Working out lower body: 2 weeks post-op breast augmentation.

Question

I'm 13 days post-op from a breast augmentation, everything looks and is going great. I would love to know when can I start working out on my lower body... and when can I sleep on my side.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your augmentation.  I am happy to hear that your recovery is going well and smoothly thus far and I would encourage you to speak directly with your operating surgeon to discuss their specific post-operative protocols with regards to exercise and sleep position.  Each surgeon has their own specific philosophy when it comes to post-operative care and recovery and what you may find is that one surgeon, such as myself, would say to wait until you are at least 4 weeks post-op to resume any exercising and/or heavy lifting and another surgeon may tell you something slightly different.  As such, I always find it important that patients defer to their operating surgeon who is most familiar with your specific case.  I hope you find this helpful and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your desire to get back to the gym, but be careful. I recommend no heavy lifting or aerobics for at least 4 weeks after surgery, then begin again slowly. The concern primarily is postop bleeding, which can harm your final result. Check with your surgeon. Good luck!

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Moderate exercise is okay after 4 weeks - practice good judgement and common sense. Sleeping on your side and belly will absolutely impact the ultimate placement of your implant. I have done several studies detailing this result. Staying on your back for sleep also benefits your face from premature aging. Good luck - I'm sure you will love your new look.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Glad to hear that you have had a successful surgery and feel well enough to resume exercise.  I recommend you follow the instructions provided to you by your plastic surgeon.  I allow my patients to return to aerobic activities after three weeks and around 6 weeks resume full activities.  As for sleeping on your side, as soon as you are comfortable doing so.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

It's always best to check with your surgeon about his or her post-operative protocol. I advise my breast augmentation patients that they may sleep in any desired position from the day of surgery on. Your sleeping position should be based on whatever is comfortable. I do not believe that lying on your side can cause harm. Women who like to sleep on their belly are comfortable in that position by the 21st day after surgery. I also advise my patients that if they are comfortable at 21 days post surgery, it's OK for them to do activities like running, aerobics, swimming and lower body weights. Hope this information is reassuring. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths." Good luck to you.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is always best to first consult with your operating surgeon regarding any questions you may have related to your aftercare, as each surgeon has their own unique set of post operative instructions.  That being said, in our practice we advise patients to refrain from sleeping on their sides for a minimum of 3 weeks.  With regards to exercise, we advise patients to avoid elevating your heart rate for a minimum of two weeks.  At that point you may begin light exercise, but to refrain from any chest exercises for a minimum of 3 months.With kind regards,Lane F. Smith, M.D., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.O.H.N.S., F.A.B.F.P.R.S.Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most patients are cleared to perform lifting > 10 pounds 4 - 6 weeks following breast augmentation. You may return to walking and light lifting sooner, but would not perform any strenuous activity without clearance from your surgeon. It is best to have an in-person follow up examination for recommendations regarding what you should and should not be doing. Good luck with your recovery.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

John S. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi there! We typically recommend that our breast augmentation patients wait 4 weeks after surgery to resume exercising. Usually by week 3, patients can start very light exercises as they make the transition to week 4. Also, we tell our patients they can sleep on their side if it is comfortable after 4 weeks, preferably wearing a bra. Please check with your doctor as post-op instructions can vary greatly among plastic surgeons.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Thanks for your question. You should ask your PS as every PS has different regimes postop. I have no issues with patients exercising their lower body at this stage in a support bra and also have no issues with sleeping on your side in a support bra. Again every PS is different.

Working out lower body: 2 weeks post-op breast augmentation.

Answers (19)

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