What are the restrictions on heavy lifting after fat transfer to breasts?

Question

I have to move to a new house and it will be one month after my surgery. I am worried that lifting furniture and heavy boxes will affect my outcome or how much fat survives.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival. Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. I typically transfer from 250 cc to 400 cc or so per breast. Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant. I place one incision under each breast and the fat can be injected to the locations specified by the patient.
Recovery is usually relatively quick. You will wear a sports bra for about six weeks, starting immediately after surgery. Many of my patients return to work after 4 - 7 days if that work is non strenuous and sedentary. Vigorous exercise should be postponed for two weeks. Strenuous exercise, including heavy lifting and sports activities, should be avoided until six weeks.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nubbin_luvin,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest asking your surgeon this question. Every surgeon has his/her preference about activity after a fat transfer.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear nubbin,

It is best to check with your American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon as to what your restrictions will be after surgery.  He/she probably have their own protocols that may differ from the rest of us.  Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

In my opinion once you’re three weeks out from surgery physical activity isn’t going to change the outcome of a fat transfer procedure.

And that point  neovascularization is completed and any fat that is alive is stable. Any fat that is dead has  been dead for quite a while.

Different plastic surgeons have different views of this. I suggest you ask your plastic surgeon.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

What are the restrictions on heavy lifting after fat transfer to breasts?

Answers (5)

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