Lifting After Breast Augmentation

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?

Tags:

exercise recovery

Comment on this

23 Doctor Answers | Asked by junglebaby311 in NYC

Doctor Answers (23)
Community Comments (0)

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

Lifting or Exercise After Breast Augmentation

I recommend that patients avoid heavy lifting for at least 3 weeks after surgery and certainly exercise for 3 weeks after. By 4 weeks one can resume all activities with no restrictions.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD

10 reviews

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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.

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

33 reviews

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

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

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.

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!

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

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