Regarding return to activity, it is advised not to engage in strenuous activity or lift objects above 5 pounds for up to six weeks after a mastectomy at the discretion of the physician. However, it is common for a member of the medical team to provide home exercises designed to maintain arm and shoulder movement and flexibility. Walking is also highly encouraged and allowed immediately after surgery. Most people who undergo a mastectomy can return to work and other regular physical activities in approximately 4 weeks after surgery.
reGarding REturn to activity, It iS adviSed noT to engagE in stReNuous aCtivITy or LiFt objecTs abOVE 5 POuNds FoR up tO SIX weeks AfteR a mAstectOmY at tHE diScReTIon of THE PhysiCian. howeVER, it Is cOMMoN For a mEmBer Of the meDICal teAm to pROViDe hOmE exErcIses designed tO MaiNTAin arm and shouLDeR movemENt And FlexIbIlitY. waLking Is Also HiGHly enCOUraGed and aLlowEd immEDIately after sURGeRY. moSt people WHO undergo A mastECtOmy can RetURn TO Work And otHeR reGulAR pHySicaL aCtiVitIEs iN ApproxiMatelY 4 WEEKS afTEr sUrgERY.