How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Do Heavy Lifting?

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. 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. Most people return to work in some capacity within a week if their work doesn't require strenuous activity.  In your case, I would wait a full six weeks due to the amount and frequency of lifting that is required.  Alternatively, you may want to ask for light duty (less than 10lbs) responsibility if that is possible.

Because your work probably involves carrying heavy things all day, you'll probably want to wait for at least 6 weeks before returning to work. However, please listen to your surgeon. They may have different advice.

I suggest at least 4 to 6 weeks before returning to the strenuous type of work that you are describing. Of course, every patient is different and you will need to “listen to your body” and gradually increase your activity/lifting level. In the long term,  breast augmentation should not interfere with your type of work or strength.

Best wishes.