Breast surgery, whether it’s a breast augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction, requires proper healing and recovery. One common concern among individuals who undergo this cosmetic surgery is when they can safely resume their exercise routine. Engaging in physical activity too soon can potentially hinder the healing process and lead to complications. However, once the appropriate healing time has passed, exercise can actually contribute to smoother recovery and improve overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss the timeline for resuming exercise after breast surgery and provide guidelines to help you navigate this important aspect of your recovery.
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection
First Week – Take Proper Rest
Before determining when it’s safe to resume exercise after breast surgery, it’s crucial to understand the healing process. Immediately after surgery, your body needs time to recover from the trauma of the procedure. During this initial healing phase, your surgeon will likely advise you to rest and limit physical activity. This period may last for several weeks, during which your body will focus on repairing damaged tissues, reducing swelling, and preventing complications such as infection or bleeding.
Second Week – Do Light Walking
Typically, you should start feeling ready to return to your regular routine around two-week after surgery. This includes being able to go back to work. If your surgeon determines that your recovery is progressing well, he/she may give you the green light to start engaging in light exercise. If he/she allows for light exercise, you should focus solely on your lower body and abdominal region. This means avoiding any activities or movements that strain the upper body, especially the area around your breasts.
Third Week – Time for Gentle Cardio
For the initial one to two weeks, focus on engaging in light exercises to ease back into your fitness routine. Afterward, gradually increase the intensity and incorporate gentle cardio activities. A stationary bike can be an excellent option for low-impact cardio, or you can gradually extend the duration of your walks. During this phase, always go for low-impact exercises while avoiding exercises like squats that put pressure on the surgical area or any upper-body workouts.
Fourth Week – Resume Moderate Exercise
After approximately four weeks post-surgery introduce moderate exercise into your routine. However, follow the guidance of your surgeon and wait for their approval before incorporating any specific activities. The timing of resuming certain exercises may vary based on individual healing rates.
In most cases, after four weeks, you can typically resume full cardio workouts and incorporate yoga into your exercise regimen. However, heavy lifting and exercises targeting the chest area should still be avoided, as your breasts will still be in the healing phase. During this stage of recovery, wearing a supportive bra while exercising is good for your body. This provides the necessary support and helps minimize any discomfort or potential strain on the healing surgical area.
After Eight Weeks – Potential Return to Gym
Based on the healing process, most individuals can gradually resume weightlifting exercises at the gym approximately eight weeks after their Breast Augmentation.
However, you are still in the recovery phase, and your body may have become less conditioned during the past few weeks. Therefore, it is crucial to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself through any pain. Instead, focus on gradually rebuilding your strength and gradually transitioning back to your regular gym routine over the next few months.
In Summary
The timeline for resuming exercise after breast surgery varies depending on the procedure and individual factors. Patient compliance with the surgeon’s recommendations and gradual re-introduction of physical activity are keys to a successful recovery. By allowing your body sufficient time to heal and gradually building up your exercise routine, you can safely return to your regular workouts and promote your overall well-being after this cosmetic surgery.
For more on this topic, check out the full Staying Healthy collection
