Hi I am a server at a busy restaurant where you have to carry drinks and 8 plates on a tray. I had a breast augmentation and was wondering when I can start carrying heavy things? I really can't book off too much work time.. Thanks!
February 3, 2016
Answer: How long should you wait to carry heavy things after Breast Augmentation? In general, I tell all my patients they cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 2 weeks after breast augmentation . I think "overhead" lifting of a tray as a server is a little different. I think you can lift a tray "under hand" (i.e. "in front of you") at probably 3-4 weeks. To do an "overhead" lift of a full tray as is typical in a busy restaurant utilizes the pectoralis muscle which in most cases if the implant is under the muscle - will still be quite sore potentially. It could be 6 weeks to be able to lift overhead in some cases. If your implants are not under the muscle than it is not an issue, and you may be fine after only 2 weeks. First and foremost, listen to your body....if it doesn't like what you're doing to it, it will tell you by being sore. In general don't push it. It is also very important to go through these specific after care instructions with your plastic surgeon. Good luck!
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February 3, 2016
Answer: How long should you wait to carry heavy things after Breast Augmentation? In general, I tell all my patients they cannot lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 2 weeks after breast augmentation . I think "overhead" lifting of a tray as a server is a little different. I think you can lift a tray "under hand" (i.e. "in front of you") at probably 3-4 weeks. To do an "overhead" lift of a full tray as is typical in a busy restaurant utilizes the pectoralis muscle which in most cases if the implant is under the muscle - will still be quite sore potentially. It could be 6 weeks to be able to lift overhead in some cases. If your implants are not under the muscle than it is not an issue, and you may be fine after only 2 weeks. First and foremost, listen to your body....if it doesn't like what you're doing to it, it will tell you by being sore. In general don't push it. It is also very important to go through these specific after care instructions with your plastic surgeon. Good luck!
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February 3, 2016
Answer: When is it OK to start heavy lifting after a breast augmentation Thanks for your question. The short answer is 3 weeks. For the first 2 weeks its important to limit upper body activity. Normal, light activity is fine, but anything strenuous is just not a good idea. Over exerting yourself right after surgery puts you at risk for bleeding. By 2 weeks its OK to start being a little less cautious and resume a little lifting, but nothing over 5-10lbs. By 3 weeks it should be fine for heavy lifting but only if you have too. I do prefer 4 weeks before unrestricted activty, but 3 weeks is fine if the patient can't wait the full 4. Most servers I treat are able to get back to work after 1-2 weeks. If they go back after 1 week they may work as a hostess for a week before resuming serving. When they do go back to serving I ask them to avoid a really heavy tray until around 3 weeks. Just try to get another server to do the lifting, or take the tray out a little at a time. The best thing to do is to follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon to make sure you get the results you want. Best of luck.
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February 3, 2016
Answer: When is it OK to start heavy lifting after a breast augmentation Thanks for your question. The short answer is 3 weeks. For the first 2 weeks its important to limit upper body activity. Normal, light activity is fine, but anything strenuous is just not a good idea. Over exerting yourself right after surgery puts you at risk for bleeding. By 2 weeks its OK to start being a little less cautious and resume a little lifting, but nothing over 5-10lbs. By 3 weeks it should be fine for heavy lifting but only if you have too. I do prefer 4 weeks before unrestricted activty, but 3 weeks is fine if the patient can't wait the full 4. Most servers I treat are able to get back to work after 1-2 weeks. If they go back after 1 week they may work as a hostess for a week before resuming serving. When they do go back to serving I ask them to avoid a really heavy tray until around 3 weeks. Just try to get another server to do the lifting, or take the tray out a little at a time. The best thing to do is to follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon to make sure you get the results you want. Best of luck.
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February 2, 2016
Answer: Carrying heavy things post op. Most patients can return to work in a few days, unless their occupation requires particularly strenuous movements and lifting. In such a case, up to 6 weeks off may be required depending on the physical demands of your job. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity.Since you are planning to carry heavy items it is not advisable until 6 weeks post op to go back to work. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
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February 2, 2016
Answer: Carrying heavy things post op. Most patients can return to work in a few days, unless their occupation requires particularly strenuous movements and lifting. In such a case, up to 6 weeks off may be required depending on the physical demands of your job. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity.Since you are planning to carry heavy items it is not advisable until 6 weeks post op to go back to work. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
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