It's 2 weeks after my breast augmentation. What kind of housework can I do?

Question

I was wondering if vacuum, pick up kids, elliptical, short walks outside ok?

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon will be able to advise on your personal circumstances, but at just 2 weeks after a breast augmentation, strenuous activity and lifting anything weighing more than a few pounds is generally not advisable. While some light activity may be okay, depending on how your breasts are healing, I would not recommend lifting children or exerting much energy on chores. The immediate recovery period following breast augmentation is normally between 6 and 8 weeks. If you want to return to your everyday routine before that, consult your plastic surgeon first to avoid injury or prolonged recovery.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon. Every surgeon has their own specific post op protocol for their patients and your surgeon is the best resource when questions arise. They are most familiar with your medical history, details of your surgery, and how you are healing. In my office patients return to day-to-day activities after 1 to 2 days. As far as returning to cardiovascular exercise, I asked them to wait four weeks. Chest exercises are resumed at six weeks. Congratulations on your recent surgery.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

For my patients, I recommend no strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks following surgery.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although post operative instructions do vary from one particular surgeon to another, I recommend not lifting items over 15 pounds for 4 weeks.  Please refer to your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendations.  Best of luck.

Surjit S. Rai, MD · Answer

Always best to check with your surgeon as they likely have their own post operative limitations and restrictions.

Surjit S. Rai, MD (Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Each surgeon will have different guidelines for postoperative care. At the 2 week mark, you will be able to do lighter activity such as walking outside, but should still avoid more strenuous activities such as picking up your kids. The kids can generally be picked up for you and placed on the lap as long as they are not too rough on you. Consult with your surgeon as he or she knows the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

Omar Fouda Neel, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank your for your question. Here are a list of activities you can and cannot do:

-       Walk as soon as possible, as this helps reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.

-       Do not drive until you are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.

-       Do not drive until you have full range motion with your arms.

-       Refrain from vigorous activity for 6 weeks. Increase activity gradually as tolerated.

-       Restrict excessive use of arms and lifting about the head for 1-2 weeks.

-       Refrain from physical contact with breasts for 4 weeks.

-       Avoid body contact sports for 6-8 weeks.

-       Social and employment activities can be resumed in 3-10 days.

-       No swimming for 6 weeks.

-       Physical therapy is not typically necessary for this procedure.ALWAYS follow up with your surgeon to assure proper healing and get his or her okay before doing anything around the home. Regards,

John McFate, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 2 weeks is always the first big milestone I discuss with my patients. I always recommend to my patients that they should not be doing any activities that can raise the heart rate or blood pressure up during the first two weeks. This is the most likely time where you could have a bleeding issue and most swollen. After this time, they can start resuming cardio exercise as tolerable. Depending on the type of augmentation, I then recommend waiting until 4-6 weeks after surgery before any large strenuous upper body activities.

For housework-hardly any for the first two weeks. After that, can do some light dishes and laundry but should not be carrying heavy loads or big movements like vaccumning until a month out. Hope this helps!

For housework-hardly any for the first two weeks.  After that, can do some light dishes and laundry but should not be carrying heavy loads or big movements like vaccumning until a month out.  Hope this helps!

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own protocol for returning to strenuous activities.  Usually, many have you wait at least three weeks before you start heavy activity or exercise.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

This question is really best answered by your operating plastic surgeon as each plastic surgeon, based on their experience and technique, may recommend a different course of returning to activities that you describe. Congratulations on your Surgery.

It's 2 weeks after my breast augmentation. What kind of housework can I do?

Answers (10)

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