Is 2 weeks enough time to recover after a breast lift w/ implants? Daily life requires walking and carrying backpack.

Question

is it okay to have a breast lift with implants and have a 2-week recovery before starting college? I would have to carry a backpack and walk 2 miles every day. I also would have to pull open multiple building doors in order to get to class because I go to a college with a big campus. would this be okay after giving myself 2 weeks of recovery?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients that more than 90 percent of patients are back to work on the fifth day after surgery if they work in an office setting. Women whose work requires lifting, pushing or pulling usually go back to work toward the end of the second week. They might be a little sore at the end of their work day, but by Week 3, they feel pretty much back to normal. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi rawrx666,
I generally tell patients a four week period of restrictions--five pound lifting restriction and avoiding repetitive arm motions--after breast lift or breast implants. 
Heading to college definitely creates some practical concerns--moving into a new place, increased independence, not knowing people or having a support system to ask for help, and the need to carry heavier objects. 
I would suggest scheduling your surgery for 4+ weeks before you would be on your own.
Separate but related, if you are traveling to college that would mean you'd lose access to your surgeon for regular followups--I typically see patients to at least 3-4 months after surgery, in order to see the final result.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rawrxd666,
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

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every plastic surgeon has their own recipe for post operative recovery. The best answer would be to discuss this with your plastic surgeon and see what your surgeon has to say. However, you will see that most surgeons have restrictions in place for the first 4-6 weeks.

I personally allow my patients to resume full activity in 4 weeks. That includes exercise and so forth.

Hope that helps.

I personally allow my patients to resume full activity in 4 weeks.   That includes exercise and so forth.

Hope that helps.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

On average, full recovery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. It's very important to refrain from vigorous exercise, lifting heavy objects, and overworking yourself during this time. With that in mind, every woman's body heals differently so there's no exact timeline for recovery. Some patients feel perfectly fine even after one week. 
After the first week of the surgery, I encourage my patients to slowly go back to their daily routines and light exercise. Pain and discomfort will be minimal after one week but I advise you to refrain from vigorous activities like weight lifting, horseback riding and running util you are fully recovered. 
In your case, walking is completely fine. I recommend you to keep your backpack as light as possible and be extra careful when pulling the heavy doors for 6 weeks. Good luck.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing all these details. This is a really smart question to ask ahead of time.
Two weeks after a breast lift with implants is usually not enough recovery time to safely handle:
•	Carrying a backpack with books
•	Walking long distances (2+ miles daily) consistently
•	Pulling heavy doors repeatedly
These activities can strain your chest muscles, incisions, and healing tissues, which can increase your risk of:
•	Wound reopening or delayed healing
•	Increased swelling and pain
•	Implant displacement or capsular contracture over time
•	Overall slower or more complicated recovery
Typical Recovery Timeline
•	0-2 Weeks: Light activity only. No lifting over 5-10 lbs. No repetitive arm/shoulder movements.
•	2-4 Weeks: Gradual increase in walking is okay, but lifting, pulling, and carrying heavy objects (like backpacks) are still usually restricted.
•	4-6 Weeks: Most surgeons clear patients to return to full activity, including lifting and exercise, around this time (if healing well).
Carrying a backpack is a major concern this soon after surgery because it can pull on your chest and shoulder muscles, put pressure on healing tissues, and possibly shift your implants.
What You Could Consider
1.	Delay the Surgery: If possible, it would be safer to schedule the surgery during a longer break (winter, summer) to allow at least 4-6 weeks of recovery.
2.	Use a Rolling Backpack: If you absolutely need to return in 2 weeks, using a rolling backpack would significantly reduce the strain on your chest.
3.	Request Campus Accommodations: Some schools can provide temporary accessibility support (like door assistance, shuttle services) if you have a medical note.
4.	Minimize Walking: If there's any way to reduce your walking distance (closer dorms, biking, shuttle services), that would help.
Your surgeon will always give you the most personalized recommendation, but generally, most board-certified plastic surgeons would recommend waiting longer than 2 weeks before returning to the level of activity you described.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You should be fine to go back to school if you are careful. You should be able to do all activities by 6 weeks.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After two weeks you should be feeling pretty good but you will still be healing.  Generally lifting restrictions of over ten pounds are in place for the first six weeks.  If your backpack is under this you should be fine.  If the amount of walking is broken up over the day with breaks for class, meals, etc you should be fine.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.  She/He is most familiar with the details of your surgical plan.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Each plastic surgeon has developed a their own unique individual protocol for pre- and postoperative care based upon their training and years of clinical experience. In our practice, we do not recommend heavy lifting, carrying, and walking 2 miles / day for 4 weeks after breast augmentation / lift surgery.It is best to contact your plastic surgeon for advice.Best wishes...

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