How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

Question

I am 22 years old. I am having a breast reduction surgery on Jan 12. I have a 5 week backpacking trip planned to SE Asia for mid February. I understand healing times vary and complications can arise, however assuming all goes well will I be okay to carry a heavy backpack and do physical activities 4-5 weeks post surgery?

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Your current fitness level makes a difference here, as does the extent of your breast reduction surgery. Everyone has a slightly different schedule for getting back to both everyday activities and more vigorous exercise, and that depends on the details of your specific procedure. With that said, I think this question is better suited to your surgeon, since he or she is privy to all the details of your surgery and can offer you a more accurate timeline for your recovery to help you plan your trip. My patients generally are back doing light cardio in 1 to 2 weeks, and activity advances after that as tolerated.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. You need to discuss your post-op care plan in detail with your surgeon. For breast reduction surgery, usually most people are able to resume some normal activities at 8 weeks. That being said, it depends on your specific course and it is impossible to predict any complications or problems. If you were to have some wound healing problems this could alter the timeline. I would say that if there is any question, just reschedule your surgery. It is elective and it's not worth ruining what sounds like a fantastic vacation if there were to be problems after surgery. Best of luck and be safe!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is difficult to advise as it depends a lot on the amount of reduction you are having. There is no 100% guarantee that you will be able to do what you are asking and you will need to see how you recover. You may find it uncomfortable to carry a heavy backpack and you may need some help with this regardless if all the wounds have healed etc.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

Surgeons vary widely on what they recommend for post operative recovery from a procedure like a breast reduction.  I use a rapid recovery technique that allows you to get back to the gym within days.  I have added a video of a woman who reviews her experience with a breast reduction for you.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I tell my patients not to take a chance on ruining a great vacation with surgery as surgical healing can be unpredictable and these type of surgeries are totally elective in their scheduling. Best to put off the surgery.

How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

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Answer: Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Answer: Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Answer: How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

Answer: How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Answer: Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery

Answer: How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

Answer: How long after a breast reduction surgery can I do heavy lifting and other physical activities such as swimming and hiking?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.