What are the restrictions to activity after breast enlargement surgery?

Dr. Gerzenshtein’s recommendations to his patients are found below. Consult with your own surgeon for his ore her specific instructions. Do not drive a car or engage in activities that depend on your coordination for 48 hours after your surgery, or after taking any of the pain, nausea or insomnia medications predscribed. Walking and getting about is highly encouraged for multiple reasons, including a decrease in the incidence of clot formation in the veins of your legs, have someone with you for the first 24 hours to monitor and help you get about as necessary. When resting/sleeping, lie on your back with several pillows under your head and back, or place a pillow or rolled blanket under the head of your mattress, this will decrease swelling. You may sleep on your side 2 weeks after surgery, and in any manner 4 weeks after surgery. Do not use your arms in strenuous activity such as vacuuming, pushing yourself up in bed, and pushing yourself up from sitting position for approximately 1 week. For the first week, avoid activities that raise your blood pressure such as heavy manual labor, repeated heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or bending over. Plan to be away from work for one week, assuming your post-operative course is uncomplicated. After one week you may engage in light exercise only, such as walking. No heavy lifting should be done (10 lbs or more) for 4 weeks after breast augmentation. If weight training, refrain from upper body work for six weeks (substantial capsule formation), otherwise contraction of the pectoralis will push the implant up, changing the position of the final pocket to a more superior and less favorable position. Do not smoke, use nicotine substitutes (patches, chewing tobacco, etc.), and stay away from second hand smoke for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Smoking will decrease blood and oxygen flow to healing tissues and can cause loss (death) of skin, fat, and muscle in the operated field, especially along the incisions, slow down healing to double of normal time, worsen scar appearance on the outside, lead to a tough, fibrous scar on the inside, and increase the risk of fluid pockets.