Exercising After Breast Augmentation Surgery – FAQs

Dr Scott Turner - FRACS (Plas)

For patients planning to have breast surgery, one of the most common questions they ask Breast Expert and Plastic Surgeon Dr Scott Turner is “When can I exercise after implant surgery?” or “When can I go back to the gym?

Your recovery time and optimal results depend on closely following your surgeon’s instructions and allowing adequate time to rest and heal. Not only healing the incision scar but the deep surgery done inside. Please avoid early stress and strain on your incisions caused by returning too early to the gym or vigorous exercise. You can ruin all your hard work and efforts.

Recovering after Breast Surgery

What should I do after breast augmentation?

Before you go home, Dr Turner will provide you with aftercare instructions to follow to help you heal faster. Please follow his instructions closely. These can include the following:

  • Avoid smoking for at least 6 weeks.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages.
  • 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 medications on time.
  • Wear your support bra religiously.

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. This is to give the body enough time to heal. Although you are expected to rest within this time, it doesn’t restrict you from all your activities. However, 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. It also prevents unnecessary bouncing during movements.

Should I lift my arms after breast augmentation surgery?

With fresh implants, you should limit lifting your arms. Dr Turner will advise you to keep your arms below 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.

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 towards the ribs that 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 muscles to fully relax and stretch – known as dropping and fluffing.

FAQs about Exercise after Breast Surgery

What happens if you exercise too soon after breast augmentation?

Gentle Exercise is helpful for blood circulation, especially after surgery. This assists the healing process and can prevent the formation of blood clots. It also allows the blood to carry important nutrients and immune cells to the treated area. On the other hand, too much exercise after the procedure is harmful. It can result in poor outcomes and an increased risk of complications.

Engaging in exercise too early 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 the muscles might result in the shifting of the implant. This will cause an asymmetrical and unnatural shape of the breast as the implant moves outward or downward. It may also contribute to increased swelling, bruising, and soreness. Undesired scar formation can also develop. To avoid this, chest exercises such as push-ups and pull-ups should be delayed and done in moderation.

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 your needs. Therefore, you should follow the postoperative instructions that will be provided by Dr Turner.

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 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 before resuming high-intensity exercise. When doing so, you will need to wear a support bra to maintain the result of the procedure and prevent complications.

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.

What exercises should I avoid?

These are some exercises that you should avoid after breast augmentation 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
  • Swinging Kettle Bells

Although it might “feel good” to exercise post-surgery you can be doing damage to your incisions.

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, resulting in misshapen breasts or opening incisions. To prevent complications, it is best to listen to Dr Turner’s advice before resuming your exercise routine. This also helps prevent the need for another surgery to address poor clinical outcomes.

Danger Signals when exercising – When should I stop exercising?

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

  • Bleeding
  • Difficulty moving your arms
  • Fluid accumulation in the incision sites
  • 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

Medical Benefits of Exercising After Breast Augmentation Surgery – Research Evidence

A convincing number of studies suggest that early mobilization through exercising can have a positive impact on your recovery following breast augmentation surgery.

In one study, researchers evaluated a total of 115 patients with breast cancer who underwent breast reconstructive surgery. The patients underwent short-term shoulder immobilization for a period of 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the patients were instructed to undergo a self-exercise program. During this time, shoulder mobility, pain levels, quality of life, and complication rates were assessed. After 1 to 2 months, patients who received early rehabilitation with a self-exercise program demonstrated greater shoulder flexion and abduction range.

The effects of early range-of-motion (ROM) exercises were investigated in breast cancer patients who had a mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts) and immediate implant-based reconstruction. In this study, the patients immediately started to perform the exercises a day after the surgery. The patients performed the exercises with shoulder ROM limited to ninety degrees. After two weeks, the patients were grouped into two:

  1. Patients who were permitted to do free-range shoulder exercises until they are limited by the pain.
  2. Patients who were instructed to limit shoulder ROM to ninety degrees.

It was found that the patients who performed free-range shoulder exercises demonstrated less pain, greater shoulder range, and better upper limb function than the group who performed limited shoulder ROM exercises. The researchers, therefore, concluded that immediate implant-based reconstruction in patients who had a mastectomy is safe and beneficial with regards to kinetic-functional recovery and pain control.

In another study, the effects of breast augmentation on the function of the pectoralis major (a thick, fan-shaped chest muscle) were assessed in athletic women. The study included 20 female athletes who regularly undergo weight training at least 6 hours per week. The subjects had breast augmentation and were instructed to fill out a 1-page questionnaire assessing exercise performance, pain levels, and breast appearance after the surgery. Five of 13 women reported increased ability to perform exercises without any pain. In addition, most of the women reported a high satisfaction rate with breast augmentation regardless of the location of the implant.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

  • Enquire to find out more about your surgery
  • Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

  • A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
  • Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
  • Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
  • Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

How to Book Your Consultation

  • You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

  • To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2

Contact us or call on  1300 437 758  to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information:  enquiries@drturner.com.au