One of the main concerns with exercising after a breast augmentation surgery is overusing the pectoral muscles since the breast implants are positioned directly underneath the pectoralis major muscle. Patients need to allow adequate time for the muscle to heal following the procedure because scar tissue naturally lines the pocket that holds the implant immediately. It is essential to avoid excessive inflammation or strain that could increase the risk of capsular contracture, or other painful side effects. However, patients should continue to lead an exercise regimen to ensure the best surgery results and continue sculpting other areas of the body. The following are some helpful hints for guidance on how active breast augmentation patients can resume a strong, healthy, and safe workout after surgery.
First 3 Days
Since the breast augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia, it is normal for patients to feel the lingering effects of grogginess and fatigue for the first 48 hours after surgery. It is highly recommended that women are not overly active during these first few days and that they follow all special instructions from their surgeon. After coming home from the surgery center, it is perfectly fine to sleep for a couple of hours to get rid of sleepiness, eat and drink something healthy, and lay low for a while. Although women should take it easy, they also need to get up and walk around frequently to keep the body in motion. Take a few laps around the house, or get some fresh air and sunshine with a walk around the neighborhood.
Weeks 1 and 2
For the first two weeks after surgery, women should continue to be cautious about their activities and exercise choices. Patients are advised to not participate in any activities that involve lifting more than 10 pounds, push-ups, pull-ups, strenuous yoga poses, or Pilates moves that include balancing the bodyweight on the arms. Patients should also not place significant stress on the pectoral muscles by swinging a golf club and tennis racquet or using certain gym equipment like elliptical machines. Instead, women should return to gentler forms of exercise that will not overuse or cause strain to the pectoral muscles. Walking and static stretching are the most common exercise methods that will protect the pectorals, while still keeping the body in movement.
Weeks 2-6
After two full weeks of recovery from breast augmentation surgery, women may begin to add in light cardio and lower body workouts into their exercise regimen. That being said, women still need to stick to low or non-impact gym equipment, such as the elliptical cross trainer or stationary bike. In other words, no walking or running on a treadmill where the bouncing motion can hinder surgery recovery. Most surgeons suggest that patients implement lower body specific exercises first, including lunges, leg presses, and squats without any added weights. If the woman treads carefully, some core-specific strengthening exercises can be incorporated into the routine after four weeks.
Weeks 6+
At the six week mark, patients typically are scheduled for an appointment with the surgeon to review her progress. If given the green light, she can slowly get back into their old routine of resistance training with high-rep, low-weight exercises. Following the surgery, the pectoral major muscles and shoulder girdles will be weak and tight, so these exercises will re-strengthen them. Although it may be counterintuitive, push-ups, bench presses, and other chest exercises are great ways to start reconditioning after surgery as the accessory muscles will protect the pectoral muscles from injury.
Careless exercises and abrupt movements following breast augmentation surgery can impact the final positioning of the implant, as well as cause significant health concerns or even bleed. Follow this guide for returning to the gym and an exercise regimen at the right time to ensure proper recovery and placement of the implants for a tremendous new body!
Author Bio:
Brenda Panin is an active health blogger interested in topics related to beauty and cosmetic surgery. Useful information for this article has been kindly provided by Cosmos Clinic. In her free time, Brenda enjoys exercising and spending time with her favorite dog LuLu.
