TO FIX – Guide to Exercise after Breast Augmentation or Boob Job

Exercise after Breast Augmentation FAQs

What should I expect after the surgery?

The procedure commonly results in days or even weeks of swelling. Also, the expected downtime is 1-2 months depending on the extent of the surgery and your healing ability. It is recommended that you should always wear a compression bra during your workouts. This will help support the weight of your new breast implants.

How long does it take before your implant settles?

After the procedure, your implant will settle. “Drop and fluff” is the movement of the implant. This happens as the skin stretches and the tissues reposition after the surgery. Implants commonly drop in a few weeks and reach their final position in a few months. It may take 3 months for the implants to integrate properly into their environment and achieve stability.

How long does it take before the muscles completely relax after the surgery?

After the surgery, your chest muscles are usually tight. It causes the implant to be pushed toward the ribs which may result in a feeling of tightness. The swelling is expected to completely disappear in 2 months. At this time, the muscles will start to relax. It may take up to 6 months for the results of the surgery to be final.

What happens if you exercise too soon after breast augmentation?

Exercise is essential for blood circulation, especially after surgery, as it helps prevent the formation of blood clots. It also allows the blood to carry out important nutrients and immune cells to the treated area. On the other hand, too much exercise after the procedure is harmful. It may result in poor outcomes and an increased risk of complications. Engaging in early exercise after the procedure can affect the results of breast augmentation. Movements from your chest muscles during the early recovery period are discouraged. Too much use of these muscles might result in the shifting of the implant. This can cause breast asymmetry as the implant moves outward or downward. It may also contribute to increased swelling, bruising, and soreness. Undesired scar formation can also develop.

When can I work out after breast augmentation?

It is important to keep in mind that every patient is different. Each treatment plan is customised to suit the needs of each patient. Therefore, you should follow the postoperative instructions that will be provided by your surgeon.

Several factors can affect your recovery and the timeline of when to resume exercise. These include the following:

• • How you care for your body after the surgery
  • The incision site
  • The size and type of your breast implants
  • The surgical placement of your implants
  • Your desired results
  • Your nutrition
  • Your overall health
  • Your skin condition

In general, you will need to wait at least 6 weeks or more before resuming high-intensity exercise. When doing so, you will need to wear a support bra to prevent complications.

When should I stop exercising?

You should stop exercising and consult with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms:

• • • Bleeding
    • Chest wall deformity
    • Delayed wound healing
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Difficulty moving your arms
    • Fever
    • Fluid accumulation in the incision sites
    • Implants that can be seen through the skin
    • Noticeable breast asymmetry
    • Numbness
    • Pain in your breasts
    • Pus draining from the surgical site
    • Rash on the breast area
    • Reopening of the surgical wound
    • Severe redness in the breast area
    • Significant swelling and bruising
    • Wrinkling of the implant that can be felt through the skin

What exercises should I avoid?

These are some exercises that you should avoid unless approved by your surgeon. These include the following:

• • • Bench presses
    • Exercises that include bouncing and jumping
    • Heavy lifting
    • Push-ups and pull-ups
    • Squats
    • Yoga poses that put stress on your chest muscles

Can weight gain affect my implants?

Breast implants have fixed sizes. Weight gain and loss won’t affect their sizes. However, significant weight changes can affect the way how your breasts look. Gaining too much weight can push your implants in any direction. It may affect the overall size, symmetry, shape, and texture of the breast. To avoid this, it is recommended that you should maintain a healthy weight. This can be achieved by eating healthy foods and performing the right exercises.

What exercise can I do 2 weeks after breast augmentation?

You can gradually increase your activity level as you recover from the surgery. Depending on the type of the surgery, you can perform light cardio activities 2 weeks after your breast augmentation. These include light walking and cycling on a stationary bike. Make sure not to significantly increase your heart rate. Sweating or too much pressure on your incision lines can lead to infection and reopening of the wound.

Does exercise affect breast implants?

Yes, some exercises can put too much strain on your chest which can lead to complications. The breast implants may shift out of position, affecting the shape of the breasts. To prevent complications, it is best to listen to your surgeon’s advice before resuming your exercise routine. This also helps prevent the need for another surgery to address poor clinical outcomes.

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

With fresh implants, you will not be allowed to lift your arms. Your surgeon will advise you to keep your arms below the level of the shoulder for about 2 weeks. This allows the capsule to form around the implant to secure it in place. Lifting your arms above shoulder level can cause the implant to move out of the pocket.

What should I do after breast augmentation?

Before you go home, your surgeon will provide you with aftercare instructions to follow to help you heal faster. These include the following:

• • • Avoid alcoholic beverages.
    • Avoid smoking.
    • Avoid strenuous activities and tasks that require lifting your arms above shoulder level.
    • Avoid taking supplements or medications that can increase your risk of bleeding.
    • Avoid wearing a bra that has an underwire.
    • Clean the surgical wound and change dressings as instructed by your surgeon.
    • Take your prescribed medication on time.
    • Wear your support bra at all times.

Can you lay on your side after a breast augmentation?

Following your surgery, you should sleep on your back as sleeping on your side can place extra pressure on your incision sites. This can affect the wound healing process and may cause the wound to reopen. If this happens, you will need another surgery.

What happens at 4 weeks post-breast augmentation?

It is important to keep in mind that the recovery time may vary from patient to patient. This will greatly depend on the extent of the surgery, the type of implant, your body type, and your desired results. At 4 weeks post-op, swelling, bruising, or pain should subside completely. You can resume normal exercise gradually but you should avoid activities that target the chest as they can lead to undesirable outcomes.

Will running ruin my breast implants?

In most cases, your surgeon will place the breast implants underneath your chest wall muscles if you are physically active. The chest muscles secure the implant in place. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your body type, lifestyle, and expectations to create a customised treatment plan specific to your needs.

Can I run 3 weeks after breast implants?

Most surgeons recommend that you should wait at least 2-3 weeks before running to allow the implants to settle. This also helps prevent complications. Your surgeon will give you a specific timeline of recovery before you go home. This will help you gain an understanding of what activities to do or avoid as you heal.

Read our Breast Augmentation FAQs – All Your Questions Answered.