Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures among women. It is beneficial for those who want to enhance their body shape and boost their confidence. It can restore lost volume after pregnancy. It can improve symmetry and shape in those who have lost a substantial amount of weight. For many women, it helps their clothes fit better. While breast augmentation can improve your look, it can also help you feel better and more feminine. The recovery process is smooth for patients. However, many patients wonder, how soon can you work out after breast augmentation?
How Soon Can You Work Out After Breast Augmentation?
Understanding the timeline for physical activity after augmentation ensures proper healing. It also protects your results. Each patient is uniquely different, so it is important to go at your own pace. You should also follow the advice of your plastic surgeon exactly. However, below you will find a helpful guide to navigating exercise after breast augmentation.
Week 1 Post-Surgery
The first week of recovery should be focused on rest and recovery. This is a critical time to take it easy, as it has a direct impact on your results. Do not engage in any strenuous exercise during this week. Avoid lifting, pushing, pulling, and raising your arms above your shoulder level. It is permitted to take slow walks for a short amount of time. This prevents stiffness, promotes circulation, and helps with healing. This week should be focused solely on recovery.
Weeks 2 and 3 Post-Surgery
The second and third weeks allow for more movement than the first week. Once it is cleared by your surgeon, you can engage in very light activities over the next couple of weeks. Wait for your surgeon’s clearance before doing any of these exercises. These measures reduce tension on the healing tissue. This is necessary for the implants to settle properly. Each patient is unique, so be sure to go at your own pace.
By the second or third week, you can take a short walk or use a stationary bike on the lowest setting. This should not last longer than thirty minutes a day. Avoid any exercises that involve your chest or cause your breasts to bounce. This includes lifting weights, upper body workouts, running, jumping, or doing yoga or pilates. When you do exercise, wear your post-surgical bra as instructed by your surgeon.
Weeks 4 to 6 Post-Surgery
Most patients are ready to get back to exercising by the one-month mark. It is possible to introduce low-impact exercise. Before doing any of these exercises, consult with your surgeon. They can assess your recovery progress at your follow-up appointments. Many patients still wear a supportive bra. This ensures optimal protection as they heal after surgery. When you begin to introduce exercise into your routine, do so slowly.
You can start with lower-body workouts. Great exercises include bodyweight squats, leg presses, and walking at an incline. Light stretching and core exercises are also beneficial. Be sure to avoid putting any strain on your chest at this stage. Avoid things like chest presses, push-ups, planks, or heavy lifting.
Weeks 6 to 8 Post-Surgery
At this point, you may notice that your chest feels slightly tight or firm. This is normal as the implants are settling into place. Over time, it will subside, and they will begin to look more natural and soften up. Most women can get back into their full workouts between weeks 6 and 8. Again, gradually get back into your full workouts. Going too hard on your body too quickly can negatively impact your results. Most patients are able to get back to strength training. Moderate to high-impact training can also be gradually eased into.
If you engage in chest-focused movements or exercises, do so with caution. Start with extremely light weights. Gradually increase the weight and resistance as you continue exercising. If you notice serious tightness, swelling, or any discomfort, stop those exercises. Modify your workouts as necessary to avoid damage to your breasts. Continue to wear a supportive sports bra to minimize the movement in your breasts.
The Importance of Gradual Movement After Breast Augmentation
After breast augmentation, your body goes through several stages of healing. This includes symptoms that can make movement much more difficult. Swelling, tightness, bruising, and mild discomfort are common. These symptoms are caused by the tissues adjusting around the implants. These gradually subside as you heal. However, it is essential to focus on recovery for these symptoms to go down. Even if you begin feeling better right away, your internal tissues are still healing. Your body is building reconnective tissue that helps the implants settle into place.
Pushing yourself too hard, too soon, can have an impact on the results of your augmentation. This is especially true if you engage in strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or even bending over too much. The implants need a stable environment during the healing process. Exercising too soon can strain your incisions, increase muscle tension, and lead to other complications. Taking the time to wait ensures that you do not have unnecessary setbacks during the recovery process.
Best Types of Workouts After Breast Augmentation
Once your surgeon clears your physical activity, you may not know where to start. Most people have their normal exercise routine. However, you need to use caution as you gradually reintroduce exercise after surgery. Several low-impact and supportive workouts can help you stay fit and maintain your health. This is essential as your workouts should not compromise your recovery progress.
Walking
Walking is the best exercise to do after breast augmentation. It is safe and effective at every stage of recovery. It improves circulation, supports healing, and boosts mood.
Lower-Body Strength Training
Strength training is a great way to stay fit. At the one-month mark, you may be able to introduce strength training. When you do, focus on lower-body exercises.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
If you are interested in breast augmentation, contact the team at Elise Min Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!
