When Can I Start Raising my Arms over my Head After BA?

It’s not unusual for patients to be concerned about
resumption of normal activity following breast augmentation surgery.These patients want to know when they can
resume normal activities without restrictions.In the
post-operative period, we tell patients not to lift their elbows over their
head for at least 3 weeks following surgery.This minimizes the potential for secondary complications such as
bleeding, hematoma and implant malposition.In
addition, we also recommend that patients not lift more than 10 lbs. for at
least 4 to 6 weeks following surgery.Again, we feel this minimizes the potential for secondary complications.Obviously,
these restrictions rule out lifting heavy suitcases into overhead storage bins.If heavy lifting can be avoided, it might be
possible to return to work in 2 to 3 weeks following surgery.Return might be facilitated by using a
compressive support bra and restricting initial activity levels in the work
place. It’s
important to realize that no two patients are ever exactly alike.It’s also important to realize that every
surgeon has his own post-operative routine. For this reason, it’s important to
discuss these issues with your surgeon.No one is in a better position to make a post-operative recommendation
than the person who performed your surgery.

Hello, Thank you for your question!It may be best to speak with your PS about their post op instructions, as they may vary from surgeon to surgeon. You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
Regards,

Different technqiues of breast augmentation have different recovery periods. Lifting the arms would affect the chest muscle, so if your implants are placed under the muscle, you will need a longer recovery time in this area. If they are placed over the muscle, probably less. Depending on the person's anatomy, I personally prefer the subfascial technique, which has more advantages and less disadvantages of the two.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Every surgeon is different in postoperative care, so I would definitely clear it with your plastic surgeon. I allow my patients to raise their arms over their head the day after surgery to keep their joints mobile. I think early activity hastens the recovery process. Now, I would be careful about returning to work to soon as a flight attendant. That is a very active job, and you don't want to have any issues while you're on the plane! 

I generally allow my patients to go back to work after 3-5 days depending on the type of work they do.  I do not have any restrictions regarding movement of the arms over the head.  I do ask my patients to take care and caution and to not do anything that is strenuous or perform any sudden jerky movements.  This is all to reduce that rate of having any bleeding.Every surgeon has their own postoperative recipe and cook book so difficult to generalize.  Just make certain you see a board certified plastic surgeon and take it from there.Hope that helps.

Typical time table post breast aug:gentle full range of motion of your arms within hours to 1-2 days post opreturn to work for most jobs and activities within 1-2 weeksfull vigorous activities including running and chest exercises within 4-6 weeks

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give to my patients as to the recoveryWeek 1) Discomfort level progressively decreases with each day. Swelling decreases a great deal after one week. Most people return to work in some capacity. Driving is feasible if you are not on narcotics.Week 2) Unlikely to need any narcotic support except maybe at night. Swelling continues to improve compared to week 1. You can start breast massage and slowly increasing your range of motion.Weeks 3-6) May need tylenol or ibuprofen for intermittent discomfort. Swelling completely resolved. You should steadily regain your range of motion. May need additional few months for implants to settle into their final position. As far as activity, here is a safe guide:1) No heavy lifting or strenous activity for 6 weeks.2) Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)3) At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph4) At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph5) At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph6) At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph7) At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it.So in summary, I would wait a few weeks before closing overhead bins on a frequent/routine basis. I would also avoid the heavy lifting until you are in your 6th week.

Generally, I advise patients that they can start doing more intense physical activity at 3 weeks, and upper body strength exercises at 6 weeks after surgery. If you don't lift heavy luggage in your job or things like that, then you can probably return to work in a week or two  if your recovery is going well. However, you should ask your surgeon as they may have different guidelines. A good supportive sports bra will help reduce swelling and is a good idea, but again you should ask your surgeon.

Greetings,

I encourage my patients to begin to raise their arms above their heads in a controlled manner about 3 days after surgery. Most patients are able to do so comfortably about 1-2 weeks after surgery. I ask my patients to refrain from lifting anything over 20 pounds for 3-4 weeks after surgery, which obviously can impact you tremendously as a flight attendant.

In regards to a sports bra, most patient wear one for comfort for about 6 weeks after surgery. Particularly if you're on your feet a lot, it can help diminish some of the aching that is common after surgery.

It is safe to raise your arms after surgery as long as you are careful and do it slowly to comfort. I think it would be safe to return to work after 1 week but you shouldn't't lift, push or pull anything over 20 pounds. The risk you run when you do too much too fast or too much activity too soon after surgery, is that a hematoma can form and you can start bleeding internally. It is EXTREMELY important to stay in your sports bra for at least 6 weeks. Hope this helps!