Lifting Your Arms vs. Lifting your arms over your head can place strain on incision sites which in some cases can cause wound breakdown and delay recovery. This can worsen the appearance of breast reduction scars and damage the final results of your surgery.
This is enough time to allow the capsule to form around the implant that keeps it in place. Pushing and lifting before that time can cause the implant to “squirt” out of the pocket that is being created and into the arm pit or below the mass of the breast causing a problem that can be difficult and expensive to fix.
In the first 1 to 2 weeks, you can use your arm normally up to shoulder height for light activities, such as face washing, hair brushing and eating. But avoid lifting your arm above the height of your shoulder. Don't lift anything heavy, but you can use your arm to lift a cup of tea.
Capsular Contracture: Heavy activity before you have healed enough from breast augmentation can cause capsular contracture, an uncomfortable condition that can only be corrected with surgery.
4-6 Weeks After Surgery:
Now's the time when you can finally return to upper body stretching and strength training. Still, consider limiting your upper body range of motion and avoid strenuous, heavy weight lifting until you're at least two months post-surgery.
Arm Limitations
It is easy to tear out these stitches early on, so it is vital that no strenuous arm activity be performed for several weeks; this includes putting your arms over your head for the first three weeks. So, avoid pullover shirts for that period of time.
At a month most patients can resume most exercise except heavy lifting. At six weeks, patients are generally completely healed and can resume all exercises. After breast augmentation, especially with implants under the muscle, I recommend patients try to avoid strenuous chest exercise such as push ups.
Rest is essential for a fast recovery after breast augmentation surgery. Therefore, avoiding strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects and bending over for at least a week after your surgery would be best.
Rowing could affect your incisions or increase the risk of your implants changing position, especially during the first two weeks after your boob job. The pulling motion is one to avoid until you are comfortable and happy with your recovered breasts.
Do not lift anything that weighs more than 10 to 15 pounds (no more than a gallon of milk) until six weeks after the surgery. This includes babies, children and groceries. After six weeks, you may gradually begin to lift heavier items if it does not cause discomfort around your incision.
Lymphedema (pronounced LIMF-eh-DEE-ma) is a condition that can happen after breast cancer surgery. Research has shown that between 5% and 25% of women develop some lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in arm tissue, which causes swelling.
Your breast lift incisions should begin to close and heal within the first 1 – 2 weeks after surgery, during which time it is important to keep the area clean and not submerge the incisions. Once they have fully closed, the scar should begin to fade from red to pink and ultimately to flesh or white tone.
You should not lift your arm above shoulder level until cleared by your plastic surgeon. You may return to low-impact exercises four weeks after surgery.
Numbness and tingling are common after any sort of surgery, not just breast reconstruction. Many patients will experience some amount of numbness and tingling as part of the recovery process. Its not uncommon to experience a pins and needles sensation around the chest, shoulder, and upper arm area as well.
When is pain at its worst? Most patients report pain in the first 24 – 48 hours after breast augmentation.
On average, a full recovery period usually takes about four to six weeks. It's important to refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects and overworking yourself during this sensitive time.
After your breast augmentation surgery, you'll need to sleep on your back in an elevated position for the first several days. This keeps your breasts in a more natural position, improves circulation, and minimizes swelling. It also makes it easier to get in and out of bed without straining your arm and chest muscles.
Sleep on Your Back
Particularly in the first few weeks after surgery, sleeping on your back, while usually wearing a surgical bra, allows the breasts to heal in a more comfortable and desirable position.
Start by taking short walks around the room immediately after surgery. Climbing the stairs is also appropriate. Early ambulation boosts circulation and helps prevent blood clots. After about two weeks, you can resume moderate activity including brisk walking.
Most of the discomfort will be over after the first two or three days, however, you may have some tenderness and soreness, which could last for a few weeks. After the first two days, you may drive a car if you are not taking pain medication and do light housework, such as washing dishes.
Generally speaking, you shouldn't consider going braless for at least six weeks after breast augmentation. Your breasts need to be thoroughly supported during this time to ensure optimal healing. After six weeks, you may occasionally go braless, but try to keep this to special occasions, and don't make it a habit.
Implant rupture can be caused by abrupt or intense physical pressure (like in a car accident) or through the aging and weakening of the implant shell. A rupture in a saline implant causes a nearly immediate deflation of the affected breast, making it easy to diagnose.
In general, most women are able to wear bras 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation. That being said, Dr. Pozner recommends waiting approximately three months before spending a lot of money on new bras.
You may comb and blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, etc. -You should try to sleep/rest with your head and chest slightly elevated above the level of your lower body to help decrease swelling for the first few days after surgery.