Can You Exercise Your Lower Body in the First Week After Your Breast Implantation Surgery?

After three days, you can start normal non-strenuous activities. No exercise, but you can leisurely walk around. After three weeks, you can start lower body training and light cardio workouts. Avoid impact-based exercises for at least four weeks. At six weeks you can start upper body strength training, but make sure to start off slowly. Don't be jerky in your movement at first.

I know it's hard for active folks to slow down, but I caution all my patients to avoid any exercise besides walking for at least 4 weeks.  Your body needs time to heal and the pectoral muscle are activated just for arm balance even with lower body exercises.   Lifting weight also increases blood pressure which could lead to bleeding.  For the best results listen to the advice of your plastic surgeon.  All the best, dr K

I asked patients to refrain from athletic activity that would involve vigorous use of the arms or cause significant movement of the breast such as jogging for four weeks. They are permitted to do other forms of exercise. A stationary bike is a good example of an accepted postoperative exercise.

I typically ask my patients to not elevate their blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery.  After that, you can slowly work out by walking or stationary bike as long as you do not use your upper body and then gradually increase your activity incorporating upper body after about 4 weeks.  Give yourself more time if you want to do other activities such as yoga, lifting or cross fit.  ac

Most surgeons recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.   I would not recommend lower extremity exercise just 1 week after breast augmentation.  You can get your heart rate and blood pressure up which could increase your risk for swelling, or worse, bleeding, which could lead to a hematoma.   Please talk to your PS about his/her specific postop instructions.

Best wishes,

Dr. Basu

Houston, TX