Many women who get breast augmentation surgery are very excited to see their results and get back into their regular routines, showing off their new breasts. After your breast augmentation, you might feel antsy and can’t wait to hit the gym. While exercise is vital for a healthy recovery, you must take it slow for the first few weeks.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Week by Week
Immediately after your breast augmentation surgery, you can expect to have some bruising and swelling in the chest region. You must wear a surgical compression bra throughout the recovery period, as it will help keep the swelling at bay and minimize discomfort. Minimizing swelling is crucial because it allows your body to heal faster, and the faster your body heals, the quicker you’ll be able to see your full results and enjoy your new breasts.
During the first few days after your procedure, lots of rest is imperative. You should arrange to take one week off of work, school, and other regular activities and responsibilities. Many patients can resume work and everyday light activities one to two weeks after surgery. Around four weeks after breast augmentation, many patients can resume most activities, including exercise. At six weeks, many patients fully recover and can return to all types of exercise and strenuous activities.
When Can I Work Out After Breast Augmentation?
Everyone’s body is different and heals at their own rate. Generally speaking, four weeks after breast augmentation surgery, you can do most workouts, except any heavy weight lifting. Usually, six weeks after surgery, patients can begin using heavy weights again and have no exercise limitations.
Best Workouts for Each Step of the Recovery Process
The following is a general guide of workouts you can do during each step of your recovery period. However, you must listen to your body as you heal, and if you don’t feel ready for more strenuous activities, you should take it easy. Be sure to consult your surgeon before starting any new exercises during your recovery to know when it’s safe, and don’t push yourself too far too soon.
Short Walks
While you’ll be focused on resting and healing right after your breast augmentation, you can and should start walking immediately after surgery. You should still be taking it slow. Just walking around your room is a great place to start. Try to get up and walk for a little bit every other hour. These short walks right after surgery will do wonders for your blood circulation and are a great way to stop blood clots from forming. Keep up these short, light walks during the first week of breast augmentation recovery.
Longer Walks
Two weeks after surgery is a good time to start taking longer walks. Depending on your preferences and what is easily accessible to you, things like walking on a treadmill, going on light hikes, walking uphill or up several flights of stairs, or simply taking a stroll around town are all great options.
Light Aerobic Activities
The timeline for implementing other light aerobic activities will depend on your body’s healing process. If you’re up to starting other light exercises after two weeks, let your surgeon know and ask them what workouts they can clear you for. Many patients find that activities such as light yoga and stationary cycling can work well for them during this time.
Focusing on the Lower Body
You’ll likely be ready to resume most exercise activities four weeks after your surgery, especially if you’re an active person who’s been highly anticipating when you can return to your regular workout routine. While you’ll be cleared for most exercises, you may want to focus on working out your lower body to not stress your arms or chest too much. Things like squats or using a leg press at the gym can be excellent alternatives.
Strengthening the Arms & Back
During the six-week period, or once you fully recover, you can return to heavy weight lifting and any other more intense workouts you’ve had to put off during recovery. This is an excellent time to gravitate towards workouts that strengthen your arms and back, such as weight lifting, pull-ups, planks, and ab workouts.
Have More Questions About Breast Augmentation and Breast Augmentation Recovery?
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