Tag: when to start exercising after breast augmentation

Exercising after Breast Implants
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Exercising after Breast Implants

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

Standard Breast Surgery

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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

Medical References about Breast Implants Surgery

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt

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?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Recovery and Exercising After Breast Implants
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Recovery and Exercising After Breast Implants

Exercising after having a Boob Job – When to start exercising after Breast Implants

Breast augmentation, medically known as augmentation mammoplasty and informally known as a boob job, is a common cosmetic procedure performed to increase or change the size of the breast. The augmentation is done by placing implants or by transferring fat from other parts of the body. The implants, usually silicone-filled, can be placed either under the chest muscle or over the muscle.

Patients get breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. Many women choose the procedure to simply increase the size and volume of their breasts.

Breast augmentation surgery is a popular procedure. A boob job is also done for medical purposes to restore the natural look after a mastectomy. It can be also done to correct asymmetric breasts or to correct issues following a previous augmentation mammoplasty. It can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures like a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty or as part of upper body lift surgery.

 

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Recovery after breast augmentation surgery takes about four to six weeks on average. If you have been leading an active lifestyle before the surgery, you might want to keep the momentum and get back to it as soon as possible. One of the most asked questions is how soon can I exercise after a breast augmentation surgery?

There are a few things you need to keep in mind about exercising after breast augmentation surgery with implants. You need to give your body time to recover before resuming physical activity. It is important to understand the timeline of healing as well as follow the aftercare instruction given by your surgeon. Below we talk about recovery following a boob job, answer some of the most frequently asked questions exercising post-procedure, and offer some advice on speeding up your recovery time.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

Guide to Rapid Recovery

Rapid Recovery

Rapid Recovery

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Timeline for recovery after a breast augmentation surgery with implants

If you are concerned about what to expect after a boob job, we will make things simple for you. Here is a detailed breakdown for recovery following a successful breast augmentation surgery with implants:

1 – POST OP – What to expect immediately post-surgery?

You will be placed in the surgical postoperative room immediately after the procedure. You should rest while you recover from the effects of anaesthesia. You need to have someone to take you home after surgery. Arrange someone to help with household chores and take care of you for a few days after surgery.

2 – 1st 24 HRS – What is the first twenty-four hours post-surgery like?

For the first twenty-four hours after your boob job, you will experience soreness, fatigue, and tightness in your chest. You might feel some discomfort and pain. Take pain-relieving medications or muscle relaxants prescribed by your surgeon.

Following the implant surgery, you might experience a loss of sensation in the breast or even oversensitivity. You will also may notice bruises and swelling over your breast which is perfectly normal.

3 – 1st WEEK – What to expect during the first week?

Your implants will begin to settle in by the first postoperative week. The discomfort and pain will significantly subside within three to five days of surgery. Wear a fitted surgical bra recommended by your surgeon. You could also be given a stabilising strap that maintains the optimal position of your breasts and reduces the swelling.

The intensity of pain and discomfort will gradually subside.  The swelling and bruising will now be mild or non-existent. Keep your incisions clean and dry. Limit physical activity to gentle walks which promotes healing by encouraging an optimum blood flow. Check with your surgeon before showering, which can be generally be done after 2 to 3 days.

If you have been placed in the hospital, you will be cleared to go home 48 hours after the surgery. If you are at home, your surgeon may ask you to make a follow-up visit to the hospital for checking the wounds and changing the dressing.

4 – 2nd Week What happens in the second week after breast augmentation?

Expect to return to physically non-taxing jobs after the first week. It is normal to experience mild pain and itchiness in your breast, as the wound begins to heal.

You will be cleared for lower body workouts like stairs, squats, stationary bicycle, etc.

5 – 4th Week – What happens at 4 weeks after breast augmentation?

By the fourth week, discomfort, swelling, pain, and bruising will have subsided completely.

By the third month, you will start feeling normal.  You will be cleared for all high-impact exercises and swimming and your arm movements will be back to normal by this time.

Complete healing and thinning out of scar tissues will take around six months. Delay upper body workouts if your implants have not dropped.

So when do implants drop and fluff?

As your skin covering the breast stretches, the muscles begin to relax and the inflammation subsides, your implants will gradually move down and outwards. Fluff is when implants begin to fill the breast area below the nipple. This drop and fluff begins after the first few days of augmentation and will almost reach their final position by the sixth week. By the third month, the implants will have dropped, fluffed, and settled in completely.

