When can I exercise after a Breast Augmentation?
Blood circulation is essential for recovery, especially after surgery, as this improves the healing process and prevents the formation of blood clots. With increased blood circulation, nutrients and immune cells can effectively reach the treated area.
Exercising your chest muscles in the early stages of recovery can, however, affect the result of breast augmentation. Too much movement of these muscles can move the implant which can cause asymmetry.
Dr Turner recommends all patients to be up and walking around within the first 48 hours after surgery. Light walks outside in the first week are also recommended, keeping in mind your incision sites. While your incisions are healing, it is important to keep them as clean and dry as possible to prevent infection and promote recovery.
The Timeline to Exercise
Although Dr Turner does give a guide as to when you may begin working out, it is important to remember that each patient and case is different, and therefore each recovery plan differs too. You should always follow the postoperative instructions specifically provided to you by your surgeon.
Dr Turner recommends that patients begin light movement within 48 hours of surgery. This may look different to everyone but usually involves being up and walking around the house, maybe a light stretch of the legs and getting some sunlight.
During the first week of recovery, patients must get outside to go for some light walks. This will get the blood pumping, but not use too much of your energy which your body is preserving for healing.
In the following weeks, cardio may be increased slightly. This may include some longer walks or cycling on a stationary bike. Make sure to not significantly increase your heart rate. Sweating or too much pressure on your incision lines can lead to infection and reopening of the wound.
At 3 months post-op, some light upper-body movements may be introduced. At this stage, most patients have made substantial progress in their recovery. If you are ever unsure which movements are okay, please don’t hesitate to call Dr Turner’s practice on 1300 437 758 to consult with one of our nurses. You can resume normal exercise gradually, but you should avoid activities that target the chest as they can lead to implant displacement.
Six months post-op is when patients should feel as though they have regained full range of movement in their chest and upper body, incisions have healed, and they may have begun laser scar treatments. From this point on, most patients feel as though they have healed well and have no concerns exercising, however, if Dr Turner has given you a specific treatment plan be sure to follow this.
Factors that may impact your road to recovery and exercise
Several factors can affect your recovery time and the timeline of when you can resume exercise, these can include:
- The size of your implants
- Your incision site and size
- The type of breast implant
- Your overall health
- Your skin condition
- Your nutrition
- Your exercise regime and fitness level prior to surgery
- If you smoke
Exercising After Breast Augmentation FAQ’s
When should I stop exercising?
If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms while exercising after surgery, please contact Dr Turner’s clinic on 1300 437 758:
- Bleeding from your incision sites
- Delayed wound healing
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness
- Fever
- Fluid accumulation at incision sites
- Noticeable breast asymmetry following exercise
- Sharp shooting pain in breasts
- Re-opening of the surgical wound
- Rash or itchiness on breasts
- Pus draining from incision sites
- Significant swelling and bruising
Which exercises should I avoid?
In the initial months of recovery, unless approved by your surgeon, please avoid:
- Bench press
- Exercises that include bouncing and jumping
- Heavy lifting
- Push and pull-ups
- Squats with a barbell
- Yoga poses that stretch the chest muscles
How long will it take for my implants to settle?
After the procedure, your implant will settle into the breast pocket. “Drop and fluff” is the movement of the implant in which it finds a more natural position to settle. 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. Once they are fully settled after 3 months, the bottom part of the breast will appear rounder.
How long will it take before my chest muscles completely relax after surgery?
After the surgery, your chest muscles will be tight. It causes the implant to be pushed towards the ribs which may result in a feeling of tautness. 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 final results of the surgery to become noticeable.
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 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.
Read our Breast Augmentation FAQs – All Your Questions Answered.
