How long to wait to perform chest exercises after breast augmentation

Congratulations on your breast augmentation. My personal preference is to have patients avoid pectoral exercise for 1 year to reduce the risk of laterally displacing the breast implants and reducing cleavage. I suggest you speak to your plastic surgeon. 

Hello,I typically allow my patients to resume chest exercise after 6 weeks but I do recommend that they start slowly- at about 25% of normal intensity. You should be able to gradually increase intensity and reps over a period of 3 months or so. Listen to your body and let your Plastic Surgeon know if you have any issues.All the best

Thank you for your question.  As every surgeon has their own unique set of post operative instructions, it is always best to talk to your surgeon first.  That being said, typically in our practice we advise patients to wait a minimum of 2-3 months before engaging in any exercises that utilize the chest muscles.With kind regards,Lane F. Smith, M.D., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.O.H.N.S., F.A.B.F.P.R.S.Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Each surgeon will have their own recommendation based on the details of your procedure and recovery, so best to ask your doctor for the best advice.  After 6 weeks I allow patients to start upper body exercises, but listen to your body, if the exercise causes pain, soreness, irritation, or swelling, best to allow more time to pass for your results to mature further.  Hope this helps.

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

I advise my patients that they can start upper body weights and exercises as early as 5 to 6 weeks and that they should listen to their body regarding their level of comfort. I have a couple of triple crown body builders who started lifting weights at 6 weeks. In two weeks they returned to their original workout. It's always a good idea to check with your surgeon about 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."

As you can see from the answers below, the time tables for chest exercise are variable from one surgeon to the next. Since your surgeon is the one responsible for your procedure, ask them their recommendations as to when they would have you start chest exercise.

Thank you for your question.  My advice is to wait a full 8 weeks before lifting more than 15 pounds.  That being said, best to consult with your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendations regarding exercise.  Best of luck.

Thanks for your question.  I recommend that patients start with general cardio workouts at 6 weeks and build up their tolerance for more targeted activities.  While it is normal to experience some discomfort when you first begin to engage the chest muscles (pectoralis) again, it is important to listen to your body and not push the activity if it hurts.  I also remind patients that some use of the chest muscles is fine after this operation (such as with an elliptical trainer), but if implants are under the muscle, targeted exercises like pushups can build muscle bulk that impacts shape in a way you may not prefer.  Always check in with your own surgeon to get his or her advice regarding activity limitations and the best way to manage return to activity. 

Hi jcasey777. Congratulations on your procedure!  For implants that are placed under the pectoralis muscle, I keep patients on restrictions from exercises involving the pectoralis for 8-12 weeks.  Sometimes the discomfort is a result of not having moved much/deconditioning, scar tissue, etc.  Your implanting plastic surgeon is the best resource to answer this question as they know the finer details of your surgery that may impact when to begin.  Best wishes,