What is considered doing too much after a bilateral capsulorrhaphy?

activity after breast revision


if it is uncomfortable stop

2-3 weeks to modest 

6 weeks to no limits

Consult with your surgeon about the types of activities that are acceptable post-surgery. It is important that you not engage in strenuous activities in the first three (2-3) weeks after surgery. My own personal recommendations to my patients are start walking as much as you want to, as soon as you want to. Then progress as desired to high-reps, low-resistance exercises. Slowly progress for 6 weeks, after which time there are no restrictions. I advise my patients to refrain from strenuous physical activity such as heavy lifting with your arms or jogging for 6 weeks. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!! It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions so that you get the best aesthetic results. #breastrevision #breastimplants

If you "think" you are doing too much, you probably are doing too much.

Since you have had this experience in the past, it is more important than ever to allow this healing to occur in a monitored manner.  Make it a point to see your surgeon weekly for evaluation and guidance.  Come to his/her office prepared with question and be sure that they are answered.  

You didn't mention how long ago your surgery took place but within the first week you should be able to do shoulder shrugs, bend your arms to elbow height, limit your lifting to 5 lbs or less, no pushing or pulling.  No gym, yoga or aerobic sports.  Discuss with your doctor if gentle massaging of your breasts might be helpful.

Thanks for asking!

Dr Ellen

First of all, I would yield to the advice of your surgeon, who knows what was done, and has followed your progress.

The usual guidelines for resuming activities are based on healing strength of the skin, which usually attains 90% of that strength by 6 weeks. However, when you consider athlete's who have knee ligament repairs are out for months, I am a little more conservative with capsulorrhaphy patients, and usually recommend a 3 month delay before upper body exercise, and i have then wear good support bras for at least that long. 

In terms of hair brushing, driving, that all seems reasonable. 

Do speak with your surgeon as you go through the recovery process, and ask as specifically as you can to answers as specific as you wish.

Thanks, best wishes. 

A capsulorrhaphy is a closure of the implant space within the breast. It is a manuever to improve implant position. Typically, this closure is held together with sutures and overtime, new scar forms to replace the strength of the sutures. When this is performed in a pocket underneath the muscle, care must be taken to not "work" the muscle too much as this can pull on the repair. A bra is often used to support the breast (much like a cast for a broken bone) and to relieve any gravitational pulling on the repair. In my patients, I will typically advise wearing a bra 24/7 for at least a few weeks. Range of motion of the arms is usually permitted to reduce the risk of developing a stiff shoulder joint. From your description of sternal "popping" it sounds as though you had a repair of a synmastia. These are some of the most difficult repairs due to the high tension at the midline area. Keep close follow up with your plastic surgeon and follow the instructions. If you feel you are doing "too much," trust your instincts and take it easy.

I usually have my patients take it easy for a few days but that does not mean sitting in bed all day. It means mving around their home taking light walks if they are comfortable. After 3-4 weeks they can do light aerobic exercise and by 6-8 weeks more strenuous activity.

With a breast capsulorrhaphy it is best to follow instructions from your plastic surgeon since he is familiar with the technique used to correct the problem.  I usually have my patients limit any exercise that makes the breasts bounce up and down for the first 6 weeks.  This places a good deal of stress on the suture line and can cause the suture line to rupture or for the tissue to stretch out again causing a recurrence.  It is also good to stay in a well fitting bra for the first 6 weeks as well.  

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource to guide you in regards to postoperative activity after capsulorraphy surgery. Much of what your  restriction of  activity will need to be will depend on exactly what procedure was performed.

 Generally speaking, I think that avoidance of strenuous activity ( for example elbows away from body or heavy lifting…)  after capsulorraphy surgery is very important to the success of the operation.

 Therefore, I would suggest that you take it easy with your activity level;  I suspect that your  concerns about doing too much are valid.  For the most precise advice run this question by your plastic surgeon again.

 Best wishes.