When can I start doing pull ups again after breast augmentation?

Question

I would like to know when I can start doing pull ups/ push ups after breast implant surgery. Would doing these exercises increase the risk of capsular contraction?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Once you have recovered, pull ups can be safely performed without increasing your risk of developing capsular contracture. Because this is quite an intensive exercise, it’s best to wait at least 8 weeks after your surgery. However, I suggest you ask your surgeon as they will be more familiar with your situation.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. I suggest you wait at least 3 weeks before running or exercise. It's best to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore. But you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.  Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

As you've seen from the other doctors, 6 weeks of healing is the minimum before getting back into a significant exercise routine.  The reality is that it takes a few months for things to completely settle down and heal to the fullest extent.  Be careful with very excessive forceful exercises that involve your chest.  Always check with your surgeon first.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI scooter,  Every surgeon has their own post-operative recovery regimen, so you should really discuss this with your surgeon. For my own patients, I would not want them to do this until at least 6-7 weeks post surgery and then, I would tell them to be extremely careful with this type of exercise. It might be helpful as well to start slowly with some gentle weight first before proceeding to pull -ups.Best,   Dr. Christine Rodgers

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.I specialize in Breast Implants and restorative Breast Surgery procedures.

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.

For my patients, I require no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks following surgery.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

Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery.  Each physician will have their own timing to return to activity after surgery based on the exact procedure you had performed.  Though most patients can return to upper body activities at 6 weeks, you will need to gradually work up to the strenuous activity required of a pull up with the use of assistive devices initially. Hope this helps.

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.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Physical activity after breast augmentation with implants could make the implants to shift and heal in asymmetric position. Therefore, after a breast augmentation with implants, patients should adhere strictly to the activity restrictions, and length of the restrictions recommended by their plastic surgeon.Breast augmentation patients with questions about when OK to start doing exercising (eg. pull ups) after surgery  should address that question with the plastic surgeon that performed the operation.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  It is important that you ask your surgeon what he/she recommends. Every surgeon has different timetables for the recovery process.  I am sure that your surgeon's office can give you this timetable.  Good Luck.

Jonathan Adamthwaite, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is important, especially following dual plane submuscular breast augmentation, that certain activities are avoided for a time following surgery. There are no definitive evidence-based time frames and surgeons vary in their advise following augmentation. The initial healing phase following surgery with certain types of implants consists of integration of the surrounding tissue into the implant surface. Avoiding activities such as weight lifting, push or pull ups, running, riding, swimming, rowing, skiing, climbing, tennis and golf helps the implants to settle and develop this adherence. This is also important in preventing the upper edge of the implant flipping over the released edge of pectoralis muscle. This is especially true in women where the pectoralis muscle has a high insertion on the sternum. The dual plane technique can then leave a high released edge of muscle with a higher risk of the implant upper pole flipping in front of the muscle in this way. My own guidance for my patients is that they are able to start light daily activities from day one. However, the activities listed above are best avoided in the first 10-12 weeks. There is no evidence that pull ups/push ups increase the risk of capsular contracture.I hope this is helpful and please get in touch should you require any further guidance. Very best wishes,Jonathan Adamthwaite FRCS (Plast)