How Long After Breast Augmentation Can You Raise Your Arms?

Question

I am a hair stylist and can't afford a month off work. I raise my arms all day long. Will I be able to go back to work in a week or two at the most? Thanks all for your time in answering.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Arm exercise recommendations (such as shown in attached VIDEO) vary tremendously with many limiting any such activity for several weeks while others allow immediate movement over the head even in the recovery room. I am one of the latter. I am providing a link to a video which describes the exercises we advise our patients to perform immediately after surgery. Please discuss with your surgeon first.!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

For the first three days you should restrict your arm movement. Don't move them jerkily. You may be able to return to work in a week or two depending on how physically demanding your work is. Please ask your surgeon for their advice as it might be different.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

After a breast augmentation, it is generally recommended to avoid lifting your arms above your head for the first two weeks. This restriction helps minimize strain on the chest muscles and reduces the risk of complications, such as implant displacement or increased swelling.
Here are some general guidelines:
1.	First 2 Weeks: Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level to allow initial healing.
2.	Weeks 2-4: Gradually start lifting your arms higher but avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects.
3.	After 4-6 Weeks: Most patients can resume normal arm movements, but it's essential to follow your plastic surgeon’s specific recommendations.
Always consult with your plastic surgeon for recommendations based on your individual healing progress.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding : "How Long After Breast Augmentation Can You Raise Your Arms?
	I am a hair stylist and can't afford a month off work. I raise my arms all day long. Will I be able to go back to work in a week or two at the most? Thanks all for your time in answering."

	Resuming normal arm movements is very important with breast surgery. You are NOT going to hurt anything by moving your arms and should start doing so right after surgery. However, I would not lift anything heavier than a few pounds for 2 weeks after surgery the reason being that strong muscle contractions MAY shift the implant high and to the side from its rightful position.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

You should be able to raise your arms fully the night of your breast augmentation. That doesn't mean you should be doing any lifting, though, so you'll still need to take a week or two off work. If you had a desk job, you could go back after just a weekend, but you use your arms much more with your job.

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