Is the Treadmill 3 Weeks After Breast Reduction too Soon?

Question

I am a very active 64 year old (runner, golfer, downhill skier, gym enthusiast). I have been walking the golf course with my husband and riding the recumbant bike at the gym since about 1 week after surgery. I would like to start using the treadmill but am concerned that I was told it is too jarring.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give to my patients:
1)  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
2)  Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)
3)  At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph
4)  At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph
5)  At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph
6)  At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph
7)  At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

I tell my patients that they can resume normal activities after bruising and tenderness are gone. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks. But follow your surgeons advice, each patient can be different.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Congratulations on having had  the breast reduction procedure.  is one of the most patient pleasing operations we do.

	I would agree that you should first speak with your surgeon to see what he/she recommends for post operative exercising.  I think it would be fine to walk (walk briskly) on the treadmill but probably would not want you running on it quite yet.  Make sure you are wearing a supportive bra and follow the instructions of your surgeon.

Marialyn Sardo, MD · Answer

Please consult your surgeon about your instructions for post operative activity.  If you have already been doing stationary bike and walking on the golf course, you could probably WALK on the treadmill.  I would not recommend jogging or running this early after breast reduction surgery.  At any rate, a quick call to your surgeon's office should clarify his instructions.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No matter what we as expert posters say, you NEED to verify this with your chosen operative surgeon. In my practice 3 weeks sounds about right.

Is the Treadmill 3 Weeks After Breast Reduction too Soon?

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Is the Treadmill 3 Weeks After Breast Reduction too Soon?

Answers (9)

Answer: Treadmill 3 weeks after breast reduction surgery

Answer: Treadmill 3 weeks after breast reduction surgery

Answer: Is the Treadmill 3 Weeks After Breast Reduction too Soon?

Answer: Is the Treadmill 3 Weeks After Breast Reduction too Soon?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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