Exercise is good for your general health but can also contribute to your healing if you gradually introduce it after surgery. Although breast augmentation is a great procedure to boost your confidence, it’s important not to go back to the gym too early. During the first three weeks, you’ll feel sore and tired. Don’t do any strenuous activity, and limit the number of times you lift your hands.
Simple Activities You Can Do After the Surgery
During the first 2 to 3 weeks, Joel Aronowitz recommends plenty of rest to allow the body to heal. That means limiting your activities as much as possible. Start by introducing short walks into your routine. This will facilitate effective blood flow throughout the body, which boosts healing. Avoid anything strenuous that can lead to injuries and delay your healing process.
Avoid any heavy exercise if you have submuscular breast implants (implants placed below your pectoral muscles). Muscle contractions from strenuous activity can cause the implants to move before they are yet to settle in the right position. After about four weeks, your surgeon can clear you for light exercises. Remember that you want to avoid anything that elevates your heart rate too much. You also have to avoid lifting heavy things. The best exercises you can do include the following:
- Walking for a short distance at a moderate pace
- Using an exercise bike gently
- Do light yoga (avoid poses that require you to balance your weight with your arms)
As you exercise, listen to your body. Pushing it to do exercises it’s not ready for will delay your healing time. Be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon about which activities are safe for you.
How to Exercise Successfully After Breast Augmentation
After six weeks, your surgeon will likely clear you for regular exercises such as weight training, arm workouts, and chest exercises. Nonetheless, larger breasts can make some exercises uncomfortable or even challenging. To help you maintain fitness, here are tips that can help.
Pick the Right Bra Size
Most sports bras will be labeled small, medium, large, etc., which can make most women assume their size. To get a comfortable fit, consider being fitted professionally before buying a sports bra. If that’s not an option, then try on the bra and ensure it’s the right size.
Pick the Right Exercises
Most women can enjoy the same exercises they used to before the procedure. However, if you have larger breasts, try exercises for women with big boobs. This will help you remain comfortable. You can change your routine by doing the following:
- Instead of jogging or running, try stationary exercises by using an elliptical machine
- Instead of Zumba or intense cardiovascular classes, consider water aerobics. The buoyancy will reduce movement
- Replace lifting weights with bodyweight exercises such as planks, lunges, and squats
Most patients want to resume regular exercises to remain in shape. But once you have undergone breast augmentation, you need to remain patient. Pushing your body before it’s ready will delay your healing or even lead to post-op complications.