If fitness is a significant part of your lifestyle, it may be frustrating to remain inactive for several weeks while your body heals after breast surgery. However, recuperating from breast augmentation will require activity restrictions to minimize potential complications and ensure optimal healing.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Cooper understands your desire to challenge yourself with workouts that help you look and feel your best. He makes every effort to ensure your recovery after breast augmentation is quick, comfortable, and efficient, so you can return to your daily schedule as soon as possible.
What Does a Typical Breast Augmentation Recovery Entail?
After Dr. Cooper completes your breast enhancement procedure, you will wake up in a recovery room in our state-of-the-art surgical center under close observation by our surgical team. A friend or family member can help you get home once Dr. Cooper gives his approval.
Once you are safely resting at home, keep your chest area elevated to reduce inflammation. When you start feeling well enough to do so, we encourage you to take gentle walks to help improve your circulation.
On the day after surgery, you can shower but not bathe, avoiding submerging your incision underwater for four weeks.
First Week After Surgery
After we change your bandages, your breasts may appear high and not as large as you desired. Don’t be alarmed, as this means your implants have yet to settle into their permanent position. We ask you to wear a compression garment day and night and never drive while taking prescription pain medication.
Though recovery varies from patient to patient, most women can return to work one week after surgery.
Next Six Weeks
If you enjoy working out to shape and tone your body, be cautious about rushing back into your fitness routine. Avoid strenuous exercise, opting instead for light walking while wearing a sports bra. Please follow Dr. Cooper’s post-surgical instructions faithfully to ensure an optimal outcome.
How Soon Can I Work Out After Surgery?
You should avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least four to six weeks after breast augmentation or until you receive clearance from Dr. Cooper. Upper-body exercises are off-limits longer. While walking around your home or neighborhood can help speed your healing, talk to Dr. Cooper before beginning any exercise after surgery.
What Could Happen If I Exercise Too Soon After Breast Augmentation?
Exercising too soon after breast surgery can impact your recovery and surgical outcome. Possible complications that may occur include:
- Delayed healing
- Implant displacement or shifting
- Severe or prolonged pain
- Pulling out sutures
- Implant rupture
- Reopening incisions
- Need for a breast augmentation revision
Dr. Cooper knows you want to heal quickly and return to your favorite activities after breast augmentation. However, with proper aftercare, including taking a few weeks off from your workout routine, you should be able to resume training and enjoy your beautiful breasts sooner.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Cooper is a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in cosmetic breast surgery. If you want more information about breast augmentation, recovery, and downtime, call our Jupiter office at (561) 406-6574 or our Palm Beach office at (561) 838-7370, or contact us online to schedule your consultation today!