During consultations with patients seeking breast augmentations, one of the questions our Raleigh plastic surgeon is asked frequently is when they can exercise after breast augmentation. Many of our patients work out regularly and don’t want a procedure to stand in the way of staying fit and healthy. If you’re wondering what the downtime looks like after getting breast implants, we’re sharing some guidelines and best practices to help you stay fit while also staying safe.
The First Few Days After Breast Augmentation
The first five days or so after your surgery should be devoted to resting and healing. You should have prescription pain medication to help control pain and discomfort, but there will also be a bit of swelling and pressure. During this time, it’s important to rest, but that doesn’t mean you need to be on bed rest. In fact, your doctor will most likely recommend you get up frequently throughout the day to walk around your home or do light tasks. This includes things like preparing a light meal, taking a shower and washing your hair, or checking the mail.
By getting up and about, you’ll regain your range of motion more quickly without straining the healing area. Also, getting blood flow throughout your body reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis and improves healing by sending oxygenated blood through your body.
What you want to avoid are things like long walks or jogging or activities that strain your upper body, like push-ups or carrying heavy or bulky objects. This is especially important if you had implants placed under the muscle (sub-muscular or subpectoral placement, rather than sub-glandular). Not only are you likely to injure yourself, but muscle contractions can shift the implants, causing them to displace before they have settled into their permanent position.
One thing to remember is to go at your comfort level. This isn’t a race, so you don’t need to try and rush through recovery, and if an activity causes discomfort, talk to your physician during your follow-up appointments.
Exercising and Activity Two Weeks After Breast Augmentation
After the first two or three weeks, you will most likely be cleared for light activity, including going back to work. Because the breasts are still healing, it’s still important to abstain from more intensive exercising, especially anything that strains or stresses the upper body or results in excessive breast movement. Examples of what kind of exercise to avoid would include running, swimming, or high-intensity interval training that includes burpees or pushups.
Fitness and Working Out Six Weeks Post-Procedure
Generally, your surgeon will clear you between four and six weeks to resume most activity, including swimming and lifting weights. However, they may recommend you wait a bit longer to hit the gym if you plan on doing strenuous workouts or intensive strength training. During follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon, be sure to discuss your fitness goals and the activities you want to return to, and see if it’s safe to begin them.
Again, even if your doctor clears you, it’s important to listen to your body and go at your comfort level. If you feel pain or heaviness around your breasts, hold off or discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Augmentation in Raleigh
If you’re considering having breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with our Raleigh board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ortiz today. He’s helped countless women reach their goals and feel more confident in their looks and figure. During your initial consultation, he’ll discuss your lifestyle and fitness practices with you to help determine the best placement for implants and factor in long-term effects on how the procedure can impact you. To schedule a consultation, call us at 919-532-2270 or fill out the form below to get started!
