Breast Augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that improves the shape and increases the size of your breasts. The procedure involves placing implants under your breast tissue. Sometimes, the surgeon makes an incision in your chest to place implants under the muscles.
Breast augmentation is an excellent way to enhance your upper body’s feminine features and look beautiful. It improves your overall personality by letting you achieve your desired breast shape and size. Many women ask: when can I lift my arms after surgery? Today’s article will answer this question and give you details!
Can I lift my arms after breast augmentation?
After the procedure, you will experience soreness, bruising, chest tightness, fatigue, nausea, swelling, and pain. Some women experience sensitivity loss in their breasts. On the other hand, some women suffer from breast oversensitivity. Bruising, soreness, and swelling relieve over time.
Although you can resume daily activities based on your surgeon’s directions within a few days, you must not perform strenuous activities, such as lifting your arm. Otherwise, you will experience irritation, itchiness, swelling, and bleeding. Likewise, raising your arm above your head can disrupt the implant’s position, preventing them from settling in place.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami advises patients to avoid lifting their arms above their heads or keeping them below the shoulder for at least 2-3 weeks. After two or three weeks, you can raise your arms.
You can also start lifting weights after three months. However, you must not lift more than 10 pounds. We recommend taking shorter walks within your room to ensure proper blood flow to the healing area.
At the same time, this will help you maintain your fitness level, speed up the healing process, and improve your mood. For instance, shorter walks can increase blood flow to your brain, causing it to release dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals or hormones improve your mood and make you feel better.
Why can’t I lift my arms after breast augmentation?
Many women ask about the consequences of lifting their arms after breast augmentation. So, is this a problem? Yes, it is because new implants require the patient to rest for a few weeks. The purpose is to ensure the implants settle in place properly without any problems.
On the other hand, you will experience bleeding, irritation, inflammation, discomfort, and pain when you lift your arm after the procedure, especially in the first week.
Sometimes, lifting your arms above your head can pressure the newly inserted implants and rupture them. So this can lead to severe complications, and you may need to undergo revision surgery.
What happens if I lift my arms after breast augmentation?
For the first 3-4 weeks, it is crucial to avoid lifting your arms. Otherwise, the surgery will negatively impact the healing process and slow down the recovery period. The intense pressure or strain on your breast implants can dislocate them. At the same time, pressure on incisions can cause excessive bleeding and fluid discharge.
In addition, avoid strenuous chest activities and exercises, such as push-ups, to prevent putting pressure on your breasts. Because implants sit under your chest muscles, the outward and downward contractions can put pressure on them. Consequently, your implants may drop or be displaced from their original position.
So, the general rule of thumb is to follow your health provider’s instructions until your implants have settled in place. That way, you can reduce swelling, discomfort, inflammation, and pain. Consult your surgeon to discuss what kind of bra you can wear to support your implants and how to reduce inflammation and pain.
What to do Next?
Our board-certified and experienced plastic surgeons have higher dedication and commitment toward women looking to achieve the desired breast shape and size. We use evidence-based cosmetic procedures to help women achieve their aesthetic goals and improve self-confidence.
During your breast augmentation consultation, our surgeon will listen to your requirements, give you a treatment plan, and help you choose the best implants that align with your breast’s tissues. Call us between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday to Friday. Until Next Time!