Exercising with breast implants isn’t something you can jump straight back into right after surgery. Whether you regularly lift weights or prefer activities like yoga, getting back into your routine will need to be a gradual, gentle process.
When you have a consultation with your surgeon for a breast augmentation, you’ll be able to discuss how soon you can get back to exercising during your recovery. Timelines typically vary from patient to patient, as it can depend on how well you are healing and if any complications have occurred.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can generally return back to your normal exercise routine after a breast augmentation with breast implants. However, we recommend to always refer to the personalised advice that your surgeon will provide.
Why it’s important to take it easy after a breast augmentation with new breast implants
After a breast augmentation with breast implants, your body needs time to heal before returning to regular physical activity.
The surgery involves placing implants either under or over the chest muscle, and it’s normal for the surrounding tissues to still be adjusting in the early weeks of your recovery. Jumping back into exercise too soon can put a strain on the healing tissues, potentially leading to complications like increased swelling, discomfort, or implant displacement.
Even though you might feel ready to exercise sooner, the deeper layers of tissue will typically take longer to recover than what you can see on the surface. Overworking the chest muscles or performing high-impact movements too early can interfere with how your breast implants settle, which can affect your comfort levels and even affect the long-term results of the procedure.
Taking a gradual approach, starting with light movement before reintroducing more intense workouts, will allow your body to heal properly while helping you ease back into your routine.
Do: Take your time when easing back into exercise
Exercising with breast implants is something that you’ll need to approach gradually, allowing your body to have enough time to heal sufficiently before returning to your usual routine. Straight after surgery, even small movements can feel different, and your body will need time to adjust. Swelling, tightness, and changes in sensation are all normal, and it’s important not to rush back into exercise before your body is ready.
Your surgeon will give you individual advice, but in general, physical activity should be limited in the early weeks. Walking is usually encouraged soon after surgery to help with circulation, but anything more than that will typically need to wait until you’ve healed further.
You will normally have post-surgical check-ups after your breast augmentation so that your surgeon can monitor the progress of your healing. During these appointments, your surgeon can assess if you are ready to introduce more exercise back into your daily routine.
Don’t: Focus on the chest muscles too soon
Activities that involve pushing, pulling, or lifting with the arms can all significantly engage the chest muscles, which can put strain on the healing area. Excessive strain can possibly affect the implants, which can delay healing or lead to complications.
Strength training, high-impact workouts, and anything that causes bouncing or excessive movement in the chest should be avoided in the earlier weeks after your breast augmentation.
As you heal, you’ll also need to be mindful of daily movements that could strain the chest, like lifting heavy bags, pushing doors open forcefully, or stretching too far overhead. Taking a gradual approach will be the best way to prevent any complications and allow the implants to settle properly.
Do: Start with low-impact exercises first
When you’re ready to increase activity, low-impact exercises will normally be the best place to start. Exercising with breast implants can also feel different at first, so easing in with gentler activities like walking on a treadmill, light stationary cycling, or yoga can help you reintroduce movement without putting too much strain on your chest.
Even though these exercises are lower intensity, it’s still important to listen to your body. If you feel discomfort, tightness, or pulling in your chest, you’ll need to take this as a sign to slow down and be gentler with your exercise routine. Feeling resistance from your body could indicate that you need more time to heal.
Don’t: Return to high-intensity workouts too quickly
Even if your energy levels are back to normal, your body will still be healing beneath the surface. Exercises that involve running, jumping, or rapid arm movements can put a lot of strain on the chest and may affect the implants if introduced too soon.
High-impact workouts, contact sports, and heavy lifting should be avoided until you’ve fully healed. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to return to certain exercises, it’s always best to check with your surgeon first.
Do: Support your body as you reintroduce exercise
Once you’ve been cleared for more activity, another step you can take to make exercising with breast implants more comfortable is to provide your body with the right support.
A well-fitted sports bra will be essential when exercising with breast implants, helping to keep movement controlled and reduce strain on the chest. However, you typically will need to wait until your surgeon advises that it’s okay to begin wearing sports bras again after your procedure, as you may need to avoid them earlier on in your recovery.
You’ll be able to discuss how you can support your breasts as you reintroduce exercise during your consultation and check-up appointments, based on your personal needs and healing timeline.
Breast Augmentation Procedures with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein
If you’re thinking about undergoing breast augmentation surgery with breast implants in Melbourne, booking a consultation will give you the opportunity to discuss your options and understand what to expect throughout the process.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Craig Rubinstein has over 25 years of experience, and solely focuses on breast and abdominoplasty procedures.
To arrange your consultation with Dr Rubinstein in Melbourne, please contact our team.