Can Performing Breast Enhancement Exercises Post-Surgery Be Safe?
Dr Rajat Gupta, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 15 years of expertise in cosmetic surgeries, provides expert guidance on workouts and exercise after breast augmentation surgery.
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances the size and volume of the breast using implants or fat grafting. After the surgery, it is essential to rest and allow wound healing during the initial weeks.
Safe exercises begin with very gentle activities like short walks and light arm movements within the first 1–2 weeks to promote circulation without strain. Upper body resistance training, including chest exercises such as push-ups or weightlifting, is generally avoided for at least 4 to 8 weeks depending on healing progress and implant placement.
A detailed timeline is typically:
- Weeks 1-2: Focus on rest, gentle walking, and very light arm movements without resistance. Avoid raising arms overhead or heavy lifting (>5 pounds).
- Weeks 3-4: Pain usually decreases, lower body exercises like squats may be resumed. Upper body exercises remain limited; no push-ups yet, especially if implants are under the muscle.
- Weeks 4-6: Some patients may begin low-impact activities (stationary cycling, gentle arm stretches without weights) but continue to avoid heavy lifting or high-impact activity.
- Weeks 6-8: Gradual reintroduction of upper body resistance training can be considered, with surgeon clearance. Pilates or yoga may begin with caution, avoiding twisting or intense abdominal work.
- Weeks 8-12: Resumption of high-impact sports or more strenuous upper body exercises like push-ups usually allowed after surgeon approval, depending on individual recovery and implant placement.
Additional advice includes:
- Implant placement matters: under-the-muscle implants require longer healing before chest muscle exercises compared to over-the-muscle implants.
- Gentle chest stretching, deep breathing exercises, and, if advised by your surgeon, light massage can help reduce muscle tightness during recovery.
- Always wear a supportive surgical bra during exercise after surgery to protect tissue and implants.
- Avoid any strenuous or high-impact activities until your surgeon confirms it is safe to resume, as premature exertion risks complications like implant displacement or capsular contracture.
At 4 - 6 weeks post breast augmentation surgery, patients should be cleared and fit to resume most exercises and workouts as normal. Dr Rajat Gupta will review the patient's health during the follow-up examination at RG Aesthetics. Light activities like stretches and short strolls are advised during recovery to avoid risks like clots and expedite healing in the breast area.
To book an appointment with Dr Rajat Gupta, call 91-9251711711 or email contact@our website. Dr Rajat Gupta is an acclaimed skilful surgeon with exceptional calibre, focusing on creating precise results with natural aesthetics to boost self-esteem.
- Dr Rajat Gupta, a skilled plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, provides guidance on post-surgery exercises to ensure proper healing and recovery.
- In the aftermath of breast augmentation, patients are encouraged to start with light exercises like walks and arm movements within the first two weeks to boost circulation without strain, while upper body resistance training is typically avoided for 4 to 8 weeks.
- A healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are crucial parts of women's health and overall well-being, and with clearance from Dr Rajat Gupta, patients can usually resume most workouts and exercises around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.