SECTION 4
Groin care and recovery at home
Your groin access site is closed with a vascular closure device. Even though the opening is small, the vein and surrounding tissues need time to heal.
Driving after your Watchman implant
Do not drive for 48 hours after your procedure. You may resume driving after 48 hours if you feel well and are not taking medicines that impair alertness. Follow any longer driving restriction given by your care team.
Take it easy for seven days
You may stand, sit, and take gentle walks. Avoid exercise, sports—including golf and pickleball—and heavy lifting for the first week. Do not lift, push, or pull anything heavier than 10 pounds.
Showering and bathing
You may shower once cleared by your discharge team, usually the following day. Gently wash the area and pat it dry. Do not scrub or apply creams or powders to the site.
Avoid pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs for the first week and until the access site has healed. Follow your discharge instructions for removing the dressing.
What is expected?
Some bruising and mild tenderness around the groin are common. They should gradually improve. A rapidly enlarging lump, worsening pain, or increasing swelling needs prompt assessment.
Check the site daily
Contact your care team for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or worsening discomfort.
If the site starts bleeding, lie down and apply firm pressure directly over it. Call 911 for heavy or persistent bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, dizziness, or fainting. Do not drive yourself.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.