One of the most exciting parts of breast augmentation surgery is the newfound confidence you will feel about your body. You may even feel eager or impatient to show off the results. But before you jump back into your fitness routine, it is important to find out when it will be safe to begin working out again. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales can teach you about the different kinds of exercises you can do at each stage of the breast augmentation recovery process.
Even though recovery is relatively short, try to treat yourself with extra care and avoid activities that could cause injury to your new breasts. We understand you might have some questions about how surgery will impact your ability to exercise after breast augmentation. When you visit Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, or schedule an online consultation, our educated staff will let you know what to expect. Our goal is to produce excellent results with the highest level of patient care.
Staying active after breast surgery
During the first few weeks of recovery, you will want to rest and let your body heal. However, this doesn’t mean you’re confined to the bed. Houston, TX patients can keep themselves moving with light activities, such as stretches or taking short walks. This is because lying down or sitting for too long can cause serious complications, like blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. Keeping the blood moving can speed the healing process in the breast area.
Be gentle with your arm mobility during this time as well. Patients should wait at least 1 – 2 weeks after breast augmentation before lifting their arms over their heads. You can, however, move your arms around periodically to prevent any stiffness. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any movement that causes discomfort or pain. If you have any questions, you can also call Morales Plastic Surgery to ask about your activity levels.
Light cardiovascular activities
After the first three weeks of breast augmentation recovery, you can start light exercise to get your heart rate up. Cardiovascular activities include stationary biking or walking on a treadmill. Your range of movement should continue to become more comfortable as time goes on. Continue to avoid strenuous upper-body exercise after breast surgery, such as weightlifting or push-ups, until you have been cleared by our office. Even though this stage of recovery is a great opportunity to build a new fitness routine in Houston, TX, it is best to be careful to ensure long-lasting results. Exercise after breast augmentation should come slow and naturally.
Full fitness
If you experienced any complications during breast augmentation recovery, your healing progress may take a little longer than others. Dr. Morales will perform a follow-up examination at our clinic to determine if you are healthy enough to perform certain activities again. At 4 – 6 weeks after breast surgery, you should be cleared to resume most exercises as normal. Many of our patients enjoy yoga, Pilates, running, and weightlifting. Be sure to listen to your body and avoid any excessive movements that could lead to further injury. If you have any concerns about exercise after breast surgery, feel free to ask Dr. Morales.
Protecting your breast augmentation results
The results of breast augmentation can last for many years. Even though saline and silicone implants are durable and safe medical devices, patients need to protect the area and watch out for signs of complications. In rare cases, individuals can develop a leak or rupture. Women with silicone implants should schedule regular MRIs every few years to check for these issues. Once the breast tissue has healed, only choose bras that fit well and give your augmented breasts the support they need. The right bra can prevent excessive bouncing and movement during exercise and limit the impact gravity has on breasts.
Learn more about breast augmentation recovery
You should discuss your lifestyle and typical workout regimen with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales during your breast implant consultation in Houston, TX. We can evaluate the kinds of activities you participate in and let you know how breast augmentation will impact you. Morales Plastic Surgery will also help you understand the long-term effects of breast implants in your body.
For expert guidance about exercise after breast augmentation, contact our office today to schedule your in-person visit or virtual consultation. We focus on creating beautiful, natural-looking results that boost your confidence. Our facility has years of expertise performing cosmetic procedures for the face and body while helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
FAQs
During the initial week following breast surgery, it is crucial to prioritize rest and limit physical activity. Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking around the house, is generally recommended. It's important to avoid cardio that elevates the heart rate, as well as strength training exercises.
What exercises can you do after breast augmentation? ›
Patients should start light walking immediately after surgery – nothing strenuous, just short walks around the room or home every other hour. This is good for the circulation and helps prevent blood clots. After two weeks, patients can start more intense cardio such as walking on a treadmill or walking uphill.
Can I do squats after breast augmentation? ›
In the first 4 weeks after surgery, Dr. Williams recommends lower body exercise. Any type of leg exercise including lunges, leg presses, and squats (without weights) are fine. Light to moderate cardio can also be performed, such as walking, stationary cycling, and the elliptical (without the arms).
