Accidental Heavy Lifting After BA. What Damages Have I Caused? (photo)

Question

I saved my son from falling by grabbing/lifting him with my right hand. This happened a few days after my BA. I couldn't help it... Motherly instinct.. Now my RT breast is smaller, softer and in pain-sore muscle.. Have I ruptured my implants? What damages have I caused??

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 recovery after breast augmentation:Week 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.I would keep your surgeon informed of the breast changes after lifting, especially if the pain persists.  Your implant should be intact, and it is most likely just a strain on the tissues causing increased discomfort.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Normal activities will most likely have not long term effects on your breasts. Just be careful and avoid activities that make the breasts bounce up and down. Moderation of activities is the key after breast surgery. It is the repetitive bouncing up and down that you want to avoid. Also it helps to wear a well fitting bra.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to be seen by your chosen surgeon to discuss and be examined. Most likely not a real issue or problem

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and I'm glad you had your motherly instincts. As for concerns if you hurt anything, you should see your surgeon about that as he/she knows what you were like after surgery and can better appreciate any changes. Your photos alone do not show anything obvious. At this stage, the only thing I worry about is rapid expansion of your breast. Its normal to have all of the other sensations you describe.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If the lower photo is your post-op, it looks like it is ok, but it is definitely worth an exam in person to make sure that is correct.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard to say from this pictures angle but no obvious abnormalities are seen. If you have pain and severe swelling and asymmetry make an appointment to see your surgeon.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Emc2.

	It is difficult to tell from the angle of the post-op photo that you sent, because it does not show the lower border very well, but it is unlikely that you have caused any real damage.  Having said that, be seen by your plastic surgeon as an examination is the best way to tell if any damage occured.

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the concerns you have after breast augmentation surgery. Despite best intentions, online consultants will not be able to provide you with precise/meaningful reassurance. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource in this regard.

	 Having said that,  neither your description of events or photo graphs are concerning. It is very unlikely that the amount of “trauma” that you have experienced would be significant  enough to cause breast implant rupture.

	 Again, follow up with your plastic surgeon for the best advice/reassurance.

	 Best wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It is quite unlikely that you have done any harm other than causing yourself some discomfort.  But valid reassurance can only come during an examination by your surgeon. All the best.

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