What Can an Athlete Do About Training when Recovering from a Breast Lift WithOUT Implants?

I'm a 36 year old athlete getting a breast lift WITHOUT implants. I haven't yet had my consultations, but I know that I'll be receiving a lollipop or anchor procedure, and I a worry about the impact of recovery on my training. I lift weights intensely 3x a week and do plyometrics and interval training the other days. What is the timeline reality of being able to resume this regimen after surgery? Are there plans for athletes? I worry about losing endurance, muscle tone, and strength.

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by alouette

Doctor Answers (9)
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Breast Lifting and Exercise?

Thank you for the question. I ask my patients to start walking immediately after surgery, to start using a stationary bike 10 days after surgery and to avoid heavy lifting 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Best wishes.

Exercise after breast lift.

I tell my patients not to do anything strenuous for the first two weeks to avoid raising their blood pressure which could cause bleeding. After 2 weeks, they can start aerobic, lower body, and core exercises. However I do not want them doing any lifting exercises with the upper body for 6 weeks.

Exercise after breast lift

Great advice from all of the above! But, just so you are well informed... the anchor or lollipop procedures are not your only options. I have developed a new technique that firmly secures your newly reconstructed breast mound onto your chest so that your lift lasts longer and gives you nice perky and firm breasts without a vertical incision! Your only scars will be well hidden around the areolas and under the natural crease of the breasts. I use your own tissue to make an 'internal... more

No restrictions 2 weeks after breast lift

In general, I will let you work out without restrictions 2 weeks after mastopexy. Prior to this, there is a low, but real, risk of bleeding. You can swim as soon as the incisions are no longer crusting, usually about 3 weeks postop. You can walk and do light activity as soon as you feel safe to do so after surgery. If you work out regularly, you should be back to a normal regimen quickly.

Exercise after breast lift

I routinely have my patients avoid any exertional activity for about 3-4 weeks. By that time, they can go back to light aerobics and then gradualy after 6-8 weeks they can go back to heavy lifting and strenous exercise. If you start to early, you may be prone to develop a hematoma.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Weight training after breast surgery

I would advise against any strenuous activities for the first two to three weeks to allow the incisions to heal well. After this period, any exercise/training which can cause lot of shoulder or chest movements (which I suspect most weight training do) should be avoided for a further 3-4 weeks. Do wear very well-fitting and supporting sports bras when you resume training.

Anindya Lahiri, MBBS

4 reviews

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

It takes time to let your Breast Lift surgery Heal!

Firstly, as for the technique chosen - do not settle for an anchor scar technique. Newer techniques do a better job and are more durable. The circumareolar Goes Lift or the Lollipop Lejour Lift are the best for shape, scar and durability. As for physical activity and surgery, I want the rearranged breast tissue to heal before stress the repair. Typically wound healing is at 60-70% final strength at 8-12 weeks. So, I give my patients the following guidelines; 1- No activity for 3... more

Excersize after mastopexy

The first answer you got is right on target. having returned from numerous athletic injuries I can promise you that a few weeks out of commission will hardly be noticed. relax. You will be back before you know it.

Athletic training after breast lift

I ask my patients to avoid any exercise for 2 weeks following surgery to avoid raising blood pressure and heart rate and possibly cause bleeding that would lead to further surgery, and after a breast lift I advise avoiding bouncing, running, or lying on their tummy for 6 weeks until their incisions are well healed and strong. Exercise bikes, treadmills, elliptical trainers are ok at 2 weeks.