Breast Augmentation: Cost, Reviews, Photos

Lifting during breast augmentation recovery

For three weeks following breast augmentation surgery, I recommend that patients try not to lift more than five pounds.

I also ask them not to lift their elbows above their shoulders.

Many of our patients are young women with young children and cannot strictly adhere to the five pound rule.

The five pound rule, however, gives them a good idea as to how careful we want them to be during that period. (John J. Edney, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)

Lifting after Breast Augmentation

Lifting 

I generally recommend that my patients wait 5-6 weeks before lifting anything over 20 lbs. Everyone heals differently, and your body will let you know if you lift too much too soon. I would recommend that you talk with your doctor and ask your questions. (Richard H. Fryer, MD, Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon)

Lifting restrictions after breast augmentation

Typically, I recommend patients wait a minimum of two weeks before doing any lifting greater than 20lbs. I also have them avoid any otherwise strenuous activity. After the two week period, I tell them to exercise common sense, and use the concept, “if it hurts, don’t do it.” However, every patient is different when it comes to their recuperation after surgery. Although is is cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation is surgery just like any other. It’s vital to avoid prematurely rushing back into one’s normal activities. (Kelly Gallego, MD, FACS, Yuba City Plastic Surgeon)

Heavy Lifting After A Breast Augmentation

after Breast Augmentation image

The most standard recommendation for post breast augmentation care is NO heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery. Your doctor may have different rules but I would ask him/her again just to verify. (Miguel Delgado, MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)

Activity after Breast Augmentation

I generally have patients keep their elbows below their chin, ideally close to the sides of their chest, for about 4-6 weeks. Their activity is gradually increased from light walking on a treadmill or around the block at home, to full activity, lifting no more than 25 lbs for 4-6 weeks. Resumption of “Full” activity is at 8 weeks.

I personally think carrying 40lbs of food trays is a little aggressive.however, every surgeon has his/her own rules and regulations and I suggest you follow your Doctor’s Orders!  (John Philip Connors III, MD, FACS, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)

Restrictions after breast augmentation

Lifting after

Every plastic surgeon is a little different in their postoperative instructions after a breast augmentation. My patients are limited to lifting anything with their upper body to less than 5-10 pounds for 6 weeks. This is especially important when the implants have been placed below the muscle.

However, if your surgeon felt you were okay to return to work after three weeks, it is likely okay. I would recommend gradually increasing the amount of weight that you lift as you will be weaker than you were before surgery. If you have any doubt, don’t do it. If you feel any pain or awkwardness, stop what you are doing. (Naveen Setty, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)

Lifting After Breast Augmentation

Typically patients are able to return to regular activities after three weeks, but of course it is important to listen to your body and ease into heavy lifting. 40 lbs is quite a bit and you do not want to over do it so quickly after surgery.

Lifting after Breast Augmentation operation

You may need to make multiple trips the first few weeks until your body is fully healed. (Tarick K. Smaili, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Lifting after breast augmentation

For heavy lifting (>10 lbs) after breast augmentation, I believe it depends on two factors:

1. Did you have the implants placed above or under the muscle?
2. Was this your initial augmentation, or did you have a revision augmentation (capsule work, repositioning, etc.)?

For initial augmentations where the implants are on top of the muscle, I think 3-4 weeks postop is fine for heavy lifting. If the implants are under the muscle, I recommend waiting about 6 weeks before lifting excessive amounts. Cases of revision are treated on an individual basis. Though typically, I request patients to keep from strenuous lifting for 4-6 weeks. One suggestion is to ease into your work. If it’s possible to work with less heavy lifting and gradually increase to the full load, that seems to be the best scenario for you. (David Bogue, MD, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)