Should I take any "rest days" prior to my surgery?

Question

I have my breast augmentation in 3 days. I'm a pretty active person (running, cycling & weights) and I had planned on exercising right up to the day of my surgery. My surgery is at 1:30, and I didn't think I would exercise the day of. But I'm wondering if I should plan rest days prior? Like a taper before the marathon? Haha. Seriously, though, I am curious if this makes a difference in recovery. Do you think it is ok to continue I the same level of exercise the days prior to my surgery?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Maintaining a regular exercise schedule is
recommended.  Maintaining good health
always makes a positive difference with regards to recovery.  I wish you the best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  Though there are no studies looking at the benefit of tapering activity before surgery I would give yourself two or three days off prior to surgery to ensure that you are fully healed from any strenuous chest-specific workout that you may have.  This will limit the soreness of the muscle and the tendency to spasm/cramp from surgery which should improve your pain with recovery.  Hope this helps.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Not sure that will make much of a difference. Just remember to follow your operating surgeon's post op activity limitations so you can get the best possible results. Good luck!

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

There should be no reason that you should need to "taper down" your exercise routine prior to surgery. The only caveat is that since you will need to stop eating or drinking at midnight before surgery, be sure that you are well hydrated before starting the "fasting" period before surgery.Best wishes!

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. I can
appreciate your concern.Fitness is a good adjuvant to fast recovery after surgery. however, overworking the muscles that you will have treated during a surgical procedure may increase the trauma and delay the recovery from surgery. Unfortunately there are no studies demonstrating the harm or benefit of exercise before breast augmentation.Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Should I take any "rest days" prior to my surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: PreSurgery Exercise

Answer: PreSurgery Exercise

Answer: Activity before breast aug

Answer: Activity before breast aug

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Should I take any "rest days" prior to my surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: PreSurgery Exercise

Answer: PreSurgery Exercise

Answer: Activity before breast aug

Answer: Activity before breast aug

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.