When can I start chest stretches after a breast augmentation?

Question

I am 24 days post op from my dual plane, textured, round, 415 high profile, crease incision breast augmentation. When can I start gentile chest stretches? I usually do the doorway type of stretches.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that my patients not perform strenuous activities for six weeks after their breast augmentation with implants.  At three weeks post-op though, you should be fine to do very gentle and light chest exercises.  As always, run this past your operating surgeon since the post-op protocol differs from surgeon to surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Kirk Moore, MD · Answer

Everyone is different. Ask your surgeon about his regimen.In my practice, stretching is done in the recovery room and encouraged at least hourly for the first 24 hours. Moving aggressively, IMO, is essential for a quicker recovery with minimal pain and discomfort.Best wishes.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, every surgeon has their own postop regimen so please check with your PS before doing any new exercises.  In most cases my patients are doing gentle overhead stretching within about a week after surgery but it depends on their healing progress.  I recommend they gradually progress to regular exercise by 6 weeks.

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  I would absolutely defer to your surgeon as they know your specific anatomy better than anyone. I start movement immediately. I want full range of motion within the first week. However, please confer with your surgeon for their advice.

David S. Motoki, MD · Answer

Post-op regimens can vary from surgeon to surgeon but your surgeon is ultimately responsible for your care. You should confirm your activity restrictions with your surgeon who is in the best position to advise you.

Brian J. Reagan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Recovery protocals vary with each surgeon.  Studies have shown that early recovery is possible with arm movement and chest stretching within the first few days.  Other surgeons are more cautious and recommend a few weeks before such activity. Both approaches are acceptable.  Follow your surgeon's protocol.All the Best,Dr. Brian Reagan

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there.  All plastic surgeons are different in our post-op recommendation/instruction.  You should check with your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendation.For my patients, I allow my patients to do gentle chest stretching one week postop.  They are allowed to do light cardio workout after 3-4 weeks and weight lifting 6-8 weeks afterwards.  Prior to your work out, please get a clearance from your surgeon.  Good luck with continued recovery.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Typically I will allow patients to begin walking, not power walking, the day after surgery. At the end of the first week I allow the patients to begin a gentle stretching regimen. By 3 weeks the patients are allowed to increase their level of activity to power walking or light jog, but no lifting of weight. I release patients to full, unrestricted activity at 8 weeks post op. Having said that each surgeon has their own way of managing the patient in the post operative period. I would therefore recommend to discuss this your surgeon. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your procedure and thanks
for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
When placing a breast implant below the muscle, the majority
of fibers from the cleavage and clavicle are still attached. This favors the
movement of the arm back to the chest wall.
In the process of bringing the arms to the truck, the breast
implant has the tendency to be displaced to the side of the breast. Unfortunately,
if there are extraneous exercises many patients will require surgery in the
future to correct the displaced implants.
The key to avoid problems is prevention. Here are some tips:

In general avoid free lifting of heavy weights when at the
gym.

Use a bra that removes the implant from pushing towards the
sides.

Make sure that the underwire maintains the side landmark of
your breast.

When doing and exercise, recreate the
movement with little effort while looking at your breast. If the breast moves
to the side, do NOT DO the exercise.

Any movement of your arms with out
resistance should not represent a major risk for your implant pockets.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the breast augmentation procedure. Timing to return to specific types of exercise will vary from one patient to another. Best to check with your plastic surgeon for specific advice. Generally, I suggest patients gradually ease back into the strenuous aerobic exercise 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively, assuming that they are doing well and there have been no complications.  "Gentle stretching" can be started earlier,  depending on the patient's specific situation. The use of a supportive bra is recommended, even while sleeping.Lower body exercise can generally be resumed 2 weeks postoperatively.  Use common sense, listen to your body, and gradually resume previous activity. In my practice, I ask patients to avoid contact and strenuous exercise involving the  pectoralis major muscles ( such as push-ups, bench press, burpees, dancing on a pole…) for at least 3-6 months.  Best wishes.

When can I start chest stretches after a breast augmentation?

Answers (11)

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