Can't Lift Arms After Breast Augmentation

Question

I am almost 3 weeks post op and cant lift my arms much higher than shoulder height. (under muscle 265cc) Dr is concerned and wants me to find a physical therapist. Why doesnt HE know how to handle my post op issue? He is not recommending massage, just find my own therapist. What do I do???

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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 level 
progressively decreases with each day.  Swelling decreases a great deal 
after one week.  Most people return to work in some capacity.  Driving 
is feasible if you are not on narcotics.Week 2)  Unlikely to need 
any narcotic support except maybe at night.  Swelling continues to 
improve compared to week 1.  You can start breast massage and slowly 
increasing your range of motion.Weeks 3-6)  May need tylenol or 
ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort. Swelling completely resolved.  
You should steadily regain your range of motion. May need additional few
 months for implants to settle into their final position.   As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1)  No heavy lifting or strenous activity for 6 weeks.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
 in summary, I would try every day to increase your range of motion and use discomfort and tightness as your guide.  I would also not hesitate to visit with a physical therapist if you are getting stuck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Your muscles may have been compromised by surgery and the best way to strengthen them may be to get assistance from a  therapist. I'm sorry to hear that this has happened to you, but rest assured that it sounds like it may be corrected with exercise.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

These may help if permitted by your surgeon. I have prepared two videos: one for arm exercises and the other for breast implant massage.

Can't Lift Arms After Breast Augmentation

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Can't Lift Arms After Breast Augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.