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Lifting After Breast Augmentation

asked 3 years ago by junglebaby311 in NYC
Latest answer by John J. Edney, MD
Question viewed 6,219 times
Tags: exercise, recovery

My doctor cleared me to return to my part-time serving job, which requires carrying up to 40 lbs of food with one arm at 3 weeks post-breast augmentation. I am excited to get back to work, but I'm also nervous that lifting or carrying things around with this much weight will cause problems due to my recent augmentation. Would other doctors agree that I can return to this type of work at 3 weeks post-op?

22 answers to Lifting After Breast Augmentation

Back to work questions

Congratulations on your surgery and your new look. Back to work questions can be complicated. There's no strict formula for when it is ok to go back to work. Determinations are made based on some of the following factors: 1. Type of operation 2. Complications post-op 3. Your pain tolerance and narcotic pain medication needs 4. Your job In my San Francisco area practice people are typically back to work after one or two weeks (usually closer to one week). Because this can be a complex... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.trivalleyplasticsurgery.com

Lifting during breast augmentation recovery

For three weeks following breast augmentation surgery, I recommend that patients try not to lift more than five pounds. I also ask them not to lift their elbows above their shoulders. Many of our patients are young women with young children and cannot strictly adhere to the five pound rule. The five pound rule, however, gives them a good idea as to how careful we want them to be during that period.

John J. Edney, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Heavy lifting restrictions after breast implant augmentation surgery

If implants were placed over the muscle I don't see any reason why you could not return to heavy lifting. If placed under the muscle I would consider a 6 week restriction for heavy lifting.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Lifting restrictions after breast augmentation

Typically, I recommend patients wait a minimum of two weeks before doing any lifting greater than 20lbs. I also have them avoid any otherwise strenuous activity. After the two week period, I tell them to exercise common sense, and use the concept, "if it hurts, don't do it." However, every patient is different when it comes to their recuperation after surgery. Although is is cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation is surgery just like any other. ... more

Kelly Gallego, MD
Sioux City Plastic Surgeon

Recovery After Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is outpatient surgery. After surgery, you may experience some soreness that should be easily managed with one-two pain pills every 6 hours. Usually, my patients do not require pain medications beyond 3-5 days. After surgery you will have swelling in the upper pole of your breast. This swelling resolves over 2-3 weeks. I recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks after surgery. Usually, 24-48 hrs after surgery, most patients feel comfortable doing... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Lifting after Breast Augmentation

I generally recommend that my patients wait 5-6 weeks before lifting anything over 20 lbs. Everyone heals differently, and your body will let you know if you lift too much too soon. I would recommend that you talk with your doctor and ask your questions.

Richard H. Fryer, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Heavy Lifting After A Breast Augmentation

The most standard recommendation for post breast augmentation care is NO heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery. Your doctor may have different rules but I would ask him/her again just to verify. Good Luck!

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Activity after Breast Augmentation

I generally have patients keep their elbows below their chin, ideally close to the sides of their chest, for about 4-6 weeks. Their activity is gradually increased from light walking on a treadmill or around the block at home, to full activity, lifting no more than 25 lbs for 4-6 weeks. Resumption of "Full" activity is at 8 weeks. I personally think carrying 40lbs of food trays is a little aggressive....however, every surgeon has his/her own rules and regulations and I sug more

John Philip Connors III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Restrictions after breast augmentation

Every plastic surgeon is a little different in their postoperative instructions after a breast augmentation. My patients are limited to lifting anything with their upper body to less than 5-10 pounds for 6 weeks. This is especially important when the implants have been placed below the muscle. However, if your surgeon felt you were okay to return to work after three weeks, it is likely okay. I would recommend gradually increasing the amount of weight that you lift... more

Naveen Setty, MD
Plano Plastic Surgeon

Lifting After Breast Augmentation

Typically patients are able to return to regular activities after three weeks, but of course it is important to listen to your body and ease into heavy lifting. 40 lbs is quite a bit and you do not want to over do it so quickly after surgery. You may need to make multiple trips the first few weeks until your body is fully healed.

