When Will I Have Full Range of Motion Back After Breast Augmentation?

Question

I had a breast augmentation 10 days ago and still cannot raise my right arm straight over my head. Is this normal? My left has had full range of movement for a couple days. If it's helpful I was a A cup to a D and the right breast had some asymetry. Also is it normal for one to drop faster than the other?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own 
surgeon's post-op activity instructions.  It is also very normal for one side to progress at a different rate than the other, whether it is range of motion or settling of the implant.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 strenuous activity for 6 weeks.2)  Resume walking at a leiusurely 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 continue to increase your range of motion as you are in your second week.  I would also avoid the heavy lifting until you 
are in your 6th week.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
You should recover full range of motion. It may take 3 to 6 months for the implants to drop and settle. Reach out to your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Full range of motion is advised by some surgeons immediately after surgery while others are concerned and advise against lifting your arms over your head. I believe in instituting immediate full range of motion with no resistance as soon as possible after surgery. I am attaching the video illustrating the exercises we recommend.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Your range of motion should return soon after having the breast implants placed. Usually after breast augmentation surgery you should have full range of motion evn before you leave the surgery center, though after getting through the first couple of days of mild soreness you should be back to normal. I would see your plastic surgeon to discuss your problems as this may be an indication of some increased inflamation, swelling, traction or even hematoma.
I hope this helps
Dr. Trussler

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

Although it is best to discuss this with your surgeon, in general, it may take several weeks before you are able to have full range of motion of your arms.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

You should note a return of range of motion within 2 weeks after surgery. It's not unusual for one breast to recover faster than the other, especially if you had more done to one versus the other. However, if you are having pain are swelling which is limiting your motion, and which is not improving, you should speak with your surgeon. Good luck, /nsn.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

This will depend on the technique used by Your Surgeon. You should follow his recommendations as far as range of motion. But you will eventually regain your full range and strength. As far as settling of your implants, they can settle at different rates due to the normal asymmetries of your muscles

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

First, you really should contact your operative surgeon with this concern. But in the mean time this is quite normal and will improve over the next 2 weeks. 
Good luck from MIAMI Dr. B

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

By 10 days after Breast Augmentation you should have largely normal range of motion of the arms. While some breast asymmetry is inevitable when staring with breast asymmetry, such significant limitation of arm range of motion are not common. You should see your surgeon to make sure all is well.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a good question to pose to your plastic surgeon.  If your breast implants are under the muscle it can feel tight as you heal but your range of motion should improve day bty day. I would recommend that you call your plastic surgeon's office to schedule a follow-up where they can reciew some exercises you can do to improve your stifness. I hope this helps.
Dr Edwards

When Will I Have Full Range of Motion Back After Breast Augmentation?

Answers (14)

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