Will it be okay to use crutches 3 weeks after a mastopexy?

Question

I need surgery on my leg next week but have recently had a breast lift. Will it be okay to use my upper body strength in this way so soon after my breast surgery? I don't really have much choice but i am slightly worried.. Thanks!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that my patients not use their upper body for 6-8 weeks post-op.  Please discuss with your surgeons what your options are.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

I would say it should be fine, but you should make sure that your wounds are closed and you are taking extra special consideration of your breasts.  This is a question you should ask your PS as well.  Get his opinion because some PS might feel differently.  Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Because of the variety of mastopexy cases, I would recommend you speak with your plastic surgeon for advice on how to manage your incisions with your impending leg surgery.  They know best what took place in surgery and what activities would need to be avoided.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

If everything heals and progresses as expected, this should not be a problem.  However, if you have breast augmentation under the muscle at the same time, you may want to wait 4-6 weeks before using crutches.  If there are any unforeseen complications during the healing process, it may require you to postpone the procedure that requires crutches.

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

There
are a variety of different approaches to a mastopexy, or breast lift, so it’s
difficult to comment on your particular needs. Your surgeon is best-equipped to
advise you on this situation. Although you didn’t have augmentation surgery and
therefore don’t have the added consideration of implants, you still have
incisions and tissue that is healing. Using crutches may put too much pressure
on these tender areas, and you don’t want to complicate your healing process or
create unnecessary setbacks. First consult with your surgeon and based on their
guidance, it may be worth researching alternatives to crutches, such as using a
walker. Best of luck.

Erel Laufer, MD · Answer

Since you only had breast lift without insertion of implants under the muscles ,you can use the crutches as long as the incisions are closed and protected from being  accidentally hit by the crutches .

Ernest Layton, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It depends on the your healing.  Putting that pressure on your underarms still puts tension on the skin/incisions of your breast lift.  Depending on what part of your leg you are having surgery on see if you can use those little scooters.  Looks like a skateboard that you can rest your leg on with handlebars and push with your good leg.  I would consult with your PS first and get his/her recommendations.  Good Luck.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

That's a tough question. I'd say if you just had the lift (mastopexy) and no implants, there would be less concern for wound healing problems while using your crutches. Make sure to get clearance from your surgeon that your incision is strong enough for that. You would want to minimize any pull on the breast skin while situating the crutches. Best of luck.

Will it be okay to use crutches 3 weeks after a mastopexy?

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