In one of my most popular blog posts, Ask the Surgeon: Breast Augmentation & Fitness, I answered exercise-related questions posed by breast augmentation patients at my practice serving Brampton, Mississauga, and other Toronto-area communities. With conversation surrounding fitness and plastic surgery becoming increasingly popular at my practice and online, I’ve decided to take the discussion one step further with a simple workout guide specifically for breast augmentation patients. Here’s my breakdown of what you should — and shouldn’t — do as you recover:
When it comes to recovery …
Do This: Ease back into your routine
Not That: Rush back too soon
The recovery period after a procedure is never the appropriate time to start or amplify an intensive exercise regimen. If you are a fitness devotee with imminent plans to train for a marathon or compete in a figure competition, you will likely want to hold off a few months or more for breast implants.
That being said, it isn’t uncommon for typical gym-going patients to overexert themselves too soon either. Rest is the most important part of the recovery process, so please remember to be patient. Let the body heal adequately and avoid complications by keeping this approximate timeline in mind:
- For the first few days: activity should be kept very light, if at all.
- For the first few weeks: walking (and low-impact exercises) is recommended.
- After the first few months (typically 3 to 4): patients can return to their normal routines, adding in weights and higher-impact exercises slowly but surely.
When preparing your gym bag …
Do This: Wear supportive apparel to protect results
Not That: Leave your sports bra at home
While you may be excited to wear clothing that shows off your results, the gym is not the place to leave support behind. Avoid weakening the supportive structures that keep results where they should be by investing in a quality sports bra. With it on, breasts should be snug during any level of physical activity.
When you’re working out …
Do This: Listen to your body
Not That: Think “no pain, no gain”
The saying “no pain, no gain” isn’t the wisest to begin with, and it’s especially bad advice when it comes to returning to the gym following a procedure. If your body gives you any signs you should cut back, listen to it! First, focus your efforts on lower body exercises, slowly working up to light weights (using a good form of course). Be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon for specific exercises to try and to avoid in the case of any discomfort — that’s what we’re here for.
If you have another fitness-related breast augmentation question, be sure to check out our last blog post on the topic or leave it in a comment below. You can see some of my actual breast augmentation results in our online photo gallery.
If you have additional questions or want to come in for a consultation, use our online contact form or give my office a call at (905) 273-3045.
I read your postnig and was jealous