What Specific Upper Body Exercises Should I Avoid After a Breast Revision & Capsulorrhaphy? (photo)

Question

I had saline sub-glandular implants replaced with silicone sub-muscular implants, internal bra due to shifting, and liposuction in the axilla/underarm areas 7 weeks ago. I know I can't do flys or probably bench presses, but are there any other exercises I should avoid at this stage or going forward? Dips, pull downs or anything overhead seems like it will be difficult, even though they do isolate the chest muscles. Also, what about sleep? When can i sleep on my stomach or side again? Thank you!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

First,

	you should check in and take the advise from your surgeon. he/she knows exactly what was done and will have specific concerns. Since you have gone through a revision I would be particularly cautious and err on the side of being conservative. therefore I would recommend avoiding upper arm or chest training until 3 months after surgery. Good luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients will feel sore and tired during the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. During these first few days, the patient should engage in light activities, refraining from lifting or raising the arms above the head. #Swelling and #bruising will subside during the first week after surgery and will be controlled by pain medication. Showers are permitted on post op day 3 if there are no drains.The initial surgical tapes will be removed a few weeks after surgery during a post operative visit. Scars will progressively fade throughout the first year following surgery. Patients typically may return to #work a few days after surgery If your job keeps you sedentary, you may return to work when you feel comfortable, several days after surgery  (only a light workload during the first two weeks) . It is important that you not engage in strenuous activities in the first three (2-3) weeks after surgery.  Once you begin #exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!! Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. It may require the full 6 weeks before you can do any upper body work-outs, yoga, etc.

If you have concerns about your healing, or pain, such as chest pain,it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further, and you may need to be examined.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the revisionary breast surgery.  Ultimately, only your plastic surgeon should advise you when it comes to returning to specific exercises.  If I were you, I would ask for more specific recommendations as opposed to "listen to your body".  With these types of cases, I want my patients to AVOID hearing their bodies say "ouch"...  In my opinion, returning to certain activities too soon may increase the risk of recurrence of breast implant displacement/malposition.  The type of exercise/activity patients should avoid will depend on exactly what type of capsulorraphy was performed. Therefore, In my practice, I ask patients to avoid upper body weightlifting, stretching, and strenuous activity in general respectively for at least 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Sometimes, depending on the type of capsulorraphy performed, this time of rest is even longer.  For example, for symmastia correction  capsulorraphy, I ask patients not to abduct their arms for several months after the procedure.  The use of specific supportive garments may also be helpful. One of the problems associated with this type of revisionary breast surgery: often, patients do not experience much discomfort with this type of surgery.  This may lead them to return to activities too soon unless they are aware of the potential problems that may occur. I hope this helps. Best wishes for outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is responsible for dictating the terms of convalescence. In my practice I think patients are healed well enough to resume full activity in about four weeks.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Avoid activities that make the breasts bounce up and down for the first 6 weeks.  In all cases follow the advise of your plastic surgeon.

What Specific Upper Body Exercises Should I Avoid After a Breast Revision & Capsulorrhaphy? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Patients are allowed to return to full activity four weeks after breast augmentation.

Answer: Patients are allowed to return to full activity four weeks after breast augmentation.

Answer: Activities after surgery

Answer: Activities after surgery

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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What Specific Upper Body Exercises Should I Avoid After a Breast Revision & Capsulorrhaphy? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Patients are allowed to return to full activity four weeks after breast augmentation.

Answer: Patients are allowed to return to full activity four weeks after breast augmentation.

Answer: Activities after surgery

Answer: Activities after surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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