How long should I wait after a breast augmentation before going white water rafting?

Thank you for your question. The risk with whitewater rafting or other strenuous activity of the upper body within 10 weeks after surgery is that it can cause a pectoral muscle tear.
Typically, I advise my patients to wait for at least 10 weeks before resuming activities that are more strenuous – going to the gym, weight lifting and exercise in general. This would include white water rafting. After the 10 weeks, it's also important to increase exercise incrementally.
I would wait to schedule your surgery until after your trip, just to be safe. Good luck!

I advise my patients to avoid strenuous use of the pectoral muscles for 6 weeks after surgery. That would include activities such as vigorous paddling while white water rafting. If you want to have your surgery before your trip, my office is also in Orange, and we could do it in time for you to have 6 or more weeks to recover. I could see you on Monday, May 8.

Hi dinae121,

It is advisable to wait for about six weeks before performing any vigorous activities or exercises after your breast augmentation surgery. However, you should discuss your plans with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can determine whether it would be best to wait after you finished white water rafting in July before performing breast augmentation surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery