Breast Augmentation: Cost, Reviews, Photos

Getting back to work after breast augmentation

I find that a good rule is if it hurts, you’re not ready for it yet. I like my patients to hold off from vigorous activity for a solid 3 weeks after their surgery.

After that, gradual increasing of activity is fine, but I still am pretty conservative about getting in the pool or ocean until the incisions are completely healed. (Showers are fine immediately after surgery)

So. I think you’re fine as long as you can do your job without discomfort – enjoy your new shape! (Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS, Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon)

Heavy weight lifting post breast surgery

Weight lifting after breast augmentation operation

In order to avoid any complications, I would suggest waiting at least 6-8 weeks prior to any heavy-lifting, especially if its up to 40 lbs.

Although everyone heals differently, you will know what you can and cannot do at that time.

However, don’t push yourself. Or you can go back to work and maybe have your co-workers help you. Either way, we recommend patients to wait at least 2 months before and rigorous or strenuous activity.

Consult with your physician if you have concerns or issues regarding returning to work. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

Patients may return to full work and athletic activity 4 weeks after breast augmentation.

Weight lifting after breast augmentation surgery

I allow full activity after 4 weeks, although 3 weeks is probably okay. My choice is somewhat arbitrary but it has served me well for 25 years. Athletic activity that does not involve the chest wall (exercise bike) can begin immediately. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)

I release patients to activity individually after breast augmentation

While it is easier to consider breast augmentation as one operation with fixed lifting limitations, I find this is too simplistic. The operation is different in different women due to a number of factors. I tend to evaluate each patient individually and release her to particular activities depending upon the particulars of her case and her status at a particular point. Maybe your doctor does the same. (John P. Di Saia, MD, Orange Plastic Surgeon)

Weight lifting and Breast Augmentation

Weight lifting after breast augmentation photo

I generally have my patients return to full activity at about 4 weeks time. They can go to the gym lift anything they want. At 2 weeks time I allow them to carry things but things that they can lift at their elbow level. I ask them to minimize any shoulder work. (Farbod Esmailian, MD, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)

Post-op breast augmentation orders

Every surgeon is different. In my practice I prefer that my patients avoid aerobic type exercise for 3 weeks and heavy lifitng for about 6 weeks. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Different docotors, different suggestions

Weight lifting after breast augmentation procedure

Every doctor has a different regimen for post-op care. You have picked your doctor for most likely excellent reasons. You have to trust his judgement and advice on all parts of your care. Go back to work and enjoy your new breasts! (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Yes, I tell my patients the same

My instructions to patients are that they keep their upper body “quiet” for three weeks after breast augmentation. This certainly includes heavy weight lifting. After three weeks, they can resume normal activities if all is well. (Bruce K. Barach, MD, Schenectady Plastic Surgeon)

At 3 weeks, you can do whatever you want.

Weight lifting after breast augmentation picture after

With gentle surgery, the recovery from breast augmentation should be quick and easy. And there should be very little pain, even if the implants are placed under the muscle. I bet this was your experience.

We put on an elastic bra right on the operating table, and we let women return to their usual activities in one week. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Best to wait 8 weeks for full healing to do heavy weight lifting.

Check with your surgeon again, making sure to let him know about your concerns. If your implants are placed under the muscle, I normally suggest that you avoid heavy lifting for about 8 weeks, if possible. It is believed that excessive lifting may increase your risk of capsular contracture (excessive scar tissue build-up around the implant).

Weight lifting after breast augmentation image after

If your work is flexible, you may consider modifying the way you carry the items (by using a cart or by taking plates one in each hand, for example) -or- hostessing for a few weeks to let yourself heal more.

If you can afford more time off and modifying your work is not possible, you may also consider asking your doctor to get you a note to stay off longer.

In any case, I’m sure that your doctor wouldn’t mind increasing your time off if that’s what you think is best. (Thomas T. Nguyen, MD, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)

Your body will tell you

Usually it is reasonable to expect to return to normal activities by three weeks especially if your surgeon okayed it. But remember that you have by “out of action” for at least that amount of time and your muscles that are used to heavy loads have weakened in that amount of time. You might need to build up your strength and tolerance before you feel you are completely up to pro-op speed with your job. If you feel pain, soreness, or aching, then back off a bit. Work out gradually. It is just like in training after a significant lay-off. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)