Post surgery upper body weightlifting - what is the recommended timeline?

Question

I haven't had the operation yet, but I've been advised I require a breast lift with implants to get my desired look. My chosen surgeon (who's results look fab), has told me I can't go back to any sort of weightlifting for my upper body for twelve months post op, due to the risk of capsular contraction. I haven't seen any other surgeon suggest this timeframe, the most I've seen is 8 weeks! Would I be able to train earlier than 12 months post op? Is my surgeon being overly cautious? I don't think I will be able to have the procedure if it means I can't do my favourite activity for so long afterwards.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

I will typically counsel patients on a return to strenuous exercise/physical activity between 6-8 weeks.

12 months is very conservative. However, protocols will differ from surgeon to surgeon, procedure to procedure and patient to patient. The surgeon in question likely has reasons for his/her recommendations.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Each surgeon has their own post-op instructions. If you trust your surgeon, then please follow their advice even if you think they’re being overly cautious.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear adradradr,

I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.
It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

In most cases, we ask our patients to wait 12 weeks to get back to vigorous exercise. However, your surgeon had consultation with you and decided longer healing period. You can definitely ask him the reasons. 
Exercising too soon will place strain on the tissue and muscles, potentially causing bruising and swelling. However, the main risk is that it may reopen incisions, increasing the risk of infection and longer recovery times. We want İmplants to completely settle before getting back to your daily routine.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

who I advised to wait 6 weeks, start light and gradually over the next 2 weeks increase the weights to their original workout weight. None of my patients who do heavy workouts developed complications. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Each surgeon will have their own protocol.
It would be inappropriate for me to recommend something different than than your surgeon’s protocol. 
If you go with that surgeon, you should follow their postoperative instructions.
Personally, I don’t believe exercise is going to create a capsule contraction, but putting excessive force on the implant by contracting the pectoralis muscle aggressively early after surgery may not be a good idea.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Post surgery upper body weightlifting - what is the recommended timeline?

Answers (6)

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