I had my boob job with alloderm 4 days ago and accidentally picked up my cat - Would that cause displacement of the implant?

Question

He’s a very light cat but for sure over 5 lbs maybe 8-10lbs. I had to toss him off so for a couple of seconds I was holding him under his belly with my one hand it was only a few seconds, would that have caused any displacement of the implant? It is my second boob job and I went larger so my skin was already really stretched. Just worried!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I ask my BAM patients not to lift more than 10 pounds for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.  Given your description of holding and tossing your cat would have unlikely caused any displacement of the implant, but you should always get input from your surgeon if you notice changes to your breast.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I agree with my colleagues that it is impossible to tell if anything was harmed by your slight lift with your cat without photos and examination in person; however, if anything "tore" or "pulled free" or you had a hematoma, you would have symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, and even bruising.  If you are not in increasing pain and based on the 5 lbs of your cat which is usually a normal weight to be able to lift after surgery in most cases, you are probably fine.  I would still recommend notifying your plastic surgeon and making an appointment to allay your concerns and fears and let he or she check you in person to make sure everything is ok.  I hope that is helpful.  I hope you do great!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear chloegiessy,
it is hard to tell for sure, but it is unlikely that you caused any damage. If you are concerned, I suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David Rosenstein, MD · Answer

Hi,This would be a very uncommon thing to occur if you were to just pick up your cat briefly to move him as you described. I would follow up with your doctor if you are worried. They could give you a more accurate answer after examination. Best wishes!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question .  I restrict my patient's to 8 lbs for the first three weeks, if you did it once, I wouldn't worry but I wouldn't do it regularly until 3 weeks out.  Your PS  has his restrictions and you should ask.

I had my boob job with alloderm 4 days ago and accidentally picked up my cat - Would that cause displacement of the implant?

Answers (5)