How long after my surgery will it be until I can walk my dogs again?

Question

My surgery is scheduled for June 17th but I was reading on here you really have to take it easy for the first two weeks. How long will it be until I would be able to walk my dogs, two weeks is kind of a long time to not be able to take them outside myself.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear meganlyn93, Our patients have activity restrictions in place for 6 weeks after surgery, which includes no lifting anything heavier than 7 lbs (or pushing or pulling). Therefore, if your dog weighs more than 7 pounds we would recommend not walking with the leash in your hand for about 6 weeks. If your dog pulls this is even more important. Some patients prefer to get a waist leash, that way if the dog pulls it is not going to affect the surgical site. Good luck!

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

In general, two weeks is an appropriate time to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity following a breast reduction.  I would include dog-walking as well.  If your surgeon uses drains then you would definitely want to be careful while they're in place (usually about a week).  After about two weeks you may start feeling more comfortable engaging in more activity, but if certain motions or positions cause pain or discomfort it's best to avoid them, or take it more slowly.  After about 4-6 weeks most patients are completely back to their pre-operative routine.  Ultimately it's best to follow whatever guidelines your plastic surgeon recommends.Best of luckKeith M. Blechman, MDNew York, NY

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you have little dogs you can probably walk them within a couple of days. If you have large dogs then you may want to wait 2 weeks so you do not exert a lot of energy and risk a hematoma developing.

How long after my surgery will it be until I can walk my dogs again?

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How long after my surgery will it be until I can walk my dogs again?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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