Breast Reduction: Q&A

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How Long After DDD Breast Reduction Can I Lift My Child?

I am 36DDD and considering a BR. I have 2 kids (1 = 6 years and 2nd = 20 months). How long will it be before i will be able to lift my 2nd kid? 20 month old and 28 lbs. Please suggest recovery timeline.

14 Doctor Answers | Asked by natasha0220 in Fremont, CA
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Recovery after breast reduction

You can lift your child a few weeks after a breast reduction as long as you are not experiencing any pain and your incisions are healing well. Since a breast reduction does not involve any dissection of your chest muscles, your recovery will be much smoother than a breast augmentation for example. Consult with your plastic surgeon for more specific recommendations. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno
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Lifting toddler after breast reduction

I ask my patients to avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds for 4 - 6 weeks. There are two issues here. You don't want to put any strain on your incisions or subject your breasts to any pinches or kicks (ouch) from a squirming toddler. Also, you don't want to pick up your child, feel a sharp pain and then drop him/her. I tell my patients to change the baby on the floor, get someone else to put them into the crib (or move the child to a toddler bed) and for a... more
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2 weeks

I tell my patients two weeks is what is needed for recovery after breast reduction. You can lift you child after that and increase your level of activity as tolerated. Of course the more time you have the easier your recovery will be but 2 weeks is enough.

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Lifting Kids after Breast Reduction- Recovery Timeline

Natasha0220- Recovery in terms of lifting kids after breast reduction varies, but you should be able to lift your 20 month old that weighs about 28 pounds about 1-3 weeks after surgery. Small weights, like 5 pounds or less, can be lifted pretty quickly after surgery, typically about 1 week later. More weight takes time, and everyone is different, but it should take 2-3 weeks after your procedure. Of course, you should talk to your plastic surgeon about... more
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Breast Reduction recovery

1- Three weeks of no lifting. 2- After three weeks you can start exercize including lifting you child. 3- two months of a supportive bra then you can relax.
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Breast reduction recovery time

For most surgical procedures it takes six weeks for the wounds to become strong. Be particularly cautious with your movements during this period. Avoid things such as stretching and vigorous exercise. Ask your surgeon for recommendations in your particular situation.
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Breast Reduction recovery is less than you think

Be sure to speak with your surgeon regarding her or his own advice. I tell my patients 2 weeks and have not had any problems. Good Luck! Dr Grant Stevens
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Breast Reduction - How Long Until I Can Lift My Kids?

Hi natasha0220, There are no absolutes BUT I usually advise about a week of no lifting at all, and then waiting three weeks before starting any exercise. Most people, in fact, don't really feel like exercising before then, so that timing works out pretty well. The issue of raising (ie, lifting!) kids is a little more complicated. You have to be careful - you need to let your body heal and your overall recovery time will be MUCH longer if you have a setback of some... more
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Breast reduction and lifting

I usually have patients limit their exertional acitivity after breast reduction surgery. This usually means no aerobic activity for about 3 weeks and no heavy lifting ( kids included) for about 6-8 weeks.
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Lifting After Breast Reduction

Unless there are mitigating medical problems, it sounds as if you would be a good candidate for breast reduction. I would want you to avoid "dead lifting" 28-30 pounds for 3-4 weeks following your surgery. This generally is not feasible so I ask my patients to have their toddlers walk into their arms while stooping and then use their legs, not arms, to lift. It would still be advisable to have some assistance for the first several days.
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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