I got a breast reduction 4 weeks ago and I was wondering when I will be able to fully dive in volleyball?

Question

I got a breast reduction and im healing at an amazing rate and im very happy! Although, I play volleyball competitively and I know that I wont be able to dive for a while, does anyone have an idea or an estimate of when I would be able to? I asked my surgeon a few times and she said 3-4 weeks but I feel that that is not right because you hit the floor hard when you dive and I dont think my boobs are ready for that. I want to play volleyball as soon as I can but im scared im gonna mess them up?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While the strength of the incision has reached its maximum at 6 weeks after surgery, the tissues have not healed themselves completely.  Most surgeons allow their patients to return to regular activity at 6 weeks, but your situation is different.  If you intend to participate in full contact sports such as what you are describing, I would recommend waiting longer...up to 3 months.  By then the incisions have healed well, the tissues have healed and the swelling of the tissues have resolved.  Best wishes on your recovery!

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

After 2 weeks the risk of bleeding into tissues or other major complication is essentially zero.  At that point, I tell my patients to listen to their body: ie if it hurts, don't push it.  In a breast reduction no muscles are cut, so it is mainly a matter of breast soreness.  I would follow your surgeon's directions, but for my patients, I would have no concerns about playing volleyball if the healing has been otherwise uncomplicated, but diving for a ball would not be a good idea.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Congratulations on your breast reduction. I am glad you're very pleased. Every surgeon has his or her protocol for return to activity. I typically don't allow my patients to return to figures activity for six weeks after their surgery.  Read discuss this with your plastic surgeon to make sure that they are clear as to your desire to return  to volleyball so that they can give you the most accurate time frame.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

Probably best to wait at least 6 weeks as the scars are close to their long term strength and would be more likely to withstand the trauma of diving.  I typically tell people at 6-8 weeks they can do virtually any activity after surgeryGood Luck

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

I would have some concerns about returning to competitive volleyball so soon. I would usually suggest that normal exercise in a sports bra can resume after 6 weeks. For those that heal quickly 4 weeks would be fine. However I also tell patients to start slowly and build up. You may want to start some more gentle exercises first and see how you go. Maybe over the 4-6 week period you could start getting back into the volleyball without diving?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure.  I would share your concerns; three to four weeks after breast reduction surgery is too early to dive while playing volleyball. In my practice, I would suggest (for many reasons) that you wait somewhere between 2 to 3 months after the procedure was performed. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you have to speak with your surgeon about timing of returning to full activities.  In general, I tell my patients that they can go back within about 6-8 weeks to most things.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and discretion is the better part of valor so later rather then sooner may be safe.  So add a couple weeks to your surgeons advice and be safeDr Corbin

I got a breast reduction 4 weeks ago and I was wondering when I will be able to fully dive in volleyball?

Answers (8)

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