Breast augmentation recovery/aftercare with a 2.5-year-old and 1-year-old - advice?

Thanks for your question!
You may need some help longer than a week. You can not lift anything greater than 10lbs for 3 weeks.
Take care and best wishes!

Hi Omae,
I would reach out to your plastic surgeon and inquire about their specific activity restrictions/duration of restrictions. In our practice, we recommend not lifting anything greater than 10lbs for about 2 weeks post-operatively. As you know, 2.5 and 1 year old children always want to be held and picked up. I would suggest finding extra help with childcare for the second week of recovery as well.

Dear omae,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I advise my patients to take it easy for the week and not chase children around the house. Also I tell my patients they can lift their children to transfer from high chair, car seat, or crib from the third day after surgery. Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Most of my patients are moms. It helps if you rest your chest muscles after surgery for a few weeks. However, I realize it's almost impossible not to pick up your children. I'd suggest modifying your technique: use your arms less and instead bend down and use your legs to lift. Don't be afraid to ask for help after your procedure.

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming surgery. Having someone around that first week is essential to allow you to rest and not have to do lifting. We tell patients that 10lb is the limit for the first few weeks. Lifting can stretch the pocket and can increase the risk of the implants moving some. It can also increase the risk of bleeding on the inside. Not saying that you can't do any lifting, but repeated stress can be an issue. As a father of three children, I realize that it's not like they are going to hop up into their car seats by themselves. Hopefully, you can limit the lifting. Best of Luck!

You must get good help to assist with the chores of “superMom”. Lifting your small children too soon, shopping, laundry, etc. are highly risky activities early after breast augmentation. If you do not have help in your support system you are risking complications. If that help cannot be arranged for at least two weeks after surgery (I recommend four weeks of restrictions in my patients), you may want to consider rescheduling a year from now. Best of luck to you.

With breast augmentation where the implants are placed below the muscle there are typically lifting restrictions in place of ten pounds or more for 6 weeks. During this time you will need help with lifting your children into the bath, in and out of the crib, car seats, etc. You may need to hire a caregiver to assist you during this time.

You need to discuss your concerns with your surgeon's office. Usually, heavy lifting is restricted up to 6 weeks, especially if your implants are placed behind the muscle. You may need to hire some part-time help, like a sitter, to help you manage.

People perceive breast augmentation recovery differently. Most patients should be able to handle low impact daily activities five days after surgery. You might still be a little sore if you stretch your arms out a week after the procedure but I don’t think you’ll find the procedure to be that difficult to recover from.
People are very different and proceed to recovery from surgery equally as differently
One person may feel the three days of recovery is sufficient while another mat find three weeks is not enough.
I suggest you talk to your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD