How Soon After Breast Augmentation Can I Resume Activities?

Breast augmentation is a short surgery which is typically performed as an outpatient. I prefer the patients take a week off from work. At that point they can return to work or school, but should refrain from all vigorous physical activity. At 1 month, they can resume cardio type exercises. At 2 months they can lift weights.

Thank you for your question. You can perform very light activity, such as going to beach, within a few days after surgery. (I wouldn't recommend swimming recommend swimming that soon though.) Regarding work, it depends on your job. If you have a sedentary job, then I generally advise patients that they can return as soon as they are off narcotic pain medication. But, it depends how you feel.

Most women can return to work within days after breast augmentation as long as the job is not too physical/strenuous.  Full arm/shoulder range of motion is encouraged right away again as long as it is gentle, and not too forceful or repetitive. Running or working out with weights should probably wait at least 4-6 weeks and while  swimming is fine at 3-4 weeks, limiting sun exposure for a few months is best.       

Recovery time will vary from person to person and what your daily activity involves.  We tell our patients recovery time is average 7 days for office job or light activities.  It may take 2-6weeks for more strenuous  activities.  Scars begin to fade after ~6weeks, but can take 6-12 months for complete healing.                            

True recovery time varies from patient to patient, and also depends on the surgical technique used by your plastic surgeon. For example, I use the most minimally invasive and delicate surgical techniques possible, so within 24 hours my patients are feeling pretty good, are able to go out to eat and move around the house. Of course I still want them to take it easy and rest so their body can recover properly, but this just gives you an idea of how easy recovery can be after breast augmentation when performed by a true expert. Most patients return to work a week after surgery, as long as their job does not require any heavy lifting. You can resume your workouts in about 4 - 6 weeks, but make sure you get approval form your surgeon first. Ultimately, every surgeon has different recovery guidelines so make sure you are clear about what your surgeon recommends.