A lumpectomy, which removes a cancerous breast lump and surrounding tissue, often leaves individuals eager to resume activities like swimming. While swimming offers physical benefits, careful consideration of the body’s healing process is necessary. The timing for returning to the water depends on individual recovery and medical clearance.
Your Body’s Healing Journey
Healing after a lumpectomy involves both external incision closure and internal tissue recovery. Initially, the surgical site may be tender, swollen, and bruised, with tenderness subsiding within days and bruising within two weeks. The incision must fully close and be free of scabbing to prevent complications. If surgical drains were placed, they must be removed before submersion in water.
Internal healing can take longer than visible wound closure. While many feel better within four to six weeks, firmness and swelling around the surgical site may persist for three to six months. Individual healing rates differ, influenced by the extent of surgery, overall health, and whether additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy are underway. A healthcare provider’s assessment is essential to determine readiness for activities like swimming.
Why Waiting Matters
Returning to swimming too soon after a lumpectomy carries risks that can impede recovery. The primary concern is infection, as an unhealed incision provides an entry point for bacteria in water. This can lead to surgical site infections, causing pain, redness, pus drainage, or fever.
Another risk is wound dehiscence, where the surgical incision reopens. This occurs if healing tissues are subjected to strain or excessive movement before full integration. Radiation therapy, if administered, can also increase the risk of wound healing complications and dehiscence. Premature swimming or strenuous arm movements can exacerbate swelling or contribute to lymphedema, a condition involving fluid accumulation, particularly if lymph nodes were removed.
Steps for Returning to the Water Safely
The most important step for safely returning to swimming is obtaining clearance from a healthcare provider. This assessment ensures the incision is fully healed, dry, and free of scabs or discharge. Surgeons generally recommend waiting at least three to six weeks after surgery before submerging the incision in water.
When cleared, choosing a clean swimming environment; chlorinated pools are generally preferred over natural bodies of water due to disinfection, which reduces infection. Maintaining good hygiene by showering before and after swimming to minimize bacterial exposure.
Beginning with gentle movements and gradually increasing intensity, listen to the body and stop if any discomfort, pain, or unusual sensations occur. It is important to monitor the surgical site for any signs of redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge after swimming, and contact a doctor immediately if these symptoms appear.