18 days post op Breast Augmentation, I had to lift a case of water (24 bottles). Feeling extra sore. Normal? Alarming?

You should refrain from doing any heavy lifting (more than 5-10lbs) for at least 4 weeks. If you feel fine other than some discomfort I would not be alarmed. It is always best to consult with your plastic surgeon.

It's not unusual to feel sore as you start using the pectoralis muscles after breast  augmentation surgery.  It's important to remember that when implants are placed under the muscle, there is trauma to that tissue which needs time to adequately heal.   I recommend not lifting anything heavy for about 4 weeks after surgery, and then starting slowly.    If you have any concerns, I'm sure your plastic surgeon would want to see you to make sure everything is healing well.Best wishes,Dr. Michelle Spring

Too much lifting within three weeks of breast augmentation surgery can certainly cause problems.  These can range from hematoma, muscle spasm, nerve irritation, etc.  If the breast becomes larger and swelling persists, I would consult with your operative surgeon to rule out hematoma.

What you have described is not particularly alarming, especially if it is resolving. I suspect that you strained your pectoral muscle that is still healing from your surgery.  Sometimes the muscle can spasm and cause pain.  It is very common to have intermittent pain weeks or months after the procedure as you increase your activities and use muscles that have not been used in a while.  As long as the breasts look and feel the same, you are probably fine.  It is possible (but unlikely) that you could have strained to the point of causing bleeding and hematoma formation, even at 18 days out.  In this case you would generally notice more firmness, swelling and bruising on the breast.  I would suggest not lifting more than 5-10 pounds for the next few weeks and slowly easing into more strenuous activities.  You can always follow up with your surgeon to be sure.

Hi There,I tell my patients not to lift anything more than 8lbs for at least two weeks. Its hard to tell whats going on without examining you but pain can mean an number of different things from simple muscle strain to a hematoma.Its best to follow up with your plastic surgeon.Dr. Daniel BarrettBeverly Hills, CA

You should not be alarmed unless the pain continues or increases. I would recommend that you try to refrain from aggravating your operative site as much as you possibly can. If you have any doubts please contact your plastic surgeon.

Do not be alarmed in this instance as you have simply over exerted yourself and have musculoskeletal pain that will resolve in several days. VERY COMMON as you think you are doing great and then do a little more that challenges you and reminds you to take it easy post op. Only if you develop  significant swelling in the area or redness and fever would you be wise to see your surgeon ASAP

While the pain in itself isn't alarming, you shouldn't really be lifting something this heavy so shortly after your procedure.  Please see your surgeon as soon as possible to make sure everything is ok.

I usually have patients avoid lifting more than 5-10 lbs for about 3-4 weeks. This is mainly avoid straining and potentially causing a hematoma to develop.

This sounds pretty normal after engaging muscles that were recently operated on and not used much. Sounds like you did everything as well as you could, but being sore after getting back to normal activities is not uncommon. Try to "feel out" activities in the future with starting slow and easy, seeing how things go and increasing from there.