Women undergoing breast surgeries wish to plan their post-op recovery in advance and often wish to know how soon they can begin working out after a breast augmentation. This is a very common question for us, as people like to remain fit and active, so returning to a normal routine is important for our patients.
Here at Mr Ross’ practice, we are committed to providing the best possible aftercare instructions post breast augmentation; therefore, while general guidelines will be given today, we will be able to deliver a more accurate timeline for your journey back into exercising after your boob job.
Breast Augmentation Case Studies
The Implants Early Healing Stage
If implants are placed under the muscle, it is important to rest the pectoral muscles for the first 4-6 weeks post-operation.
If anatomical implants have been used, then it is important to let the scarring around the implant develop and for the capsule to form in an anatomical position.
Sometimes flexibility is required as healing and recovery after surgery cannot always be predicted, and everyone is different. Be sure not to lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar and not to lift your arms above your head within the first 2 weeks.
Exercise After a Boob Job
As a general rule, it is best to avoid exercise after a boob job but also any lifting or strenuous moving within the first 2 weeks. After this, one can start very light exercising. The best initial exercises are leg-based, and cycling is often a good way to get back into the swing of things and engage in cardiovascular exercise.
Each breast surgery has a different timeline for healing and when it is safe to resume working out after breast augmentation.
Upper Body Exercise
Exercises using the chest, shoulder and back muscles are best avoided. After 4 weeks, gently restarting your regular upper body exercise is often possible. No weight loss should be done until 6 weeks.
If you are unsure when it’s safe to resume upper body exercises, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Weight Lifting
You can resume working out after breast augmentation surgery with weights after 6 weeks post-operation. Using weights too soon can cause strain on the muscle and may reopen incisions.
When you begin to use weights again, start off with light weights, short reps and shorter sets, and gradually build up.
Cardio
Cardio is an excellent form of exercise and can be done in multiple ways that won’t affect the healing process. Cardio in the form of steppers, cycling, and walking is the most recommended between weeks 2 and 6, with a very gentle introduction.
We wouldn’t recommend running till after 6 weeks, as beforehand this can disturb the tissues.
Yoga
Light forms of yoga are good to keep the body moving; however, certain exercises and stretches within yoga can pull open stitches and disrupt healing. Therefore, dependent on which moves you are doing will dictate when you can resume yoga.
Side Effects To Expect
Often when getting back into exercise after a boob job, women find that breast implants can feel a different temperature and often can feel stretching pains, especially towards the armpit.
Chest pains around the inframammary incision are also common, and these usually settle. After the 6-week stage, you should be able to continue your normal pre-operation routine. You may still get some discomfort at this time. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with us or your surgeon.
Asking Questions During Your Journey
Throughout your cosmetic surgery journey, you will be able to ask any queries you have. The process should be as simple and easy for you as possible. The question regarding exercise after a boob job is one of the most common questions in breast augmentation surgery, and although there is a lot of advice on the internet, it is important to discuss your individualised requirements with Mr. Ross.
