How soon can I lift weights after a BA?

Thank you for your question.My concern is that the contraction of the pectoralis major muscle may “push” the breast implants inferiorly and laterally early on after surgery, before the breast implant capsules have had a chance to form. 
I think it is in the best interests of most patients (including athletes) seeking breast augmentation surgery to have implants placed in the “dual plane” or sub muscular position. This positioning allows for more complete coverage of the breast implants leading to generally more natural feel/look of the implants in the long-term. This position will also decrease the potential for rippling and/or palpability of the implants (which may increase with time, weight loss, and/or post-pregnancy changes).
The submuscular positioning also tends to interfere with mammography less so than breast implants in the sub glandular position. The incidence of breast implant encapsulation (capsular contraction) is also decreased with implants placed in the sub muscular position.
On the other hand, sub glandular breast implant positioning does not have the potential downside of “animation deformity” ( movement/ distortion of the breast implants seen with flexion of the pectoralis major muscle) they can be seen with breast implants placed in the sub muscular position. 
 Generally speaking, most of us ask patients to avoid “heavy lifting” for approximately 6 weeks after surgery. Personally, I think that it is best for patients to avoid bench press and push-ups ( directly activating the pectoralis major muscle) for the first year after surgery if at all possible.  My concern is that the contraction of the pectoralis major muscle may “push” the breast implants inferiorly and laterally early on after surgery, before the breast implant capsules have had a chance to form. 
Long-term patients who undergo  breast augmentation surgery should be able to return to all activities  with full strength. Please check specifics with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes.

It's so important to allow your body to
rest after plastic surgery. Depending on the approach your surgeon takes, your
breast augmentation will likely involve your chest muscles. Lifting anything
more than a few pounds for the first several weeks after surgery can cause
complications. It's unlikely that you'll gain a significant amount of weight
while you recuperate. You can probably resume low-impact exercise soon after
your surgery. Every doctor has his or her own guidelines, so it's important to
follow the specific instructions given to you at the office. Additionally, you
should be able to enjoy your trips to the Dominican Republic and Las Vegas as
planned. Best of luck with your surgery!

Hello,
Thank you for your question.
I typically recommend that patients may begin
their regular exercise routine, specifically aerobic and lower body weight
training, after 3 weeks. Upper body weight training and push-ups should not be
done until six weeks after your surgery. Every Plastic Surgeon has their
own recovery protocol. I'd recommend consulting with your Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon for their post-surgery recommendations and restrictions.
All the best.