Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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When Can I Start Raising my Arms over my Head After BA?

I'm a flight attendant and will need to raise my arms above my head to close the overhead bins. I do run on a regular basis so feel I'm pretty 'in shape'. When can I expect to return to work and would it benefit me to wear a tight sports bra for the first few weeks as well? I've waited a long time for my boobs and don't want to mess things up. Thanks

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by BLSDXS2 in Rockwall, TX

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Raising arms after breast augmentation

Post-operative instruction will vary among plastic surgeons. You should follow your plastic surgeon's recommendation. In my practice, my patients are allowed to raise their arms to perform daily activities such as brushing hair, taking shower, etc soon after the surgery. I ask them not to push, pull, jump, or carry heavy objects for 2-3 weeks. They wear surgical bra or sports bra for three weeks. If patients have non-active desk jobs, they normally... more

Lifting your arms.

The answer depends a bit on how your implants are placed. Depending on this, full activity within a week, in my experience, is often realistic. There are cases where I suggest waiting longer.

Raising arms above head after Breast Augmentation.

Patients typically wait about 1-2 weeks before lifting their arms above their heads after Breast Augmentation. The main thing to remember is don't do anything that is uncomfortable or causing pain. You should be able to return to work in about 1-2 weeks, but lift your arms slowly at first, and return to normal as you continue to feel no discomfort. Do not lift anything at first, but after one week, you can start lifting light things and progress to heavier... more

Rapid Recovery After Breast Augmentation

The rapid recovery system following breast augmentation completely reduces "down time." By using scheduled doses of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and arm exercises my patients are back to their normal routine within a few days. I've had patients go to work the day after surgery. By raising the arms above the head until elbows touch ears the pec. muscles are stretched. This decreases stiffness and increases blood flow which decreases swelling. I don't... more

Raising arms after breast augmentation surgery

I recommend that my patients start carefully lifting their arms same day as surgery. I feel doing this light exercise helps minimize discomfort. However, be mindful of your body and don't over do it. Additionally, do not lift weights or other heavy objects for 2-4 weeks after surgery.

Movement after breast augmentation

I do not limit movement after breast augmentation. I have the patient refrain from extensive activity for about 1 week. After that, no limitations unless it causes excess pain. Donald R. Nunn Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

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Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Raising your arms after Breast Augmentation Surgery

You should really ask your surgeon what he/she recommends and follow the post operative instructions that are given to you by your surgeon. I ask my patients to wear a surgical bra for 4 weeks and during that time, to also limit their arm movements and NOT lift anything over 10 lbs. The less you move your arms (and therefore the pectoralis muscle), the better for recovery after breast augmentation surgery. I ask patients to keep the elbows to their size for the 1st 2 weeks after... more

Activities, bra and return to work after breast augmentation.

I would recommend that you ask your plastic surgeon about his restrictions on your activities after breast augmentation, because they are mainly based on each surgeon's preference, experience and the type of procedure. Since you are under the care of your plastic surgeon it is more appropriate that you follow his or her instructions and recommendations, so in a case of complication you are not blamed that you did not follow the instructions. There are a lot of variation in... more

Raising Your Arms After Breast Augmentation

As you can see from the varied responses, post-op instructions vary among plastic surgeons. I am part of the school of thought that believes that early range of motion, including lifting your arms above your head, should begin as soon as you wake up from your surgery. The theory is that stretching the muscles of the chest wall will help prevent them from tightening up and you will have less pain. Heavy lifting is another matter. I would recommend waiting 2 weeks for anything over 20 lbs. and... more

Lifting your arms over your head should start the day of surgery

For over thirty yrears I have encouraged my patients to lift their arms over their head starting right away. In the first follow up visit, the next morning, I insist they put their arms over their head and touch the side of their head with their arms. It is some what difficult and uncomfortable but makes them feel much better right away. It prevents them from going though rehabilitaion of the range of motion of their arms. I also request the patients refrain from any significant... more

You should be able to raise your hands comfortably in 1-2 weeks

Greetings, I encourage my patients to begin to raise their arms above their heads in a controlled manner about 3 days after surgery. Most patients are able to do so comfortably about 1-2 weeks after surgery. I ask my patients to refrain from lifting anything over 20 pounds for 3-4 weeks after surgery, which obviously can impact you tremendously as a flight attendant. In regards to a sports bra, most patient wear one for comfort for about 6 weeks after surgery. Particularly if... more

Stretching After BA

I generally hold patients to no lifting heavy things for 10- 14 days post-op. However, just raising your arms after surgery is OK at almost any time but the physical force of closing those bins should be avoided for about 10 days. I would suggest that a flight attendant be off a solid 2 weeks after surgery. It would be hard to get back to that job without constant physical demands on your arms and chest muscles. Lifting a single bag is not usually too risky but doing... more

You can start raising your arms over your head in two to three days

Although you can start raising your arms over your head following a breast augmentation in only two to three days, I would recommend you wait at least one to two week before lifting heavy objects such as suitcases over your head. At three weeks, you do almost everything that you normally do. However, I do recommend taking it relatively easy for at least the first week to avoid complications.

Raising arms overhead after breast augmentation

You will find opinions all over the map concerning recommendation after breast augmentation. Our suggestion is careful full motion, in a bra and band to support the breast within a few days after your procedure. Arms fully over head is fine. Most can return to work after one week. Remember though that sub-muscular breast augmentation will release (tear) the lower edge of the chest muscle. I don't know if you have ever had a muscle pull or tear as a runner, but exercise or lifting will... more

Restrictions after breast augmentation

Hello and thank you for the question. The restrictions placed on you following a breast augmentation are largely dependent on the practitioner and their preference. There is a lot variation in this and I would advise following your surgeon's advise. In our practice, we encourage early range of motion exercises, beginning on the first post-operative day. Heavy lifting (greater than 10 lbs) is discouraged for a period of a month, but modest exercise with a lower... more

Raising your arms after surgery

It is safe to raise your arms after surgery as long as you are careful and do it slowly to comfort. I think it would be safe to return to work after 1 week but you shouldn't't lift, push or pull anything over 20 pounds. The risk you run when you do too much too fast or too much activity too soon after surgery, is that a hematoma can form and you can start bleeding internally. It is EXTREMELY important to stay in your sports bra for at least 6 weeks. Hope this helps! more

Raise your Arms

I encourage my patients to be stretching and raising their arms in the recovery room immediately after surgery to prevent muscle spasm and to promote a rapid recovery. I would think you could return work in three to four days but sometimes it is a little longer. Try to avoid narcotics and use Advil or Motrin. check out my web site for a 24 hour recovery program. A light sports bra is fine.