How Much Can I Lift During Breast Augmentation Recovery?

Can I lift my toddler into the car seat while I'm recovering from breast surgery?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Stresses to operative area after breast augmentation

Different plastic surgeons obviously have different opinions on this but think of it like an orthopedic operation. The surgery, say a hip implant, has to be done properly but then you have to heal properly and then go through some rehab for the healed tissues. This will vary by the area and type of implant and isn't very exact or testable. Breast augmentation takes about two weeks to heal with most of it in the first 7-10 days. The incision needs about two weeks to build up... more

Breast Augmentation recovery and lifting

I recommend that my patients not do any heavy lifting, straining, or exercise of any kind for 2 weeks after surgery, and to avoid any use of the pectoralis muscle against resistance (if the implant is placed under the muscle) for at least 6 weeks and ideally perhaps 8-10 weeks to avoid tearing the muscle. I would not lift your toddler into a car seat for 2 weeks.

Lifting during the first two weeks of recovery from augmentation is not recommended.

I usually recommend attending to your own self care for 2 weeks. Allowing the tissues and wound to heal is critical to avoiding problems postop and over-activity, lifting etc can potentually produce a problem. Lifting limit is a 6 pack of soda in the first week and a 12 pack of soda in the second week. Once the incisions are healed you will be better off. I hope this information is helpful.

Lifting Limits After Augmentation

I would discourage lifting your toddler into a car seat until 2-3 weeks following your augmentation. If your child is not able to crawl into her/his car seat, you should enlist someone to help you. In fact I ask my patients not to drive an automobile for 7-10 days following breast augmentations.

Lifting after breast augmentation

It's probably a good idea to avoid any heavy lifting for the first few days after surgery. Depending on the weight of your toddler, you may be able to start lifting him or her sooner or later. I have found with my patients often it is not the weight that is the issue as much as their sharp knees and elbows that can cause the problems if they are very active.

Be very careful

For a better result you should be very careful with lifting after an augmentation. The implants could move, specially in the first 2-4 weeks. In this time the implants are still able to move upwards, if they are under the muscle for example. If you lift something try to use your wrist, dont raise your arms above the shoulder. Good luck.

Breast Augmentation - Lifting Children Post Surgery

I recommend for the first 2 to 3 days post surgery that you do not lift your child. If you lift your child too soon you could bleed. Ask for help to lift your child those first few days. After approximately 3 days, if you must lift your child lift him/her with your back and legs. Lift slowly and use this method for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.