How Soon After Breast Augmentation Can I Resume Activities?

Breast augmentation is a short surgery which is typically performed as an outpatient. I prefer the patients take a week off from work. At that point they can return to work or school, but should refrain from all vigorous physical activity. At 1 month, they can resume cardio type exercises. At 2 months they can lift weights.

My patients are instructed to wait two weeks after breast augmentation before starting exercise. They need to start slowly and use a supportive bra.

 Post operative guidelines vary greatly among surgeons as to when activity may begin following breast augmentation. This is based primarily on their training and type of breast augmentation.  Most patients do extremely well with a "rapid recovery" technique. This involves early mobility following surgery, muscle stretching, and early activity with anti-inflammatory pain medication only.  For most of my patients, they have been able to resume normal daily activities, except for aerobic exercise, within 2-3 days following surgery. I recommend low-impact aerobics after 10 days and high impact aerobics after 3 weeks based on your own comfort level.  Depending on the nature of your work, you should be able to return to work within 5-7 days and should be able to go to the beach after swelling resolves, which typically is within 7-10 days. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in rapid recovery techniques if recovery time is important to you. 

 

Thank you for your question. You can perform very light activity, such as going to beach, within a few days after surgery. (I wouldn't recommend swimming recommend swimming that soon though.) Regarding work, it depends on your job. If you have a sedentary job, then I generally advise patients that they can return as soon as they are off narcotic pain medication. But, it depends how you feel.

Most women can return to work within days after breast augmentation as long as the job is not too physical/strenuous.  Full arm/shoulder range of motion is encouraged right away again as long as it is gentle, and not too forceful or repetitive. Running or working out with weights should probably wait at least 4-6 weeks and while  swimming is fine at 3-4 weeks, limiting sun exposure for a few months is best.       

Recovery time will vary from person to person and what your daily activity involves.  We tell our patients recovery time is average 7 days for office job or light activities.  It may take 2-6weeks for more strenuous  activities.  Scars begin to fade after ~6weeks, but can take 6-12 months for complete healing.                            

True recovery time varies from patient to patient, and also depends on the surgical technique used by your plastic surgeon. For example, I use the most minimally invasive and delicate surgical techniques possible, so within 24 hours my patients are feeling pretty good, are able to go out to eat and move around the house. Of course I still want them to take it easy and rest so their body can recover properly, but this just gives you an idea of how easy recovery can be after breast augmentation when performed by a true expert. Most patients return to work a week after surgery, as long as their job does not require any heavy lifting. You can resume your workouts in about 4 - 6 weeks, but make sure you get approval form your surgeon first. Ultimately, every surgeon has different recovery guidelines so make sure you are clear about what your surgeon recommends. 

I tell my patients that they may begin walking and lifting their arms above their head from day 1. Driving in a few days when you are off your pain medicine.Returning to light office work (desk job) in 3-5 days.Breast massage should be started within 5-7 days.Light cardio such as an exercise bike or treadmill can be started within 2 weeks.Going to the beach or pool using sunscreen can be resumed within 2 weeks.After 4 weeks, you may resume normal activities and let your body be your guide on how vigorous you should exercise. It may take 6-8 weeks to be able to do a heavy workout routine.

When you can return to "normal" depends entirely on what you define as "normal".Some general guidelines I provide my patients:- walking from day 1- no driving for 5 days- return to light office work at 1 week- stationary exercise bike can be started at 2 weeks (if you're very keen to get back to the gym)- all my patients have dressings completely removed at 3 weeks so you can go for a swim/submerge in water at this stage- At the four week stage, you are generally beyond thepoint where your physical actions could potentially compromise your results.You are therefore free to physically ATTEMPT your normal activities. However,this does not mean you will be able to do your normal activities as you willstill have some degree of discomfort and weakness. So as always be guided byyour body. If you are doing something and you have discomfort or pain, pullback and work around it. Eventually you will get back to normal. I hope these general guidelines help.

Hi & thank you for your question.Returning to work depends on what you do for a living. Typically a week off is sufficient for non physical jobs. You should be able to go to the beach once you have healed. Check with your surgeon for his or her instructions and restrictions. Best of luck.