Exercise Timeline for Breast Augmentation with Implants Surgery
One of the key questions that patients aspiring to get breast augmentation surgery ask is “when can I start exercising after breast implants”? In this blog, we are going to discuss all the details about working out after a breast implant surgery.
To give you an idea, you can start light walking around the house upon your return home. It is highly recommended to kick start the healing process and prevent the formation of blood clots. You can ask someone to assist you with walking for the first few days. Once the initial two weeks are over, you can start cardio exercises such as walking on a treadmill and walking uphill.
In about a month after the surgery, most patients are able to perform all sorts of exercises except for heavy lifting. Once the initial six to eight weeks have passed, patients can resume all sorts of workouts and exercises (provided that Dr Hunt gives you a go).
Dr Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon who performs breast surgery procedures in Sydney NSW. His techniques aim to bring out optimal results and reduce the recovery period.
Guide to Breast Surgery
Standard Breast Surgery
Listen to Your Body after Breast Implants Surgery
If your implants are placed under the muscle, you need to stay clear of strenuous exercises that involve chest muscles such as pushups. As your implant is sitting under the muscle, any form of contraction will put pressure and this can lead to the displacement of implants. As a general rule of thumb, it is important to listen to your body while working out. If something is causing extreme discomfort, you need to stop it asap and give your body more time to heal.
You should know that implants allow you to have a healthy and active lifestyle. During the consultation, Dr Hunt offers his patients complete guidelines regarding working out safely post the surgery. It is important to let your body heal fully before jumping on your regular exercise routine. With that being said, it is also of critical importance to wear the right, supportive garments.
Exercise Timeline for Breast Implant Surgery
While every single person is different and will heal at a different pace, it is important to have a general idea of what to expect post-surgery and when is the right time to start incorporating exercise into your day-to-day life. Without further ado, let’s get started:
1. The First Few Days After Breast Augmentation
You need to dedicate a few days after the surgery to rest and heal. During this time frame, you will be on prescription medicine to control pain and discomfort. You will also be experiencing swelling and pressure. While it is very important to rest, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in your bed the whole day. It is recommended to take short, frequent walks around the house. Do not go at a fast pace and rest when you feel tired. Other things like preparing a quick meal, taking a shower, combing out your hair, and checking your mail are all fine to do and help you feel better.
This simple activity will enable you to gain your range of motion quickly without putting excessive strain on the incision site. Light activities and walking will promote blood flow throughout the body and minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis and blood clotting.
For the first few days, you need to avoid long walks, jogging, or any kind of activity that can put a strain on your body. Avoid carrying anything heavy as well especially if your implants are placed under the muscle. Not only you will increase the chances of injury but will also risk displacement of implants.
2. Exercising and Activity Two Weeks After Breast Augmentation
Once the initial two to three weeks are over, most patients are cleared for light activity. This is the time when you will be going back to work, provided that you don’t have a physically demanding job. It is important to stay clear of all exercises that can lead to straining and stressing of the body or involve your upper chest. Stay clear of running, swimming, high-intensity interval training and heavy lifting.
3. Exercising and Working Out Six Weeks Post-Procedure
If everything goes well and you are healing at the right pace, you will be cleared to do most activities between weeks 4 to 6. In some cases, you will be cleared post 8 weeks which is perfectly normal. Once you are healed, you can perform all your normal exercises. However, it is important to start slow and gradually build your strength and pace. If at any point while working out, you feel tired or exhausted, it is important to take a break right away.
Exercises to Try After Breast Implant Surgery
Now that you know more details about recovery timeline, it is time to look at some of the exercises that are suitable after breast augmentation:
· Walking
One of the easiest things you can incorporate into your daily routine is walking. You can start doing it regularly after the first week. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and start with a light walk for around 10 to 15 minutes. Gradually build up your duration and pace. Once the initial two weeks have passed, you can also start with a stationary bike. Again, do it at a slow pace and listen to your body. If at any point, if you feel that you are overexerting yourself, you should take a break and drink some water.
