Scared of weight gain post-op. When can I get start exercising and what kind of exercise is safe?

Hi Jasmino,
Great questions! Sounds like you are a very active person - as am I! So I can understand how frustrating a recovery with limitation on exercise can be. Not to worry! Breast augmentation recovery is quick swift and most patients experience little pain & discomfort after the first 48 hours. As long as you take it easy and listen to your body, you should recovery in a timely manner.
Generally:
Two weeks: resume low impact lower body exercises (leg lifts, squats)Four weeks: resume high impact lower body exercises (i.e. cardio, running)Six Weeks: resume full upper and lower body exercises
So from two to six weeks post surgery, take it slow and gradually incorporate different exercises back into your routine. 
You can begin to go for long walks about one week after your surgery and it is a fantastic exercise for burning calories without too much stress on your body.
I wish you good luck! 
Best,
Dr. Christopher Chang
Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a breast augmentation, I recommend they take three weeks off of cardio at the gym, and six weeks off of weight training and yoga exercises. You can start running and using the elliptical at 3 weeks post op, but when using the elliptical, I recommend not using the arm portion until you are 6 weeks post op. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

I tell my patients they can start walking immediately.  Light exercise at two weeks and then can go crazy at 4-6 weeks.  When in doubt- walk!

Great question  - and a super common one too - since it seems like the vast, vast majority of breast augmentation patients work-out.  Quick answer is 4 weeks of no working out - but you can walk as much as you like as of the day of surgery.  In fact, I want you walking every waking hour as of the day of surgery.If you were to really press me, I would let you get on a recumbent bike sooner as long as you crossed your arms and did not involve your pec muscles.  And also important to start back slowly when you begin exercising - listen to your body and be reasonable.  Best of luck!

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question about your surgery, after breast augmentation you can go back to do exercise when do you gonna have 2 month counting day after surgery , you can starting with a little be cardio and when do you gonna have 3 month counting day after surgery you can do lift weight or excercise more hard.

After breast implant surgery, I advise the patients to take one week off from work.  At that point we take out their stitches and teach them the implant massage technique.  We suggest 5 times per day with the massage and no bra for one month.  The patients may return to work, but may not engage in any strenuous activity.  At one month, the patients start to wear a soft cup bra with no underwire and can start low impact cardio.  At two months they can wear an underwire bra and engage in more strenuous physical activity.  Breast massage continues forever, although only once per day.

Thanks for your question...Every surgeon varies with post op instructions. Generally, patients should avoid exercise for 6 weeks post op. A lot of 'weight gain' can also be water retention which is normal post op. If you are still concerned please speak to your surgeonYou can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Regards,

Hello, typically I recommend my patients wait 4-6 weeks before returning to vigorous exercise.  However, provided they are healing normally they can often return to lighter exercises much sooner (walking, light riding of a stationary bike, light reps with weights).  Each person heals at their own pace so I'd recommend getting the advice of your surgeon after the procedure.

Hi Jasmino,

Downtime and recovery after breast augmentation surgery varies.

The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs. When it comes to exercising and other activities, it may also vary depending on the type of exercises or activities you are going to perform.

I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster healing and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You need to discuss this with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients I want them to wait 4 to 6 weeks before doing any strenuous exercise. Watch what you eat and begin your exercise program when your surgeon gives you clearance, your body will snap back fast once you begin. Good luck.