Caring for Infants After Breast Augmentation

Question

Will I be able to look after my baby after my breast operation? I have a 6-month- old baby and I am looking to have a breast enlargement operation under the muscle. I am concerned as to whether I will be able to look after my baby, with lifting and carrying him after the operation. I will have help for one week after the procedure.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.
You will need help. No lifting greater than 10lbs for 3 weeks. Give your body time to heal.  Check with your surgeon for his/her guidelines and restrictions. Best wishes!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own 
surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give 
to my patients as to the recoveryWeek 1)  Discomfort and tightness 
level progressively decreases with each day.  Swelling decreases a great
 deal after one week.  Most people return to work in some capacity.Week
 2)  Unlikely to need any narcotic support except maybe at night.  
Swelling and tightness continues to improve compared to week 1Weeks 
3-6)  May need tylenol or ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort. 
Swelling completely resolved.  Tightness may continue as the implants 
over an additional few months into their final position.   As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1)  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks (a gallon of milk as a guide).2)  Resume walking at a leisurely 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
 as far as the little ones, I would recommend having help for basic 
needs like lifting into the car seat.  You can cuddle with them while 
you are sitting down, but you should avoid the tendency to multitask 
with one child in your arms while you are busy doing other tasks.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is a valid and often asked quesiton. In most instance after four days you should be fully capable of caring for your child with the exception of lifting. Some patients tend to be emotional while under pain medication and you may want to have emotional support during this support. Weight restrictions vary by surgeon. I advise my patients to wait about 2 weeks.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very common question because your 6 month old isn't walking yet and needs to be picked up and carried wherever you go. I ask my patients to not lift more than 10 pound for up to 6 weeks after surgery. I do realize that you have to live your life to include caring for your baby so the next important aspect of recovery is using good body mechanics. After a week or so, all things considered, you can carry your babby but hold them close to your body as compared to using just your arm and chest muscles. In the early recovery you can sit in a chair and have someone place your baby in your arms as well. Lastly, make sure you share with your plastic surgeon if you have any nipple discharge from breast feeding if you did. You want to allow adequate time for your breast milk to dry up before surgery and it is possble it could increase a bit with implant massage after surgery if your plastic surgeon instructs you to. Best of luck.
Dr Edwards

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

A 6-month-old can be a handful. Make sure you allow at least 2 weeks of no heavy-lifting and stenuous exercise. The less you do those first 2 weeks, the faster you will heal and be able to get back to normal living. if you have to pick up your child, use good body mechanics so that you avoid using your upper body. Try to get as much help as you can from family members and friends to help with your recovery.

Caring for Infants After Breast Augmentation

Answers (5)

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