This is an excellent question. It is important to remember that every single Plastic Surgeon will have their own specific postoperative instructions as well as restrictions. So my answer will probably be different than others, but I find myself not too liberal and not too conservative on the issue.Breast reduction surgery is a big surgery in terms of incisions, tissue removed, the need for drains, and the need for ideal wound healing conditions. The short answer from me is absolutely not, you cannot start cross country running and training at 2 weeks after a breast reduction. For the first week I don't want my patient doing anything physical. At week 2 they can go for a walk and be a bit more active. At week 3, provided I have seen them in the office and everything is healing nicely, they can walk on a treadmill or elliptical. From that point they can slowly ramp up their activity. I do not clear them for full activity until 6 weeks AND after an examination. If it is extreme activity I will wait a full 8 weeks.The reason running is out of the question at 2 weeks is that your breasts need time to heal. The incisions and all the cuts on the inside of the breasts are not strong enough to withstand the running and the impact and and the bouncing they would experience on a run. You would risk opening of the incisions, bad scarring, and possible bleeding inside the breasts. Not to mention you cannot get extremely sweaty and dirty -- that is a huge risk for wound infection. Plus, if your surgeon uses drains (most of us do for breast reductions), you might still have drains in place (although they usually come out at about day 5-7).I find that when timing is an issue, you as the patient must find an ideal point in your life when you can follow my postoperative instructions. If that cannot be done, I will not operate because the whole point of a breast reduction (or any Plastic Surgery) is to have the best cosmetic outcome possible. It may be best for you to complete your cross country career before your breast reduction, or find an acceptable period of time right when the season ends to have the surgery. Speak with your Plastic Surgeon in detail about your concerns and make sure he or she is aware of your request -- do not start running 2 weeks after a reduction without your surgeon telling you it is ok. Best of luck!
