Should you avoid holding your phone after breast augmentation surgery?

Great question!  Using your phone during the post-operative period is fine and shouldn't affect the healing.  If you are right hand dominant, sometimes that side is more tender due to use of that arm more as you're healing (opening doors, carrying things, ect).  Try using your left hand more with activities and it should ease up.  I would definitely let your surgeon be aware and maybe have a followup soon just to check up on things.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Your iPhone is most likely not causing issues as it probably doesn’t even weigh a pound. However, if you’re using your right arm to do more things, it could contribute to increased soreness.

Thank you for your question! The answer is no, it is not necessary to avoid holding your phone post surgery. It is not heavy enough to cause any  damage. I recommend that my patients avoid lifting over 10 lbs for the first 6 weeks post op. I also recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

No heavy lifting refers to about 10 pounds or more, your cell phone should not fall into this category, however, using your dominate hand more may make a difference, try using your left hand for awhile. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for your question.  Typically I tell patients no heavy lifting for 4 weeks after surgery.  I typically consider heavy lifting anything over 5-10 pounds.  I wouldn't necessarily consider a cell phone to fall into that category.  Your dominant side tends to be a little bit more tender since it tends to be our stronger side.  Best of luck to you. 

Generally using your phone would not fall into the no heavy lifting category, so I wouldn't worry that you've done damage. If it is uncomfortable to use you right arm for it then consider switching it up to your left hand from time to time. When it comes to the "no heavy lifting" restriction we are typically referring to ten pounds or more, however surgeons often have different opinions so it's probably best if you discuss this with your own surgeon.

In general, at the one week mark after a breast augmentation you should be using your arms and ok to lift things, even heavier items, as long as you do it slowly.  If you are right handed, it is not unusual to be more sore on the dominant side in general just from more arm use.  I recommend massaging twice a day, ice pack as needed, and good range of motion exercises.  Quickly you should be feeling pretty good.  I hope this helps.

If you are using one hand significantly more than the other (typically your dominant hand) after surgery it makes sense that side would have more soreness. This will not cause damage or affect your results, but it can affect your comfort. Try to allow for more rest periods, use the speaker phone option, or try switching hands more frequently.

The short answer is, no, holding your cell phone should not be a problem after breast augmentation.  While the muscles on the side of your dominant hand may be more utilized and contribute to some issues with muscle pains, etc. it is unlikely that your use of a cell phone would be causing the problems are described.  I recommend you discuss this further with your surgeon, as there are other areas of your description that are concerning, and are best analyzed in person with your surgeon. Wirth Plastic Surgery

It has been a week and you should be fine holding things like your phone. It is not uncommon for people to feel more pain on one side over the other. Discuss with your plastic surgeon who may suggest you make some movements with your arms above your head and around.