After a breast augmentation, it can take some time to return back to your normal activities, including heading to the beach. So that you can comfortably enjoy the sunshine and sand again, knowing when is the right time and how you can protect your body after surgery is important.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how soon after your procedure you can return to the beach, and some steps you can take to ensure that you’re still supporting your body best as it recovers.
Returning to the beach: Getting the timing right
Following an extensive surgical procedure like breast augmentation, your body will need time to heal, and rushing back to normal activities – especially activities that involve physical exertion, sun exposure, or immersion in water – can negatively interfere with your body’s recovery, if not timed right.
The right time to return to the beach will actually depend on your individual circumstances, like the extent of the procedure and how well you’re healing. In general, surgeons will recommend waiting until incisions have fully healed, and until about six to eight weeks of recovery has passed, but you should always follow your surgeon’s personalised advice.
During the first few weeks, your incisions are still healing, and your body is adjusting to the changes. Going to the beach too early can increase the risk of complications, like infection or irritation. Swimming, in particular, is generally not advised until your incisions are fully closed, as natural bodies of water contain bacteria that could introduce an infection. The beach can also demand more physical exertion and excessive sun exposure, which should also be avoided in the earlier stages of your recovery.
Steps to follow once it’s time to head back to the beach
When your surgeon has advised that you’re ready to visit the beach after your breast augmentation, following some steps to protect your post-surgery body will be highly important. Here are some steps that can help you support your overall health as your body continues to recover, prevent complications, protect your incision sites and support your comfort at the beach.
Make sure that you stay hydrated
Firstly, a beach day can be dehydrating for your body, so making sure that you regularly drink water will help to support your general health. While some time will have passed after your procedure, your body will still need to be in good health and have sufficient energy levels to continue recovering sufficiently. You should make sure that you pack a drink bottle with you and take regular sips.
Be careful not to overly-exert yourself too soon
Although the initial healing period is over, it’s still normal to find that you get tired faster during the first few months after your surgery. While you’re at the beach, you should remember to take regular breaks to sit or lie down. When you’re resting, we recommend to be in the shade – you could bring a beach umbrella or choose a beach that has access to shaded areas.
Take care when swimming in the ocean
When it comes to swimming, patience is essential. Even if you feel ready to dive into the ocean, we recommend still avoiding high-impact activities – like vigorous swimming or water sports – until you have fully healed. We recommend starting with gentle dips and slowly increasing the intensity of your swimming over time.
Protect your incision sites from UV rays
After a breast augmentation, you’ll have to make sure that you care for your incision sites by protecting them from excessive UV ray exposure. The skin at your incision sites will be quite delicate, and prone to darkening if exposed to excessive sunlight. Hyperpigmentation caused by UV rays can make scars more noticeable and slow down their fading process. To protect your skin, you should wear sunscreen with high SPF, and even choose a bikini or swimsuit that covers the location of your incisions.
Choose supportive swimwear
At the stage of your breast augmentation recovery where you’re ready to have a beach day, you’re likely ready to return back to wearing normal bras. You’ll likely be advised to choose supportive bras without underwire, and extending this advice to swimwear can be helpful. Finding a supportive swimsuit that will provide you with adequate coverage and help to minimise movement can help you feel more comfortable. You should look for swimsuit styles with soft, wide straps and a secure fit that doesn’t dig into your skin or cause unnecessary pressure.
Contact your surgeon if you need more personalised advice
If you’re mentally ready for a beach day but are still feeling unsure as to whether or not your body is ready, you should always feel free to contact your surgeon for advice based on your own individual circumstances. The key to supporting your body best is to take your time when returning back to a normal routine, and listening to your own body will be the most important part.
Dr Craig Rubinstein: Melbourne-Based Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Located in Melbourne, the team of Specialist Plastic Surgeons at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery are experienced in both plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures.
Before becoming a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, intensive training and experience are essential to help surgeons refine their knowledge and techniques.
The surgeons at Coco Ruby are led by breast and abdominoplasty surgeon Dr Craig Rubinstein, and have decades of experience performing a variety of procedures, including breast augmentations. The carefully selected team has taught in medical schools and contributed to training conferences, and have also contributed to research, medical book chapters and articles, and industry advancements.
If you are thinking about having a breast augmentation and would like to discuss how you can care for your body after surgery, as well as how soon you can expect to return to normal daily activities, please contact our team to schedule a consultation.