovering from breast augmentation, steam rooms and saunas should be avoided just like pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs. Additional risks in public steam rooms and saunas include bacterial infection and wound irritation, both of which can lead to unpleasant results.
It may be best to avoid steam rooms and saunas for six to eight weeks following breast augmentation. This will give your incisions more time to fully close and will help prevent infection. Dr. Chatson will be able to provide you with more personalized recommendations during your follow-up visits, but it is safe to assume that even the fastest of healers will need at least a month before extended exposure to excessive amounts of dry or moist heat.
Speeding Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast augmentation recovery depends on factors unique to each woman, but the process can be assisted and sometimes even sped up by taking steps including:
- Wearing compression garments and support bras
- Not smoking, vaping, or otherwise inviting nicotine into your system
- Keeping incisions dry and clean
- Getting plenty of rest
- Avoiding all contraindicated activities
- Maintaining all post-operative appointments
During your follow-up visits, Dr. Chatson will carefully assess your progress and answer any questions you may have. Dr. Chatson will also be able to provide you with a more personalized recovery timeline, one that is based on your body’s needs, during these visits.
If you have been considering breast augmentation, Dr. Chatson welcomes an opportunity to meet with you and discuss your options. Please call our Nashua, NH office at 603-882-2103 or our Andover, MA office at 978-687-1151 to schedule your consultation.
Dr. Chatson is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon serving Lawrence, Lowell, and surrounding areas of Massachusetts along with Salem, Manchester, and nearby areas of New Hampshire.
