How Soon Can I Exercise After Breast Augmentation & Other Recovery Tips

If your breasts have lost volume, changed shape, or started to sag due to pregnancy or weight loss, breast augmentation is a great option for you. You probably did a ton of research and planning before your breast augmentation, but what should you expect after the procedure?

Patients often worry about getting back to their regular routines, asking, “How soon can I exercise after my breast augmentation” and “When can I travel again?” If you’re planning for breast augmentation, here are some helpful tips for navigating your recovery.

What Does a Breast Augmentation Involve?

You will review your choices carefully during your consultation with your plastic surgeon, making decisions such as whether you’ll use implants or your own fat for your procedure. If implants are your choice, you’ll discuss where your incision should be made, the size and shape of your implants, and the implant material.

These decisions are just some of the reasons you should choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon who will customize your procedure based on the results you want. Part of this customization may also address whether combining your breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift will achieve the results you want.

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The type of breast augmentation surgery you choose and whether you combine it with other procedures will affect your recovery timeline somewhat. To give you a general idea of what to expect, though, let’s talk about recovery from breast augmentation with implants.

What Is the Recovery Process?

After you return home from your procedure, you will have a gauze pad covering your incisions, and your surgeon may advise you to wear a post-operative garment. Your surgeon will also advise you on how to care for your incisions and manage any discomfort you may have. It’s important to follow all your surgeon’s recommendations in order to heal and avoid scarring.

The first few weeks after surgery will be a time to rest and recover. You should take some time off from work and nourish your body properly. Avoid any heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Be gentle with your body as much as you can.

How Soon Can I Exercise After Breast Augmentation?

Most women are eager to return to their usual workout routine after breast augmentation. However, you need to remember that you just went through surgery, and your body and mind need time to recover.

When you can start exercising depends on when your incisions heal and the swelling decreases. Your surgeon will advise you to start with slow movement and gentle walking as soon as possible. About a week after surgery, you can likely resume gentle activities such as light lower body exercises that don’t strain your chest, shoulders, or upper back. As your healing progresses, you will gradually work your way back to your usual exercise routine.

What Type of Workouts Are Best After Breast Augmentation?

Even after the requisite recovery period, you should step back into your workout routine slowly. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can start intense cardio, such as walking on a treadmill, 2 weeks after the procedure. You can resume all exercises except for heavy lifting a month after the procedure. It will take about 6 weeks for you to get back to your normal workout routine.

While you do have to be cautious when exercising after breast augmentation, it should not stop you from being the active person you were before. Be sure to discuss your workout regimen and activity level with your surgeon before the procedure, so you know what to expect. Read this related blog for some questions you can ask your plastic surgeon during your consultation.

When Can I Fly After Breast Augmentation?

This is another common question individuals have when considering breast augmentation. If your wanderlust kicks in soon after the procedure, you are in luck! You may be able to travel as quickly as 2 weeks after the procedure as long as you refrain from carrying or lifting luggage as this can impact your incisions.

Air travel also involves sitting still for an extended period, which can increase your risk of blood clots. To counteract this long period of inaction, walk up and down the aisles when possible. When booking connecting flights, leave enough time between each flight so you don’t have to run or walk fast to catch the next flight.

Is It Normal To Feel Pain After Breast Augmentation?

Along with the thrill of having the breasts of your dreams, you may also worry about your discomfort level and wonder if it’s “normal.” It is common to have some discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the first few weeks after the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will advise you about what type of discomfort to expect and when you need to contact the office to seek help.

Abnormal swelling in one breast, severe pain, fever, and widespread redness may be causes for concern, and you should reach out to your plastic surgeon right away. The advantage of choosing an experienced breast augmentation surgeon is that they can easily differentiate between the usual post-op symptoms and more serious issues.

After your breast augmentation, getting as much rest and downtime as possible is important. Just enjoy the relaxation and quiet time, knowing your busy days will be upon you soon enough!