When Can I Exercise After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Exercise is an essential part of maintaining a healthy body, and it can also help promote healing after surgery. Exercise increases blood flow to the surgical area, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation. It can also help prevent blood clots and improve overall physical and mental well-being.

However, it is important to avoid certain types of exercise immediately after surgery, as they can cause complications and delay the healing process.

When Can I Start Exercising After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The timeline for returning to exercise after breast augmentation surgery can vary based on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the type of surgery performed, and the individual healing process. However, in general, patients can expect to resume light exercise within 2 weeks after surgery.

A more detailed breakdown of when patients can start exercising after breast augmentation surgery might look like this:

Weeks 1-2: Rest and Recovery

During the first 2 weeks after surgery, it is important to prioritise rest and recovery. Patients should avoid any strenuous activity, including exercise, and focus on allowing their body to heal.

Weeks 3-4: Light Exercise

After the second week, patients can slowly begin to reintroduce light exercise into their routine. This may include activities such as walking, gentle yoga, and stretching.

It is important to avoid any exercise that involves the chest muscles, such as push-ups or weightlifting, as this can strain the surgical area and increase the risk of complications.

Weeks 4-6: Gradual Increase in Exercise

At around 4-6 weeks after surgery, patients can begin to gradually increase the intensity of their exercise routine. This may include low-impact cardio exercises such as cycling, elliptical training, and swimming.

Depending on your procedure and recovery rate, your surgeon may still recommend you avoid any exercise that involves the chest muscles, as well as any high-impact activities that may jostle the breasts and cause discomfort.

Weeks 6 and Beyond: Resuming Regular Exercise

After about 6 weeks, patients can usually resume their regular exercise routine, including more strenuous activities such as weightlifting and running.

It is important to speak to your surgeon before you resume your regular exercise routine to ensure you are healing well and to help prevent any potential injuries.

Tips for Exercising After Breast Augmentation Surgery

While it is important to allow proper time for healing after breast augmentation surgery, there are some things patients can do to help promote healing and ensure a smooth recovery:

Listen to Your Body

It is important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon. If you experience any pain or discomfort during exercise, stop and take a break, and if any discomfort persists then speak with your surgeon.

Wear a Supportive Bra

Wearing a supportive sports bra during exercise can help minimise discomfort and provide additional support to the surgical area while you heal.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise can help prevent dehydration and promote healing.

Gradually Increase Exercise Intensity

When resuming exercise after surgery, it is important to take it slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workout to avoid straining the surgical area.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Following breast augmentation surgery, it is crucial to wait for your surgeon’s approval before starting any form of exercise. Most women can resume light exercise around four to six weeks after surgery, but every case is unique. Your surgeon will assess your individual recovery progress and provide specific guidelines for when it is safe to start exercising.

Avoid Upper Body Exercises

For the first few weeks, it is important to avoid any exercises that involve the chest muscles, such as push-ups, chest presses or any other upper body exercises. These movements can cause your implants to shift or move, which can be painful and potentially cause complications.

Exercising After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is a major procedure that requires a significant amount of recovery time. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and take things slow when starting to exercise again. With time and patience, you can safely resume your normal exercise routine and enjoy the results of your breast augmentation surgery.