When can I exercise after breast augmentation?

Question

Hi I know you can't resume normal exercise activities until 6wks but how soon can I do cardio and bike exercises at the gym ?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Consult with your surgeon about the types of activities that are acceptable post-surgery. It is important that you not engage in strenuous activities in the first three (2-3) weeks after surgery. My own personal recommendations to my patients are start walking as much as you want to, as soon as you want to. Then progress as desired to high-reps, low-resistance exercises. Slowly progress for 6 weeks, after which time there are no restrictions. I advise my patients to refrain from strenuous physical activity such as heavy lifting with your arms or jogging for 6 weeks. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!! It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions so that you get the best aesthetic results. #breastrevision #breastimplants

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. It is advised to refrain from any exercise or heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. Anything that may increase your heart rate, including cardio, lower or upper body, walking, bike riding, etc., can increase your risks of bleeding or potentially breaking sutures. It is important to follow the post surgical procedures that your surgeon recommends. After clearance, ease back into your normal routine. Hope this helps and congratulations on your recent surgery !

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is always best to follow the advice of your surgeon.  I typically allow patients to get back to mild exercise at week 4 and then no restrictions by week 6.  Your surgeon may have different recommendations based on how you are doing and healing so best to follow his/her advice.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I generally recommend that patients wait 3 weeks before beginning aerobic and lower body weight training. Every surgeon will have their own protocol, so check with yours first.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I ask that my patients wait 4 weeks after a breast augmentation before starting low impact cardio.  Before that, there is still a significant risk of bleeding.

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

In my practice, I tell my patients that they can return to graded exercise at 3 weeks. Let discomfort be you guide. No kick boxing or burpees for 6 to 8 weeks.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS

Aras Tijunelis, MD · Answer

For most surgeries, I suggest that patients refrain from any upper body/chest exercise for at least 4 weeks.  Walking is always okay from day 1.  Stairs are okay anytime.  Machines like stationary recumbent bike, elliptical or stair master are okay at about 2-3 weeks.  Let your chest heal at least 4 weeks.  I would avoid exercises that may cause you to trip and fall.

Louis C. Cutolo, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Good question. If the implants are placed below the
muscle, I generally allow my breast augmentation patients to resume cardio and
bike exercises at 4 weeks. More aggressive exercising is allowed between 4 and 6
weeks if they notice no discomfort when attempting the workout. If the implants
are placed above the muscle, they are allowed cardio and bike exercising
between 2 and 3 weeks. More aggressive exercise can occur shortly thereafter. Best
wishes during you recovery!

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

I agree with the surgeons below.  It is important to follow the advice and post-operative care your surgeon suggests.  Here at Stillwater Plastic Surgery we allow our patients to gradually work their way back to their normal exercise regimen within a few weeks.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

This is completely up to your surgeon. In my patients I ask them to wait 3-4 weeks depending on how the healing process is moving along. You want to avoid any issue of bleeding in the breast pocket. When you exercise your heart rate goes up and increases the bleeding risk while the breast pocket is still healing. To be safe one month is a good time period. Being that said I do not let patients do all kinds of cardio at one month. I do not like running or any activity that causes aggressive bouncing of the chest wall. So this is totally up to your surgeon.

When can I exercise after breast augmentation?

Answers (12)

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