12 Sep When Can I Resume Running Or Weight Lifting After Breast Augmentation?
Working Out After Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to improve the size and shape of the breasts with implants. Thousands of women have this surgery done every year. Patients have many questions about what to expect after surgery, including when exercise can be resumed. Learning when running and weightlifting can be restarted helps women planning augmentation know what to expect.
What is breast augmentation?
Over time, the size and shape of the breasts can change. For many women, this dramatic shift can impact self-confidence. Surgery can help restore the youthful look of the breasts by using saline or silicone implants to lift and increase size. The patient is put under using general anesthesia for the procedure. The surgeon then makes an incision near the breast to insert and position the implant behind the nipple. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon uses stitches to close the incision and bandages the area. Most patients go home the same day.
What to expect post-op
Soreness, swelling, and some bruising are possible in the first few weeks after surgery. Once discharged home, the patient should plan to rest as much as possible for the first few days. The doctor may write a prescription or suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) medication to control pain. A compression bandage or sports bra can help during the initial healing stages.
Start slow
Although the primary goal post-op is to rest and recover, some light movement can help heal. Most patients will be cleared to return to walking 1-2 days after surgery. This movement can promote oxygen flow throughout the body and improve blood circulation. Light arm movements can also be done during this time to prevent stiffness from occurring.
Returning to cardio
Although each case is different, most women can return to cardio exercises like running about 4 weeks after surgery. Start slow and work up to longer runs and more intense workouts. If any pain arises during cardio exercise, stop and rest.
Getting back to weightlifting
Chest exercises are the last to be resumed to allow for proper healing of the breasts. This means weightlifting should be postponed until 6-8 weeks after surgery. Getting the green light from the surgeon at a follow-up visit can ensure the body is ready for this type of movement. Start slow and use lighter weights until strength is restored.
Look great exercising
Although many active women find slowing down difficult, resting after augmentation is recommended to achieve the best results. After 4 weeks, cardio can be added back in, and 6-8 weeks later, weightlifting can be resumed. Follow the surgeon’s instructions to return to exercise without negatively affecting the surgery results. Soon enough, the patient will return to the gym looking better than ever.