Swimming and extended exposure to water must be avoided until your Surgeon’s permission is granted (usually up to 3 months)—this includes pools, the ocean, baths, spas, and saunas. After surgery, your suture sites are porous. Exposure to water and steam can result in slower healing wounds, an increased chance of infection, and bad scarring. If you are in water before your wounds are properly healed, ensure that it is not for an extended time, and that you dry your suture sites completely/change your bandages if they’re wet. Particularly in the first few weeks, we recommend showering in lukewarm or cold water to reduce the amount of steam in your bathroom.