When can I start running again after my breast augmentation?

Question

I am in the Marines and just had a breast augmentation 5 days ago, I was wondering when I can start running and exercise again since it is a requirement for me to be physically fit? Also, I was wondering when will it be possible for me to be able to do pull-ups since that is a requirement for us to do pull ups in a physical fitness test we take annually?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your the work you do. Your services are much appreciated!
With regards to recovery, please know that it is a crucial
part of getting the best results, and it should not be rushed nor
underestimated. In fact, as a patient, you must diligently follow your
surgeon’s instructions and take good care of yourself to ensure your body has
sufficient time to heal and look its best.
Normally, it is recommended not to do heavy lifting of
greater than 5-10 lbs for the first 3 weeks, especially over the head. Other
surgeons may be stricter. For example, you may want to avoid sweating,
elevating your heart rate for the 1st two weeks as well. 
After 2-3 weeks, you should be able to begin your light
exercise routine, such as brisk walking, cycling, aerobics and lower-body
weight training. Best to start with a simple walk.
You should take it slow and increase your activity level
gradually such that you are not putting strain on your body, and especially
your breasts. Increasing the activity level is dependent on your own perception
of how well you feel. Any minute you feel an activity is causing pressure or
causing you to feel stretch in your breasts, then you should stop that
activity. Point to note is that you want to avoid using your chest muscles
until at least 6 weeks. 
In fact, any exercises that require pectoralis major
contraction or physical pressure in the upper-body as experienced during
push-up demonstrations, running, high impact aerobics, and weight lifting
should be avoided until after 6 weeks following your surgery. This is
especially true if your implants will be placed behind the pec major muscle.
During weight-lifting, best to start with lower weights and more repetitions.
Even when you return to high impact upper-body exercises, it
is important to support your breasts with snug fitting sports bra. 
Please note that your final results will be revealed at
around 3-6 months, and as such, some surgeons may ask you to avoid heavy
exercising until 3 months/12 weeks. 
As always, please call and discuss with your plastic
surgeon. Their instructions should take precedence as they are better informed
about your surgical details.
Hope this helps.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can do running and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

First of all, thanks for serving and congratulations on your surgery. I advise my patients that if they are comfortable they can return to running by the 21st day after breast augmentation surgery. Most of my patients are  comfortable starting  their “ups” again at about 6 weeks after surgery. It's always best to check with your surgeon as to his or her protocol. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths." Good luck.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question.  I'd recommend speaking to your surgeon because they will know exactly how you are healing.  Usually for my own patients I recommend gradual return to exercise around 4-6 weeks, depending how they are progressing.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. I advise my patients to avoid cardio-type exercise for 3 weeks post BA. That would include running. For 6 weeks I advise against heavy lifting or upper body workouts. I recommend that you ask your Plastic Surgeon what their restrictions include as they know your situation the best. You should be able to gradually start resuming your weight bearing workouts at 6 weeks.

All the best

Louis C. Cutolo, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

It is too soon to start running comfortably. You are still in the immediate post-op period and still are at risk for bleeding and a hematoma. I would wait at least one week before trying to perform any strenuous activity. I usually tell patients to wait at least 3 weeks before any rigorous activity. Your body will tell you when it is time. If something hurts, don't do it.

Ali Soueid, FRCS ( Plast) · Answer

Under breast- 6 weeks for full activity
Under muscle- 3 months for full activity 
That's what I advice my patients.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has his or her own unique post op protocol so definitely speak with your surgeon. I typically advice my patients to avoid running for the first 3 weeks and all upper body work for at least 6 weeks. You need to give your body the proper time to heal or else your results will suffer. Hope this helps --
Dr. Sean Doherty

Adam Sierakowski, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

I would advise you to avoid running and pull-ups until 6 weeks after your breast augmentation. The risk of doing too much too soon is that you dislodge the implant or cause a small bleed or seroma. Running causes more upper body movement than you may appreciate. If you really have to get to the gym sooner than this, consider the recumbent bike or some leg work, which takes the strain off the upper body.

Alastair J. Platt, FRCS (plast) · Answer

Most surgeons will usually allow normal exercises at 6 weeks post op.  Running often is allowed earlier as long as really good support is used.  Pull ups can be uncomfortable if the implants are partly under the muscle.  It would be advisable for you to check with your surgeon their post op advice regarding exercise. Best wishes.

When can I start running again after my breast augmentation?

Answers (10)

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