Back to training (gym) after Breast Augmentation - what should I know/expect?

Question

I'm an avid gym goer and weight lifter and am keen to know how long I need to rest and what to expect when I go back to training - how will my weight training need to change? Running? I know everyone is different but any advice I can get would be great. I'm 5'10 and going to a 550+ implant as I'm quite broad.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for six weeks. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result.  Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!! It may require the full 6 weeks before you can do any upper body work-outs, yoga, etc.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can do gym and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Recovery after breast augmentation varies from person to person as well as the technique utilized. It is very important in which plane the implant has been placed. If the implant is in the submuscular plane, movements involving the arms can cause pain and discomfort in the early postoperative period. In these cases, exercises of the upper body should be limited to 3 months after the surgery for best results. However, implants placed in the sub-glandular or subfascial planes can tolerate an earlier use of the pectoral muscles.
As a practitioner of the subfascial technique, my patients who have their implants placed under the fascia can go to work 2-3 days after surgery. They can start vigorous exercise in 6 weeks postop, however this is not a strict limitation. Since the muscle is not disturbed in these cases, the patient can literally start exercise the day after surgery. However, aggressive use of the pectoral muscles is still not advised for at least 6 weeks.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I advise my patients that they can return to regular upper body workouts at 6 weeks post op but it would be best for you to contact your Plastic Surgeon as they know exactly what your situation is and can advise you specifically.All the best

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Generally after three weeks you should be ok to begin low impact exercises however it is best to refrain from chest exercises until at least your 6th week post op. Surgeons have their own preferences in regards to returning to normal activities post op so it is best to consult with your surgeon before resuming your daily routine. Good luck!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I tell my patients that three weeks after surgery, it’s OK for them to do aerobic activity (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.), running and lower-body weight training. Women are usually comfortable doing arm exercises (upper-body weights) starting about six weeks after surgery. I have Triple Crown bodybuilders who go back into competition after getting implants. They start with light training at six weeks and heavier training after eight weeks. I hope this assists you in your training program. 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."

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hi, as you've pointed out, everyone will heal differently so it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon before returning to vigorous exercise.  Most of my patients have returned to their regular exercise regimen by about 6 weeks postop.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The general rule for training after breast augmentation is 8-12
weeks.However, this refers to the
muscles in the chest, but that does not mean you cannot go for walks and
gradually get back into an exercise regime that stays away from using the pec
muscles.By 6-8 weeks, most patients can
get back into their normal exercise regimen.But, it is always best to check with your Plastic Surgeon before you
begin any kind of training after breast surgery.I hope this helps and best of luck with your
procedure.

Suzanne M. Quardt, MD · Answer

Most surgeons will recommend that you avoid intense exercise and
heavy lifting for 8-12 weeks after breast augmentation, although most patients
can resume light exercise and a training regime that avoids the pectoral
muscles sooner than that, usually within 6-8 weeks.As this is important to you, be sure to ask
your plastic surgeon for specific guidelines based on your unique surgical plan
during your initial consultation.

Eric Mariotti, MD · Answer

As you
can see from the other answers, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes
to exercising after breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon will provide
guidelines, and it's best to follow his or her advice. I suggest not trying to
do too much too soon, even if you feel good. I tell patients they can return to
the gym when they feel up to it, but to limit their exercises to those focused
on the lower body. Upper body exercises that flex the chest muscle may push the
implants apart. You should also start with low-impact activities, so consider
swapping the treadmill for an elliptical machine. Your exercise habits are
definitely something to discuss with your surgeon because they can influence
some of the surgical choices, such as whether to place implants above or behind
the pectoral muscle.

Back to training (gym) after Breast Augmentation - what should I know/expect?

Answers (13)

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