Would other doctors agree that I can return to this type of work at 3 weeks post-op?

         Heavy lifting and
strenuous activity following breast augmentation can result in post-operative
complications. In some cases, heavy lifting can cause bleeding and resultant
hematoma formation. In other cases, heavy lifting can result in implant
displacement with resultant implant malposition.

         For these reasons,
limitations are often placed on lifting in the post-operative period. We
generally limit lifting to no more than fifteen pounds for four to six weeks
following breast augmentation. In addition, we stress that patients not lift
their elbows above their shoulders and that they avoid repetitive arm
movements.

         In the short term,
it may be necessary to make slight modifications in your life style to avoid
complications. Make sure you discuss this issue with your surgeon prior to
proceeding with breast augmentation surgery.

Breast augmentation is a short surgery which is typically performed as an outpatient. I prefer the patients take a week off from work. At that point they can return to work or school, but should refrain from all vigorous physical activity. At 1 month, they can resume cardio type exercises. At 2 months they can lift weights.  If you have pain lifting 40 lbs, it is definitely too much for you at that time.   Listen to your body!

Thanks for your question!
You should be fine to return to work 3 weeks post surgery. Check with your surgeon for guidelines/restrictions. Best wishes!

Most patients can be up walking the next day, showering in 2 days and return to sedentary work in 3-4 days. No lifting more than 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks. You should not be running or lifting weights at a gym. Most patients can resume cardio type of workouts such as a treadmill, exercise bike or stairs within one week. After 6 weeks, you can resume most activities. I tell my patients not to do isolated chest exercises like push-ups, heavy yoga pushing or bench pressing until their implants have dropped.

I advise all my patients they can return to attempting all normal manual handling tasks at 4 weeks post-op. This includes normal gym training and heavy lifting like the type you've described.However, this is based on my patients having implants placed in a submuscular pocket. The key reasons why a surgeon wants patients to restrict heavy lifting etc is because you want the wounds to heal without excessive forces/strain and you don't want to compromise the implant pocket in any way. If the implant is under the muscle then it is subject to more force and strain with upper body heavy manual handling tasks compared to an implant placed on top of the muscle. At 4 weeks post-op in a submuscular pocket I'm happy that things have healed well enough internally to then return to normal activities.With this in mind, returning to heavy lifting at 3 weeks (slightly earlier than my usual recommendation based on a submuscular implant placement) would be fine assuming you have implants placed on top of your muscle (subglandular placement).

It is always best to follow the recommendation of your board certified plastic surgeon as to your exercise tolerance. Your surgeon will know about your tissues, how much he had to do with the pocket, etc. When you do get the OK, make sure to wear very good sports bras. Also ease into it. Don't run a marathon the first day. We see patients post op and let them know their limitations at their appointment. Running is usually about 8 weeks out. Please talk to your plastic surgeon and make a plan about your exercise/work limits.