Breast uplift/reduction - how long after can I lift my baby?

Question

My baby weighs 22lbs. I am wondering how long should it be after that I can carry him (even if for short periods)? I have someone to look after him for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Excellent planning on your part to have prearranged childcare for your 22 pounder for the first two weeks following surgery.  Most plastic surgeons will recommend 4 to 6 weeks before resuming strenuous activity. I typically recommend about 6 weeks before returning to lifting that much weight after breast lift, because the incisions should be healed and durable before subjecting them to any real stress. Best to protect your breast from any jerks or kicking by your baby.  Follow your surgeon's recommendations as he/she will be aware of your stage of healing.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

I don't think it makes sense to designate a specific time interval to wait to lift your baby. It depends on two main factors: whether the baby is likely to squirm, kick or punch strongly, and how well the wounds are healing. Healing can sometimes be slow after this procedure, so lifting the baby within the first week is probably unwise, although I've never known any of my patients to experience problems as a consequence. If healing looks good, and all the tissues look healthy, I don't see any reason why you couldn't lift your baby after 1-2 weeks, especially if he's fairly calm. The small physical exertion of lifting him itself should not affect your recovery. I and others on this page have given you our personal recommendations, but there truly is no "official" guideline or rule about this. I really believe you should be fine after 2 weeks to lift him, but ultimately this is something that MUST be discussed with your own surgeon.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I would wait as long as possible but at least 2 weeks.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

This is both an excellent question and an important one which I find that many women do ask.  Depending on some personal characteristics which ultimately your plastic surgeon can determine, the two week period that you have help for should be adequate as regards lifting and carrying your baby. You could hold him/her before that time but with extreme care. There is no "right" answer on this and every plastic surgeon has their own recommendations. Once you find one to perform your surgery, you should follow his/her recommendations.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Many women are concerned about when they can lift their children again after a breast lift or reduction. I suggest 3 weeks to be safe, 2 weeks if you are healing well. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
 
 Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

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