How long after breast reduction surgery can I rock climb?

An in person consultation would be best for a much more detailed evaluation and examination on your breasts, I always recommend my patients to get back to their normal activities after 6 weeks,but every surgeon has different instructions.Consult with a board certified PS good luck!

Every surgeon has different rules. I recommend to my patients to wait at least 1-2 months.  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), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Dear djuvre,every patient heals differently. I tell my patients not to lift anything more than 8lbs for at least two weeks. It would be the best to follow your plastic surgeon's advice but I do not recommend more than walking for at least 4-6 weeks. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Most breast reductions are performed on an outpatient basis in a AAAASF-certified operating room, meaning the facility is up to very high standards of accreditation. Patients usually spend up to a couple hours in the postoperative suite before being discharged in the care of a companion, family member or friend. Early postop recovery findings can include bruising and swelling, mild discomfort, reddish discoloration in the lower part of the breasts, numbness or diminished sensation in nipples, and some mental adjustment to the process of healing which most patients undergo. Most patients are advised to take a few days out of social circulation and it's ideal that you not drive yourself in the first 10 days or as long as you are taking any prescription pain medication. Most sutures are dissolvable but there may be a few that need to be removed at around 14 to 21 days postop.
A good ballpark is to avoid exercise for 2 to 3 weeks and then return to a light fitness routines after that. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra and avoid underwires for a few weeks. Rock climbing may put excess tension on the incisions and I would not be surprised if you are advised to take at least 6 weeks out in order for your incisions to be more healed.

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery;  it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Generally, it is best to follow your surgeon's  guidelines in regards to return to activity/ exercise. Most of my patients are able to return to vigorous activity about 4 to 6 weeks after the breast reduction surgery.  Specifically regarding rock climbing:  I would advise patients to abstain for about two months after breast reduction surgery.My best advice: start slow (keep safety and avoidance of complications your first priority) and listen to your body as you gradually return to full activity.   Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Thanks for the great question! For a procedure like breast reduction I typically tell patients to avoid getting their heart rate or blood pressure up for the first 2 weeks after surgery. For something like rock climbing, you are probably best waiting 4-6 weeks before resuming the activity. Ask your surgeon what their preferences are as everyone is a little different. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber