11 Oct Should You Exercise After Surgery: 4 Post-Operative Exercises For Breast Augmentation Recovery
Moving Through Augmentation Recovery
People that undergo breast augmentation are eager to see results. However, doctors often recommend strict recovery guidelines for the best outcome. This protocol is crucial to ensure proper healing, minimize complications, and reduce the risk of infection. Some patients, particularly active individuals, want to know if exercise is possible after surgery. While rest is essential to recovery, proper training can help reduce pain and improve healing. These 4 exercises can aid in breast augmentation recovery.
1. Go for a walk
Slow walking is an easy and effective way to maintain strength and range of motion (ROM) while recovering from surgery. In addition to helping ease the discomfort associated with restricted movement, walking promotes circulation and oxygenates the blood. This can significantly reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots and infection. Post-operative patients should walk slowly and steadily for no more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Over time, individuals can gradually increase the duration based on fitness levels and recovery protocol.
2. Consider riding in place
Stationary bikes are an effective, low-impact form of exercise. This exercise allows patients to continue strengthening the muscles around the chest area while improving overall cardiovascular fitness. When used for a short period during the first several weeks after surgery, stationary bikes can help promote blood circulation. Over time, this reduces swelling while distracting from pain and discomfort.
3. Try light yoga
Practicing yoga is a safe and effective way to stretch and strengthen the muscles while minimizing stress on the body. Performing gentle yoga poses can also help to relieve pain and promote relaxation. Yoga can be beneficial during the first few weeks of recovery. Post-operative patients should start by performing basic poses that promote flexibility and mobility and then work up to more complex movements over time. However, people who have undergone breast surgery should avoid any yoga poses that put pressure on the chest muscles.
4. Lower body exercises
Since the chest will need more time to heal completely, patients with breast implants may focus on lower body exercises during recovery. Lower body exercises can include hips, thighs, buttocks, and back stretches. When performed correctly, such exercises help to strengthen the core and improve balance and coordination. After 2-3 weeks, patients can also perform lunges, squats, and leg lifts without stressing the chest muscles. Starting slowly and gradually increasing the intensity of each exercise can be an effective way to build strength and flexibility while minimizing the risk of complications or further injury.
Exercises to avoid
Do not attempt to perform high-impact activity for several weeks after breast surgery. Running, jumping, and other vigorous activities can put too much strain on the chest, resulting in infection or damage to the implants. Heavy weightlifting should also be avoided, as this can delay healing, rupture stitches, and increase the risk of infection.
A gentle approach to recovery
For the first 2 weeks following the surgery, patients should avoid any activity that causes pain or discomfort. During this time, refrain from lifting heavy objects and performing strenuous physical activity. After 2 weeks, light exercises can be introduced as part of a gradual rehabilitation program. Walking, cycling on a stationary bike, light yoga, and lower body exercises are all excellent options.