If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, you might have questions about healing. How long will it take to get back to an active lifestyle? For many women, exercise is an important part of life that helps to improve health and wellness and supports a positive mood and outlook. If you are wondering how long after breast augmentation you can begin working out again, we’re here to help.
Breast augmentation surgery is a popular and very common surgery. In fact, it’s one of the most widely performed cosmetic surgery procedures. Also referred to as a “boob job,” breast augmentation surgery can involve a breast implant, fat transfer, or both. Dr. Cat has performed hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries and has developed a gentle technique which minimizes scarring allowing for an efficient recovery.
Walking After Breast Augmentation
Walking will be your first transition to doing normal activities after breast augmentation surgery. It’s a good idea to reserve about a week for rest and relaxation after surgery. Post-surgery, the team at Dr. Cat’s Beverly Hills office will provide you with a supportive recovery bra to wear as you heal. This will help minimize movement of the breasts as the incisions heal. During the first two weeks, you’ll want to minimize your arm movements, keeping your arms at your sides and not reaching, as this can engage chest muscles which need to heal and stretch to accommodate the breast implant.
After a week of rest, you will be able to begin walking around again for extended periods of time. It’s best to listen to your body and take it slow. You will notice that each day you’ll regain a bit more stamina and comfort as your body heals.
Weight Training After Breast Augmentation
Yes, you can lift weights after breast augmentation surgery. However, you will need to wait a few weeks. Some women shy away from breast augmentation surgery because they believe there are some physical activities that they will no longer be able to do. Because breast implant surgery involves the pectoral muscles, this area needs time to heal. But once your muscles, tissue and skin have healed after surgery, you are free to resume your normal activities, or take up new ones! That certainly can involve weight training, which is a great way to build stronger muscles and bones and support overall wellness. Just look at professional female bodybuilders for inspiration. There are several who have shared their success stories after breast augmentation.
Some patients ask me if there is a correlation between developing capsular contracture and heavy weight lifting, but this is not the case. Capsular contracture is associated with bacterial contamination of the implants or sometimes bleeding around them.
When Can I Lift Weights After Breast Implants?
Dr. Cat always recommends that patients wait at least six weeks before attempting any type of vigorous workout. This is the minimum time you should wait, but it’s always best to listen to your body. Start slow, with lower weights than you might typically use. Begin with exercises that focus on your arms and legs, before working out your chest muscles. If something feels uncomfortable, stop, don’t push your body. Post-surgery, you can always check in with Dr. Cat’s team with questions as you move through your recovery period.
When Can I Run After Breast Augmentation?
Between four to six weeks, you can begin running again after breast augmentation surgery. You will need to wear your surgical bra for four weeks after your breast augmentation surgery, but once you are cleared, you can begin to wear sports bras for support while working out. Again, you’ll want to start slow, and give yourself time to adjust to your new breast size and shape. Don’t expect to go back to your old running time and pace as soon as you begin running again.
Exercises to Avoid After Breast Augmentation
During the first four to six months post-breast augmentation surgery, there are some exercises that you will want to avoid. These exercises mostly involve stressing and straining the chest muscles and bouncing of the breasts. Here’s a few exercises you’ll want to avoid in the months after your breast augmentation. This is not a comprehensive list of every exercise to avoid, just a rundown of some common exercises:
- Pull-ups/Chin-ups
- Push-ups
- Golf Club Swinging
- Shoulder Presses
- Rowing
- Jumping Jacks
- Kettlebell or Battle Rope exercises
It’s important to note that you won’t always have to avoid these exercises. As your body heals, you’ll be able to add exercises to your workout routine and before you know it, you’ll be back to your usual workout regime. If there is a specific workout move you’re wondering about, you can always reach out to your post-surgery team for guidance.
Yoga After Breast Augmentation
Although yoga is low-impact, it may be best to wait at least six weeks before returning to any yoga practice post breast augmentation. This is because yoga can involve a great deal of muscle stretching, bending and weight-bearing on the arms/chest. All of these moves can put stress on your healing muscles and incision area.
Ab Exercises After Breast Augmentation
Six weeks after your breast augmentation surgery, you can resume abdominal exercises such as sit-ups and crunches. Just be sure that these exercises isolate the ab muscles and avoid using the chest muscles.
Finally, remember to listen to your body. By allowing your body to heal at its own pace, you will minimize swelling and heal properly. Pushing your body too hard and trying to stretch before your muscles are ready, will have the opposite effect, drawing out the healing process further. Start slow and if something doesn’t feel right stop and give your body more time to heal.
Beverly Hills Breast Augmentation Surgery
Dr. Cat understands breast implant surgery, because she herself has gone through less than ideal breast augmentation surgery many years ago. That experience shaped her approach and she has spent years perfecting her own breast surgery technique. It has also given her excellent insight into the patient journey, so she makes sure you’re confident and happy with every decision you make. That means giving you ample time to decide on an implant size and extra post-surgery guidance.
Seek out a surgeon who understands what it’s like to live with breast implants. Dr. Cat is very active and has implants herself, so she likes to remind patients who are active that implants should not negatively impact your lifestyle. This is why it’s extremely important to seek out an experienced breast augmentation surgeon who is skilled and experienced. Dr. Cat takes the time to listen and understand your wants and needs as well as your lifestyle.
With Dr. Cat’s gentle technique, your scarring will be minimized and recovery time will be the shortest it can be. If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Cat’s team is happy to answer any questions you might have and can schedule a consultation to get your transformation started.