· Shoulder Rolls
You can start doing shoulder rolls within the first week of your surgery. It will help with the stiffness that surrounds your shoulders and neck post the surgery. Here is how to do shoulder rolls:
- Relax your shoulders
- Slowly roll your shoulders forward a few times
- Then, roll your shoulders backwards
- While you are rolling your shoulders backward, make sure to squeeze the shoulder blades back
- Take a deep breath with every single roll
- Start with 5 rolls and gradually build it up to 10
· Shoulder Wings
You can start doing shoulder wings once the first two weeks have passed. Here is how to do it:
- First, place your hands on your chest and slowly raise your elbows to the side
- Slowly lower your elbows down. Do not push yourself too hard
- Conclude the exercise by raising your elbows higher to a point where you feel a gentle stretch
- You shouldn’t feel any discomfort while doing this exercise. If you are, stop the exercise and take a break. You can do this 10 times a day
· Leg Workouts
Once the initial four weeks have passed, you can start doing leg workouts. You can do any form of leg workout as long as they don’t put a strain on your upper body. Here are a few types that will work amazingly well for you after breast implant surgery:
Squats – We all know how great squats are for your butt. What you might not know is that squats are great for your legs as well. They won’t put pressure your upper body, which is also great.
Lunges – Another great exercise is lunges. They work your thighs, abs, and butt simultaneously. It is a complete workout for your lower body
Step-Ups – Think of step-ups as squats that involve one leg only. This exercise is efficient in toning your thighs and hips. All you need is a raised platform. Make sure to step on the centre of the platform to avoid putting too much pressure on your knees.
· Light Weights
Once you are fully healed and Dr Hunt gives you a go to start lifting weights, you can incorporate light weights into your workout routine. If you are not a fan of lifting weights, you can also do Pilates and other forms of workouts that involve your own body weight. Once Dr Hunt clears you for exercise, weights won’t harm the results of the surgery in any way. On the other hand, they can tone up your body.
Breast Surgery Risks & Recommendations: High-Intensity Activities
Certain exercises are more intense than others. Most of these workouts involve the use of large muscle groups. While high-intensity workouts burn more calories, the recommendation is to start with shorter workouts and increase your overall fitness levels.
Some of the high-intensity exercises include jogging, running, tennis, horseback riding, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), step aerobics, climbing stairs, and plyometric exercise.
Risks of High-Intensity Exercise after Getting Breast Implants
Most high-intensity workouts involve fast movements and up and down motions. It can be quite strenuous and taxing on the upper body. Starting such workouts too soon can slow down the recovery process.
After breast augmentation surgery, the tissues around the breasts need to heal in order to achieve satisfactory results. If you start working out too soon, it might lead to wound opening or implant displacement.
Other side effects include implants shifting out of the pocket which can result in the distorted appearance of implants. Even after you have recovered fully, make sure to wear supportive workout garments to support your breasts when performing any form of high-intensity workout.
Putting too much pressure on the chest muscles can lead to pain, dislodging your implants, bleeding around incisions, and a prolonged recovery phase. Always consult Dr Hunt prior to resuming your regular exercise routine. If you dislodge or shift the breast implant, it will lead to breast revision surgery.
Tips for Exercising after a Breast Augmentation Surgery
You need to consider less intense workouts during the first-month post-surgery. Make sure to hold off on high-intensity workouts for at least six weeks or more based on the advice of Dr Hunt. Prevention is always better than cure. Your breasts need more support at this point than you are used to. Make sure to invest in a good quality sports bra before resuming working out.
Further Reading about Breast Implants Surgery
- Read Dr Hunt’s Breast Augmentation with Implants Surgery page
- Read Dr Hunt’s Breast Procedures page
- See Dr Hunt’s Real Patient Breast Augmentation with Implants Before and After Photos
Medical References about Breast Implants Surgery
- Breast augmentation recovery – what you need to know
- How long is the recovery for a breast augmentation?
- What to expect after your breast augmentation surgery
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
