Breast Reduction - returning to exercise after surgery

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 weeks your operation area is totally healed and yes you can do exercising and also do other sport activities. I wish you all the best.

Many breast reduction patients lead active lifestyles, and I often get asked at my practice about how quickly they can return to the gym. It's true that limiting your weightlifting to the lower body is advisable for at least the first 6 weeks post-op. But any strenuous workout, including a seated leg press, can involve exertion that affect chest muscles. Be cautious and listen to your body.Best of Luck

Dr. Romanelli

Hi, we recommend that you can return to the gym 4 weeks after surgery and that the exercises that you do are only limited by your discomfort (which should be very well controlled by this stage). High intensity work outs earlier on in your recovery may result in sweating and tension on your wounds / scars, which can delay the wound healing process. When returning to exercise, we would recommend wearing a supportive bra.

Whether for reduction or augmentation, I allow my patients to return to the gym at three weeks after surgery. They are more comfortable with upper body weights closer to 6 weeks. Always a good idea to check with your surgeon's protocol.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Every surgeon will have their own regime and you are best to seek advice from your own surgeon. I suggest that my patients refrain from any form of exercise for the first three or four weeks, depending on the size of the reduction. After that, my patients start with lower body exercises, brisk walking, stair climber, leg press and so forth before moving onto the upper body at 5 to 6 weeks. If you have healed without complication, this regime should work for you but it is always sensible to get advice from your own surgeon.

I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon and follow his directions. But if you use light weights and isolate your upper body that sounds reasonable you could probably do this.Best Regards,Dr. Gartner

Your surgeon should be able to answer your specific queries.  I advise my patients that they should definitely not be performing this type of exercise for the full 6 weeks.  It's not about specific muscle activation but more about increasing or decreasing your risks of bleeding and infection.  All the best

Thank you for the question and congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction surgery;  it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. 
Generally, it is best to follow your surgeon's  guidelines in regards to return to activity/ exercise. Most of my patients are able to return to  lower body exercise (for example stationary bicycle)  two weeks postoperatively and return to vigorous activity about 4 to 6 weeks after the breast reduction surgery. 
 My best advice: start slow and listen to your body as you gradually return to full activity.   Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.