How long after a breast augmentation can I start running again?

Question

I run 2-3 5k's per week, about how long after a breast augmentation can I start running again?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give to my patients:
1)  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
2)  Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)
3)  At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph
4)  At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph
5)  At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph
6)  At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph
7)  At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it.

Laurence Weider, MD · Answer

I am asked this question all the time, but there isn't any scientific data to support an exact answer.  That being said, I typically suggest to my patients that they resume running 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation.  Many will wear two sports bras initially.  Start with shorter distances and see how you feel.  Of course, you need to discuss this with your surgeon to get his or her recommendations. Best of luck.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  If you were my patient I would let you start running at four weeks if everything has healed as planned.  Please discuss with  your doctor if your result is capable of taking the impact of running.  Good Luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In your specific case this is only a question that can be answered by your own surgeon. In my practice patients are seen one month postoperatively and if there are no problems they are permitted to return to full athletic activity assisted by a strong support athletic bra.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Light cardio activity can begin approximately 2 weeks after surgery, with a gradual advancement in intensity at 4 weeks.  Be sure to wear a very supportive sports bra during these activities, and if you do intense interval sprint work, best to wait six weeks after surgery.  Hope that this helps.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Since your surgeon knows your case intimately, I would advise you to follow his or her guidelines. However, in general, I suggest that my patients wait about 4 weeks post breast augmentation surgery before returning to heavy cardio.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Although the recovery from breast augmentation is relatively benign and quick (most patients go back to a desk job in a matter of days after surgery), I do recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity (including running) for 3-4 weeks.   You need to give time for your incisions and surgical pockets to heal.  Its best to ask your PS about his/her specific recommendations.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery.Dr. Basu

James Southwell-Keely, MD, FRACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your query,The interesting thing to note is that there is no sound research to support answering your question, and yet it is a question I am asked all the time. My advice to patients is to avoid running for 6 weeks post-op, and then gradually reintroduce impact exercise over the subsequent 6 weeks. But no doubt your surgeon will have hi/her own protocol. I hope that helps.All the best,James

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. With an uncomplicated and straight forward augmentation I usually say 3-4 weeks with a good sports bra. Check with your surgeon though because there are exceptions. Best of Luck!

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, after an uncomplicated procedure, I will allow may patients to start running 3-4 weeks after surgery. Initially, when you first start running, it may feel uncomfortable, so make sure that you wear a supportive sports bra.  However, I would definitely recommend that you talk to your surgeon because he or she may have a different recommendation based on your individual surgery and circumstances.  Good luck!

How long after a breast augmentation can I start running again?

Answers (16)

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