Exercising after breast lift surgery - guide with tips

Patrick K. Sullivan

When you've invested in a breast lift, maintaining and enhancing your results becomes part of your well-being routine.

Exercise after a breast lift is beneficial, but knowing when and how to reintroduce physical activity is essential. This guide provides medically sound tips and a step-by-step approach to resuming your fitness regimen while honouring the healing process.

Week 1

Gentle walks

Start with short, gentle walks to promote circulation and aid recovery. Walking is a low-risk activity that can help prevent blood clots and keep your spirits high.

Easy upper body movement

Keep upper body movements light and easy. Simple stretches that do not involve direct pressure on the chest can help maintain mobility.

Avoid heavy lifting

Bypass any heavy lifting to protect incisions and breast tissue. Anything over 5 pounds is typically off-limits at this stage.

Weeks 2 and 3

Gradually increase intensity

You can gradually increase your walking pace and add more movement as your comfort level improves, but always within a low-intensity range.

Low-impact cardio

Low-impact cardio activities like cycling on a stationary bike can be introduced as long as they do not cause discomfort.

Gentle arm exercises

Incorporate gentle arm exercises without weights to slowly reintroduce strength without straining the chest area.

Avoid high-impact activity

Continue to avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping, which may disrupt the healing process.

4 weeks and beyond

Most patients are cleared to return to their pre-surgery exercise routine 4 weeks after their breast lift. At this stage, wearing a supportive bra during exercise is essential to provide adequate support to your new contours.

Risks of exercising too soon

Jumping back into exercise too soon can hinder the process of recovering from a breast lift surgery. Your body needs time to heal and adapt to the new shape of your breasts—pushing yourself too early could lead to complications that affect both your recovery and the final outcome.

It's therefore important to follow a gradual approach to resuming physical activity, allowing your body the necessary time to heal. Adoreal’s network of specialized experts can provide personalised advice on when it's safe to start working out again, tailored to your specific surgery and recovery progress.

Recommended exercises

Whether at home or at the gym, these recommended exercises can help you regain strength while respecting your recovery:

Plank holds

Hold a plank position to strengthen your core without straining your chest. Keep your back straight and hold for short intervals.

Push-ups

Once cleared by your surgeon, start with modified push-ups to gradually rebuild strength in your arms and chest.

Dumbbell pullovers

Use light weights for dumbbell pullovers, which can engage your upper body without putting undue pressure on the chest.

Additional tips

Listening to your body is essential. Stay hydrated, consume a balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins, and gradually increase your workout intensity. Remember, recovery should not be rushed.

Let Adoreal be your partner in flawless, uncomplicated aesthetics. Register to Adoreal to connect with top-tier clinics and expert post-operative guidance.

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*Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult your surgeon or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program after surgery.