https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/general/2554/injury-can-i-go-onI started swimming last year around nov, I was able to swim free style and back until last july, when I had an accident that left me with 8 stiches in my right arm, now I havenot gone swimming since then , my arm is fine now but I wonder if the strechingen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/18196?ContentTypeID=1Mon, 13 Sep 2004 06:11:48 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:8b509e15-03a6-476b-8679-3628f600897fFormer MemberYou&#39;re generally &quot;water-tight&quot; 2-3 weeks after the stitches are put in. I&#39;ve gone swimming (with stitches--which was weird but the doc said OK) within 2-3 days after stitches have been removed. Scar tissue is VERY hard to tear so that shouldn&#39;t be a fear. If you&#39;re in a sunny climate--I would apply some sunblock to it as scars tend to turn red(der) when in the sun. I&#39;ve had shoulder surgery with stitches (both the old fashioned thread and the sub-cutaneous ones with steri-strips) and the incision areas haven&#39;t had any problems with swimming. After 8 weeks--the scar may still not look great but there&#39;s no way you can harm it by swimming.<div style="clear:both;"></div>