Posted by Laurence Weider on November 6, 2024
Understandably, one of the most common questions that we are asked relates to resuming various activities after breast surgery. The timeline for the resumption of activities after breast surgery depends on the type of surgery as well as your body’s healing process, so it is important to ask about your specific recovery process.
However, we have provided some general guidelines that apply to most patients undergoing breast surgery such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, explant surgery, and removal and replacement of implants.
First Few Days Post-Surgery
- Rest is Key: It’s crucial to get plenty of rest and allow your body to start the healing process. However, we encourage our patients to get up and walk inside the house. This will help reduce the risk of blood clots as well as improving airflow into the lungs.
- Sleeping: We typically recommend that patients sleep on their backs with their heads and upper back elevated on a few pillows. Patients can resume sleeping on their sides after five to seven days, but make sure to clear this with Dr. Weider or our staff.
- Limited Movement: Avoid lifting anything heavier than about five pounds for the first few days. Avoid sudden movements. After the first post-operative visit, we generally permit patients to slowly lift their arms over their heads. We always recommend slow and deliberate arm movements to avoid causing a muscle spasm.
- Pain Management: You’ll likely have some pain, swelling, or discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Aleve until cleared by Dr. Weider to use them.
1-2 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Light Activity: Walking and gentle movements are generally safe and may even help with circulation and healing. We typically encourage taking walks during this time period. Continue to avoid impact activities such as running.
- Avoid Strain: Continue avoiding heavy lifting, intense arm movements, and any exercise that could strain your chest muscles.
2-4 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Gradual Increase: After two and a half to three weeks most patients can resume additional light activities such as stationary bikes or elliptical trainers. You can also resume leg strengthening exercises as long as you aren’t straining. Continue to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and running or jogging. Specific recommendations will be provided at your two week follow up appointment.
- Arm Exercises: Dr. Weider may suggest gentle stretching or arm movements to regain range of motion, depending on your surgery type.
4-6 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Normal Daily Activities: Many people can return to work and everyday activities, assuming they don’t involve heavy lifting or strenuous movement.
- Light Exercise: During this time period, you can slowly increase the intensity of your activities but continue to avoid running and heavy lifting as well as impact activities.
6-8 Weeks Post-Surgery
- Moderate Exercise: By six weeks there are no specific restrictions, but we always recommend that you proceed slowly and cautiously when resuming any activities you haven’t done since prior to surgery. You can slowly resume running but start with short, easy runs and consider wearing two sports bras initially.
- Consult Your Surgeon: If there are any specific activities that you do that are strenuous, please discuss them with us prior to resuming them.
Tips for Recovery
- Wear a Supportive Bra: A compression bra or supportive sports bra can help reduce swelling and provide comfort. At your first post-operative visit, we will provide you with instructions on when you can switch from your surgical bra or Ace Bandage to a sports bra.
- Avoid Underwire Bras: In general, we recommend avoiding underwire bras for six weeks after surgery. They may irritate your incisions in the early weeks of healing.
- Listen to Your Body: If you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort when resuming an activity, stop and rest.
Conclusion
These are general guidelines. Everybody heals differently, and it’s essential to give yourself time to heal fully before returning to your normal level of activity.
Consult at Weider Plastic Surgery, Dr. Weider will discuss your goals and perform a thorough exam. Your options and their associated benefits will be reviewed with you in detail, and all of your questions will be answered. Give us a call at (972) 566-8444 to schedule your personal consultation.
Dr. Weider, a native of Southern California, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Dallas, TX since 1999. After attending Stanford University, he obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed a one year surgical internship in Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a four year general surgery residency in Dallas at Methodist Medical Center, and a two year plastic surgery fellowship in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.