When can I lift my arms after breast augmentation? ›
For at least 2 weeks after your breast augmentation, you should avoid lifting. This will allow your body to heal and lower risk of bleeding or moving of the implants. Ideally we ask you to wait until 6 weeks after surgery to lift anything heavy, but we also know the reality of life with a toddler.
Can I do push ups with breast implants? ›
When choosing to go under the muscle, we highly recommend to avoid strenuous chest exercises such as push ups, pull ups, bench presses, etc. Doing these types of exercises cause your muscles to contract.
When can I lift my arms to wash my hair after breast augmentation? ›
You should also avoid lifting your arms repeatedly above your head for the first two weeks after surgery, and avoid all upper arm exercises for 12 weeks.
When can I lift 20 pounds after breast augmentation? ›
This means weightlifting should be postponed until 6-8 weeks after surgery. Getting the green light from the surgeon at a follow-up visit can ensure the body is ready for this type of movement.
How do I keep my breasts perky after augmentation? ›
How to Keep Your Breast Implants Perky
- Wear properly fitted bras. Push-up bras can do more harm than good for your breasts. ...
- Watch your posture. ...
- Sleep on your back. ...
- Take good care of your skin. ...
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Top Don'ts
Don't perform any heavy lifting, carrying or pushing in the first few weeks after your Houston breast augmentation surgery. For mothers, this includes not picking up or carrying your small children and heavy purses.
When can you do core workouts after breast augmentation? ›
3-4 Weeks After Breast Augmentation in Phoenix, AZ
You can also begin the gentle transition from leg and thigh stretches to lower-body strength exercises. In addition, you can ease yourself into doing some core exercises, as long as you avoid straining or adding excessive pressure to your chest.
Getting plenty of rest and sleep is vital for allowing your body to heal correctly after breast augmentation surgery. Sleep supports the immune system and aids in tissue repair, so be sure to give your body the rest it needs.
How long do I have to sleep upright after breast surgery? ›
We recommend sleeping on your back and a little elevated (like in a recliner chair) for the first 3 weeks after surgery. Gravity in this situation pulls the swelling downward and away from the implants. If you sleep flat then the excess fluid does not drain and the swelling will persist.
Can you use your arms too much after breast augmentation? ›
Arm Limitations
It is easy to tear out these stitches early on, so it is vital that no strenuous arm activity be performed for several weeks; this includes putting your arms over your head for the first three weeks. So, avoid pullover shirts for that period of time.
What exercises are not to do with breast implants? ›
Avoid strenuous weight lifting or intense cardio such as sprinting until your surgeon advises it is safe. Even when completely healed, wear bras with plenty of support during exercise with implants.
Can I do planks with breast implants? ›
Those with over-the-muscle implants can incorporate yoga, pushups, planks, swimming, and weights into their exercise routine. Those with under-the-muscle implants must be more cautious. Our patients can generally return to normal workout activity between 6 – 8 weeks, including weight lifting and chest exercises.
Can I do pull-ups with breast implants? ›
What exercises should you avoid after breast implants? To prevent potential strain or injury, it is advisable for patients to refrain from engaging in upper body activities such as push-ups, pull-ups, dips, specific yoga poses, and certain Pilates movements that require balancing body weight with the arms.
How soon after breast surgery can you exercise? ›
Many surgeons agree that it is better to take a scaled approach, beginning with walking and avoiding anything strenuous for at least the first two weeks. Hadeed advises that you can start moving quickly after surgery: "I recommend that patients should start walking immediately after surgery."
Can I do AB workouts after breast augmentation? ›
Abdominal muscle workouts are fine, as are leg workouts- glutes, gastrocnemius muscles, semitendinosus muscles, all of the basics of the leg's muscular structure. Just as long as you don't exercise the chest.
Can I do planks after breast augmentation? ›
Four to six weeks after your implants are placed, you can exercise without restrictions for over-the-muscle implants and with minimal restrictions for under-the-muscle implants. Those with over-the-muscle implants can incorporate yoga, pushups, planks, swimming, and weights into their exercise routine.
