Afraid of Splitting Incisions After Breast Lift

I recommend waiting 6 weeks before testing the strength of your incision lines. In the meantime: don't lift more than ~25 pounds no high impact activities like jumping or jogging no big arm swinging activities like tennis or golf

The skin technically is sealed (but not fully healed, of course) after 24-48 hours.  Scar maturation is what gives the wound its eventual strength, though.  It takes about 6 months for a wound to have its maximum strength, which is roughly 70% of its preoperative strength.  But you don't have to wait 6 months to do your normal activities.  Generally, my mastopexy patients return to light exercise after a couple of weeks and strenuous exercise after about 6 weeks... more

The wound is entering the weakest phase of healing presently.  Lifting a baby shouldn't affect the sutures.  Bouncing, etc. will put stress on things, and may cause a problem.  I would check with your doctor for sure on this, as we wouldn't want to go against his instructions. sek

To be on the safe side, try avoiding arm movement above your shoulder for 6 weeks. This should be an adequate duration of time to heal.

Rely on your surgeon's instincts about the scars.  I think you should be fine at this point.  Sutures should be removed relatively early to avoid secondary complications.  

Regarding: "Afraid of Splitting Incisions After Breast Lift How much time needs to pass to be sure I wont split my incisions after my Breast Lift? I have an anchor-shaped incision. At 8 days post op, the doctor removed the steri strips because I had an allergic reaction and just reinforced it with dermibond. I have seen some terrible pictures on the Internet and am worried about returning to normal activities (like picking up a 25 lbs 2-year-old)." Separation of the... more

  After a breast lift surgery, the patient should expect to have swelling and a small amount of bruising. It is not normal for the wounds to open up. This however is a known complication. Depending on the location of the wounds, your surgeon may recommend dressing changes or may recommend a small procedure where dry or dead tissue is removed and the wound is closed again. If you're incision should open up, see your plastic surgeon immediately. Especially, if you received a... more

My post-op regimen for patients after breast surgery usually entails not aerobic type acitivities for 2-3 weeks and then no heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.

After any surgery there is an increased risk of bleeding in the first 2 weeks. During this period you should avoid doing anything that raises your pulse or blood pressure. You should avoid lifting or straining. After two weeks you can resume exercise but you should avoid any trauma to the breast for at least 6-8 weeks. During this period you should wear a support bra for the first 6-8 weeks. After that you can resume normal activity but often it takes up to 6 months for every thing to... more

I ask my patients to refrain from exercise related activities for 2-3 weeks after mastopexy surgery.  I do a substantial number of these preocedures and have not seen any problems with wound healing with this plan.  Good luck.

I would generally take it easy and avoid heavy lifting for 3 weeks. At this point in time your wounds should be closed and or developed sufficient wound strength to begin a slow and gradual return to progressive resistance exercises. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon who is best equipped to provide you with advice and restrictions.

Although sutures are probably holding some tissues together under the skin, the strength within the scar that is developing only starts to build up after 2-3 weeks. Usually tape is used to reinforce the healing incisions but in your case that is not possible. Certainly ask your surgeon first before you follow any suggestions here. He is the only one that can determine how well your tissues are really healing.

Every surgeon is different, and has his or her own protocols for returning to activity after a breast lift. In general, I have my patients wait at least 4-6 weeks before resuming normal activites. At 4 weeks they can slowly work back into there routine and by 6 weeks they are usually cleared to resume their activities without restriction, although I recommend wearing a bra with good support whenever working out, lifting weights, running, etc. Speak with your surgeon and ask him what his... more