Weight restrictions after breast augmentation.

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own
surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give
to my patients as to the recoveryWeek 1) Discomfort and tightness
level progressively decreases with each day. Swelling decreases a great
deal after one week. Most people return to work in some capacity.Week
2) Unlikely to need any narcotic support except maybe at night.
Swelling and tightness continues to improve compared to week 1Weeks
3-6) May need tylenol or ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort.
Swelling completely resolved. Tightness may continue as the implants
over an additional few months into their final position. As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1) No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks (a gallon of milk as a guide).2) Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)3) At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph4) At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph5) At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph6) At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph7)
At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and
use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it. So
as far as the little ones, I would recommend having help for basic
needs like lifting into the car seat. You can cuddle with them while
you are sitting down, but you should avoid the tendency to multitask
with one child in your arms while you are busy doing other tasks.

Kids are a tough one.  I tell my patients not to use their chest muscles heavily for 6 weeks, but who can explain to a little child that mom can't pick them up for 6 weeks ?  So this is what I recommend:  if at all possible, avoid picking up your kids for 2 weeks.  From 2 to 6 weeks, knee bend and have them grab you around the neck, then you lift using your knees, rather than bending over and picking them up with your arms. You can also have them come in close when you're sitting.  Maybe your 3.5 year old doesn't need to be picked up at all.  All the best.

Thank you for your question! The "rapid recovery" breast augmentation is a newer philosophy with many surgeons to expedite activity and expedite recovery following the breast augmentation procedure.  In my practice, utilizing the fast track technique after breast augmentations, women are readily able and doing most things virtually immediately after this procedure. It is the similar techniques as described and is really gaining popularity. She is even recommended to go out for dinner that evening. Pain is minimal and you will likely be on a scheduled antiinflammatory regimen/pain control along with early exercises/range of motion techniques immediately.  However, follow your surgeon's instructions for postoperative care and restrictions, but it is common for most women to resume many of the preoperative activities and duties within a week. I typically restrict heavy lifting >20# and vigorous exercise for approximately 4-6 weeks Swelling and settling of the implant typically occurs over a 6-12 week period along with placement in a compression-type bra for the same time period, while your incisions commonly resolve to its final appearance in up to a year. Hope that this helps! Best wishes for a great result!

I recommend patients to limit their physical activity after a breast augmentation in order to ensure that they are able to heal properly.  Vigorous activity can lead to bleeding, abnormal scaring, displacement of implants out of their ideal placement.  Generally, you want to avoid any heavy lifting (<5lb) or jumping/running.  Some surgeons allow more weight.  The point is, you don't want to be flexing your pectoral muscles (if under the muscle) to a point where the muscle flexion can push the implants out of position.

In our practice we generally recommend lifting no more than 15 lbs. for the first 2 weeks, and after 3 weeks patients can slowly increase up to their normal vigorous activity. 

This is a common question and a good one to clarify.  For my breast augmentation patients, they are able to exercise (no weights) at 2 weeks.  The weight lifting restriction for those first 2 weeks is basically "a gallon of milk" or 8-10 lbs.  That does include children in those first 2 weeks.  You can "hold" your children but not lift them for those first two weeks. After those first two weeks, I think you can lift your children, but you have to listen to your body as well. I usually let patients do weights at 4 weeks but some heavier things may take until 6 weeks.  I would say that my patients are typically pain-free 3 days after the surgery and you would probably need your husband to be home to help with the kids for the first week after surgery for sure, possibly the second depending.  I would discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon.  Thanks for your question.

Most
surgeons recommend avoiding lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk
(including kids!) for at least the first two weeks, which are the most
important in the healing process. If your husband can only take a limited time
away from his job, planning ahead so he can give you the extra help during
these two weeks is probably going to be the smartest solution. After that
initial recovery period, depending on if your surgeon gives the okay and how
your healing is progressing, you should be able to gradually work into normal
physical activity again and your husband can head back to work. Be sure to
listen to your body, and don’t overdo.

Timing to return to specific types of lifting or exercise will vary from one patient to another. Best to check with your plastic surgeon for specific advice. Generally, I suggest patients gradually ease back into the strenuous aerobic exercise 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively, assuming that they are doing well and there have been no complications. Lower body exercise can generally be resumed 2 weeks postoperatively.  Use common sense, listen to your body, and gradually resume previous activity. In my practice, I ask patients to avoid contact and strenuous exercise involving the  pectoralis major muscles ( such as push-ups, bench press,   burpees,  dancing on a pole…) for at least 3-6 months.  Best wishes.

Generally, 15 pounds maximum the first week. No weight limit but no bouncy activities the second week

Every board certified plastic surgeon has pre and post operative instructions that should be followed for a successful outcome. Consult with your surgeon to determine what restrictions you will have so that you can plan for recovery. Best wishes!