How to know if I should stop exercising?

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned below, immediately stop exercising and seek advice from your surgeon:

  • Pain or numbness
  • Difficulty moving your arms
  • Bleeding
  • Significant bruising and swelling
  • Redness or rash in the breast area
  • Fever
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Sore, painful, non-healing wounds or reopening of the incision
  • Fluid or pus oozing out from the site of the incision
  • Implants are visible through the skin
  • An asymmetric appearance of the breast

How can I speed up my recovery after breast augmentation?

  • Quit smoking, as cigarettes delay wound healing
  • Wear the surgical bra recommended by your plastic surgeon. Avoid underwire bras for a minimum of six weeks after surgery
  • Sleep on your back
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause dehydration. This can increase your risk of infections, bleeding, and interaction with other medications
  • Keep your breast above water. Submerging your new implants in water may lead to infections
  • Give your body time to heal. Avoid strenuous exercise or picking up anything over 20 pounds for the first six weeks. Heavy lifting may put you at risk for bleeding, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues or the formation of a hematoma

The Dos and Don’ts after breast implant surgery

Some things that you should do:

  • Rest and recover
  • Eat healthy and nutritious meals
  • Massage your breasts gently, as instructed by your surgeon
  • Sleep on your back comfortably
  • Ask your surgeon about analgesic medication
  • Be patient, as recovery may take several weeks

Don’t:

  • Swim, or immerse in hot tubs and baths.
  • Smoke or drink alcohol.
  • Wear bras with underwires.
  • Update your wardrobe right away.
  • Raise your arms above your head as it may lead to bleeding from the incision sites. In the first post-operative week, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.

FAQs about Exercising after Breast Implant Surgery

Does exercise affect breast implants?

  • Exercising early on during the recovery period may affect the results of augmentation surgery. While light exercises improve blood circulation and the healing process, vigorous exercise can move the chest muscle. This may lead to shifting of the implants, causing asymmetry of the breast. Engaging in early exercise may also contribute to soreness, bruising, and swelling.

When can I work out after breast augmentation?

  • You should wait at least 6 weeks before working out, especially for high-intensity exercises.  Several factors influence your recovery and the time to resume exercise like the state of your overall health and nutrition status, type and size of your implants, age, condition of the incision,  to name a few. Always ask your surgeon when the right time is for you.

What happens if you exercise too soon after breast augmentation?

  • Working out too soon after breast augmentation can shift your implants, making your breasts asymmetrical. It may also lead to fluid build-up, swelling, bruising, or cause bleeding. Resuming exercise too early may also lead to undesired scar formation.

What exercise can I do 2 weeks after breast augmentation?

  • Gradually increase your activity levels while you are in recovery. You can perform light cardio activities 2 weeks after breast augmentation surgery. Do not let your heart rate increase significantly. You can do light walking, squats, leg weights and ride a stationary bike 2 weeks post-surgery.

Will running ruin my breast implants?

  • Female runners and fitness enthusiasts are concerned that running may ruin their breast implants. No, it won’t. But it is important to wait for your body to heal before you start running. The implants are durable and can withstand the physical stress that comes with sports activities.  Just make sure you wear a well-fitted sports bra. This will hold your new breasts in place, and keep them in proper shape and position.

Can I run 3 weeks after breast implants?

  • Running is not advised for 3-6 weeks following the surgery. This is a general guideline and the exact time frame depends upon the state of your recovery. Ensure that the incisions have healed before you take up running as sweating can increase the risk of infection. The new tissues around the implant should also be able to support your implant pocket. Always start gradually. Listen to your body and stop when you feel discomfort. Do not ignore any signs that your body is giving you.

Why can’t I lift my arms after breast augmentation?

  • Limited arm movement for the first 5 to 7 days following surgery is the general recommendation. Avoid overhead lifting and wear zip-up or button-up tops. You will be advised to keep your arms below your shoulder for about two weeks. Your body forms a capsule around the breast implant so that it remains secure in its place.

Can you lay on your side after a breast augmentation?

  • Sleeping on your sides or your stomach might cause too much pressure on your implants and the incisions. You need to sleep on your back with your head elevated at 45 degrees after surgery.

Further Reading about Breast Implant Surgery

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing 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?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.