What Could Happen if You Don't Take It Easy After Your Breast Augmentation Like You're Supposed To? (photo)

Thank you for your question.  Generally speaking, patient are advised to 'take it easy' after surgery in the hopes of avoiding a post-operative complication.  These complications can include implant malposition, bleeding, hematoma formation, seroma formation, capsule formation, breaking of internal sutures, and additional and/or heightened discomfort.  For these reasons I do recommend that my patients refrain from any exercising and/or heavy lifting for four weeks after surgery.  With that said, it is impossible for patients to avoid all necessary daily activities and the expectation that patients avoid carrying all weight is nearly impossible.  I recommend that patients avoid lifting objects more than 15-20 lbs and when it comes to house cleaning, try to take it slow and to avoid exerting yourself.  It may take longer to clean a room but it will help to promote the best cosmetic result.  For any concerns that you might have I would recommend following up with your operating surgeon.  Your surgeon is the most familiar with your specific case and would be best qualified to recommend or restrict certain activities for you.  I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!

Well all manner of things can happen, and none of them are good.  You have invested energy, time and money in your breast augmentation, you should protect it by listening to your doctor.  It is your body you can hurt, so why take that risk.  The possible problems are hematoma requiring surgery, implant malposition requiring surgery, implant exposure requiring explantation, capsular contracture which can be a very difficult problem to correct.  

Each surgeon has his or her own unique post operative recommendations in order to help you to achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery.  If you do not adhere to the physical restrictions, you increase your risk of complications such as hematoma, wound healing complications or shifting of the implant.  Do your best to follow your surgeons recommendations in order to heal optimally. 

Thank you for your question. Several possible complications become more likely if you engage in vigorous activity too soon after surgery. Implants can displace; you may experience wound breakdown; you also have the possibility of developing a hematoma or a seroma. If it at all possible, you should follow the instructions of your surgeon.

The appearance of your scars is quite normal for early on. The "puckeirng/pulling" that you describe is also a completely normal early appearance. It is related to the early healing process with formation of lymphatic and vascular channels beneath and across the scar that can feel like strings. They will disappear with time. Gentle massage can be helpful.You certainly did not cause any problem by being active early!You should be using a scar treatment topical application. Many silicone-based choices are available and helpful to improve the scar appearance over time. We use a product called Biocorneum.