What will recovery be like from day to day after breast augmentation? How soon will I be able to pick up my one year old baby?

I advise my patients the following: LIFTING-
For the first few days, you will need to depend on someone else to lift your baby or toddler. On the third day (if you had surgery on Monday, Day 3 is Thursday), you can pick up your child to transfer them to a crib, high chair or car seat. This rule is to ensure your comfort and minimize the risk of bleeding around the implants. You should not carry your child for extended periods until a couple of weeks after surgery. WORKING-
More than 90 percent of my patients are back to work in office setting by the fifth day after surgery. Patients who use their arms a lot – including hairstylists, waitresses and nurses – are comfortably back to work by the end of the second week. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

It can take a few weeks to fully recover from breast augmentation surgery so it's recommended to take a week or 2 off work. When it comes to lifting your child up, you will need to wait at least 4 weeks. This will minimize the risk of bleeding, capsular contracture, implant malposition, and problems with wound healing. Good luck with your surgery.

Although recovery will vary by individual, some general guidelines can be provided. Typically patients are able to return to a non physically demanding job about a week after surgery. The first few days you will be sore. Often times pain medication is prescribed to help manage the pain. Lifting restrictions may be in place for 6 weeks. Your surgeon will review what is recommended for you as protocols may vary.

Hi & thanks for your question!
Going back to work after a week is fine. You should not lift anything greater than 10 pounds for 3 weeks. Follow all your post op instructions and contact your surgeon with any concerns. Best wishes!

Dear mconne92,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Recovery from breast augmentation varies from person to person, and the timeline can depend on factors such as surgical technique, implant placement, and individual healing. It's important to note that your plastic surgeon will provide specific postoperative instructions tailored to your case. The following is a general overview of the recovery process:Day 1-2: Immediately After Surgery• Pain and Discomfort: You will likely experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.• Rest: Rest is crucial during the initial days. You may need assistance with daily activities.Day 3-7: First Week• Follow-up Appointment: You may have a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon to ensure everything is progressing well.• Reduced Pain: Pain and discomfort often begin to subside, but you should still avoid strenuous activities.• Limited Arm Movement: You may have limitations on arm movement, and lifting heavy objects is generally discouraged.Week 2-4: Second to Fourth Week• Return to Light Activities: You may gradually start returning to light activities but should still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises.• Sutures Removal: If non-dissolvable sutures were used, they may be removed during this period.Week 4-6: Continuing Recovery• Resuming Normal Activities: You can start resuming normal daily activities, but you should still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises.Beyond 6 Weeks: Full Recovery• Normal Activities: You should be able to resume all normal activities, including exercise and lifting heavier objects.Lifting Your One-Year-Old:• Consult with Your Plastic Surgeon: It's crucial to consult with your plastic surgeon regarding lifting restrictions, especially when it comes to lifting your one-year-old.• Gradual Introduction: Even after the initial recovery period, you may be advised to gradually introduce lifting heavier weights.It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's guidelines for a safe and smooth recovery. Factors such as the size of the implants, placement (over or under the muscle), and your overall health can influence the recovery timeline. Communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your lifestyle, including caring for your child, to ensure that recommendations are tailored to your specific needs.

Thank you for your question! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. It would be best to consult with your surgeon to determine your lifting restrictions. It is common for different surgeons to have different protocols for lifting restrictions after surgery. I find that many breast augmentation patients recover quickly, and many patients tell me they have less pain than they thought they would. I advise most patients that they can return to work after 3-7 days. I ask patients to lift no more than 10 pounds the first week, then 20 pounds the second week, 30 pounds the third week, and 40 pounds the fourth week. After that time, patients have no lifting restrictions.

Hello and congratulations on scheduling your surgery!
For a breast augmentation, you want to avoid heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks. For the first 4 weeks after your surgery, you should not lift anything over 10 lbs. Ideally, you would not lift anything over 20 lbs for the full 6 weeks after your procedure. However, life with a toddler is not always that simple! Picking your child up once or twice in the 4-6 week period following your surgery is not going to completely ruin your results. Everyone is different and it is extremely important to listen to your body. This time is recommended to ensure that there is no bleeding or moving of the implants and should be taken seriously. I recommend holding your one year old when you have a couch or chair to support some of the weight! Best of luck!

Recovery varies and it is impossible to say without knowing your BMI, pain tolerance, body habitus, implant selection.
I tell patients to avoid lifting more than 25lbs for the first 2 weeks, and to avoid strenuous activity for the first 3 weeks. Walking is encouraged starting the day of the procedure.

You won't be able to lift him up completely for 4-6 weeks. However, your baby can come to you and climb up on your lap. Use your legs to help boost your baby in the tub or bed.