Tarick K. Smaili, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Lifting after breast augmentation

For heavy lifting (>10 lbs) after breast augmentation, I believe it depends on two factors: 1. Did you have the implants placed above or under the muscle? 2. Was this your initial augmentation, or did you have a revision augmentation (capsule work, repositioning, etc.)? For initial augmentations where the implants are on top of the muscle, I think 3-4 weeks postop is fine for heavy lifting. If the implants are under the muscle, I recommend waiting about 6 weeks before lifting... more

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Getting back to work after breast augmentation

I find that a good rule is if it hurts, you're not ready for it yet. I like my patients to hold off from vigorous activity for a solid 3 weeks after their surgery. After that, gradual increasing of activity is fine, but I still am pretty conservative about getting in the pool or ocean until the incisions are completely healed. (Showers are fine immediately after surgery) So... I think you're fine as long as you can do your job without discomfort- enjoy your more

Adam David Lowenstein, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon

Heavy-lifting post breast surgery

In order to avoid any complications, I would suggest waiting atleast 6-8 weeks prior to any heavy-lifting, especially if its up to 40 lbs. Although everyone heals differently, you will know what you can and cannot do at that time. However, don't push yourself. Or you can go back to work and maybe have your co-workers help you. Either way, we recommend patients to wait atleast 2 months before and rigorous or strenuous activity. Consult with your physician if you have concerns or issues... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Patients may return to full work and athletic activity 4 weeks after breast augmentation.

I allow full activity after 4 weeks, although 3 weeks is probably okay. My choice is somewhat arbitrary but it has served me well for 25 years. Athletic activity that does not involve the chest wall (exercise bike) can begin immediately.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

I release patients to activity individually after breast augmentation

Hello, While it is easier to consider breast augmentation as one operation with fixed lifting limitations, I find this is too simplistic. The operation is different in different women due to a number of factors. I tend to evaluate each patient individually and release her to particular activities depending upon the particulars of her case and her status at a particular point. Maybe your doctor does the same.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Lifting and Breast Augmentation

I generally have my patients return to full activity at about 4 weeks time. They can go to the gym lift anything they want. At 2 weeks time I allow them to carry things but things that they can lift at their elbow level. I ask them to minimize any shoulder work. Hope that helps.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Post-op breast augmentation orders

Every surgeon is different. In my practice I prefer that my patients avoid aerobic type exercise for 3 weeks and heavy lifitng for about 6 weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Different docotors, different suggestions

Every doctor has a different regimen for post-op care. You have picked your doctor for most likely excellent reasons. You have to trust his judgement and advice on all parts of your care. Go back to work and enjoy your new breasts!

Robert M. Freund, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Yes, I tell my patients the same

My instructions to patients are that they keep their upper body "quiet" for three weeks after breast augmentation. This certainly includes heavy lifting. After three weeks, they can resume normal activities if all is well.

Bruce K. Barach, MD
Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

At 3 weeks, you can do whatever you want.

To junglebaby311, Hi! With gentle surgery, the recovery from breast augmentation should be quick and easy. And there should be very little pain, even if the implants are placed under the muscle. I bet this was your experience. We put on an elastic bra right on the operating table, and we let women return to their usual activities in one week.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Best to wait 8 weeks for full healing to do heavy lifting.

Check with your surgeon again, making sure to let him know about your concerns. If your implants are placed under the muscle, I normally suggest that you avoid heavy lifting for about 8 weeks, if possible. It is believed that excessive lifting may increase your risk of capsular contracture (excessive scar tissue build-up around the implant). If your work is flexible, you may consider modifying the way you carry the items (by using a cart or by taking plates one in each hand, for example)... more

Thomas T. Nguyen, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Your body will tell you

Usually it is reasonable to expect to return to normal activities by three weeks especially if your surgeon okayed it. But remember that you have by "out of action" for at least that amount of time and your muscles that are used to heavy loads have weakened in that amount of time. You might need to build up your strength and tolerance before you feel you are completely up to pro-op speed with your job. If you feel pain, soreness, or aching, then back off a bit. Work out gradually... more