20 Jan Post-Surgery Workout: Exercises To Boost Your Breast Augmentation Recovery
Exercise Should Be Part Of Your Recovery
A successful breast augmentation procedure increases the breast size and improves the profile while boosting confidence. Recovery is a crucial part of the process, regardless of the type of breast augmentation or implants used in the procedure. A smooth recovery manages pain, promotes healing, and ensures an optimal outcome. Rest plays a role in recovery, but so does exercise. Adopting a simple but effective post-surgery workout reduces stiffness and improves blood flow. Slowly increasing the intensity also helps increase dopamine, the feel-good hormone, while maintaining body weight to support the results. The right exercises, however, are necessary to ensure a safe outcome.
When should you start exercising?
Breast augmentation requires incisions and tissue manipulation. The body requires rest to recover and heal from this trauma. Additional time is needed for swelling to subside and for implants to drop and fluff in the final location. Some exercises cannot start immediately. The surgeon will give the green light on exercise based on factors like pain tolerance, general health, and if there are complications. After a few days, patients can perform gentle movements in a stationary position. At the 1-2 week mark, movements at a relaxed pace are possible. As the days and weeks progress, more strenuous exercises can be added to the post-surgery workout plan. The goal is to be patient, listen to the body, and follow the medical team’s recommendations.
Try these gentle exercises first
Doctors will recommend gentle movements to reduce stiffness and pain while increasing circulation. Exercises should be done in a seated position using a smooth motion to prevent damaging incisions. Start with a shoulder roll by lifting the arms slightly and moving the shoulder in forward rotations, then backward rotations. A shoulder shrug is another effective exercise. Keep both arms at the side and lift the shoulders toward the ears, holding that lifted position for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise as recommended. As the days progress, try clockwise and anticlockwise arm circles. Lift and extend both arms to shoulder height. Make gentle forward and backward circles with both arms. Add in some gentle arm swings by extending each arm to the ceiling. Perform these exercises at least twice daily.
Moving to moderate exercises
From week 1-2, breast augmentation patients can walk at a leisurely pace for several minutes, preferably outdoors. Walking is a full-body exercise that promotes healthy circulation. Week 3-6 post-operation can include low-impact cardio exercise to increase stamina and aid in weight management. Get access to a stationary bike, treadmill, or elliptical machine. Go at a slow pace, adjusting the time and intensity based on fitness levels. Once the incisions are fully healed, consider short swimming or aqua therapy sessions. These are full-body exercises that promote circulation while reducing resistance. During all exercise sessions, wear supportive bras and avoid excessive motions that can cause pain or discomfort.
Ramp things up with strength training
At the 6-8 week mark, patients should be fully healed from breast augmentation. The final results should begin to take shape. Patients begin to enjoy the maximum benefits of surgery. This is not a time to stop the post-surgery workout routine. Adding resistance exercises can help support the breasts, rebuild muscle tone, and improve posture. Try wall pushups, squats, and core workouts like planks and bridges. Add light weights to increase resistance while performing rows or lateral raises. These exercises strengthen the surrounding back, shoulder, and chest muscles to support the breast augmentation.
Maximize your results with a post-surgery workout
Recovery does not only consist of pain management and rest. Incorporating exercise improves circulation, strengthens the body, and supports breast augmentation. Start with gentle exercises and slowly increase intensity and movement. Combine multiple exercises to create a routine that improves cardiovascular health while targeting different muscle groups. When in doubt, seek advice from the surgeon about performing effective but safe post-surgery recovery exercises.