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If you’ve made the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery but are worried about how it might affect your athletic lifestyle, you may be interested in learning more about how quickly you’ll be able to get back on your feet after your procedure.

Here is some advice offered by one of Houston’s leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Christopher K. Livingston, about your post-procedural exercise routine.

When Is It Safe to Resume Exercising After Breast Augmentation?

When it comes to recovering from any procedure, every surgery will vary from patient to patient. Typically, patients must wait at least six weeks or longer for their recovery process to take place before undergoing vigorous physical activities. Exercising too soon after breast augmentation (and without the proper authorization from your surgeon) can be extremely dangerous and lead to potential complications.

Types of Safe Exercises and When To Try Them

When it comes to incorporating exercise back into your everyday routine, there are some important recommendations to follow to ensure you don’t run into any complications along the way. Remember that these suggestions vary by patient, especially considering their history of physical activity before surgery. You should discuss resuming physical activity with your surgeon beforehand.

Here is a general timeline you can expect:

• First two weeks: Short walks are recommended to promote healthy circulation. You can gradually increase the length and speed at which you walk while also being very cautious not to push yourself too hard too soon. Do not engage in running, jogging, intense walking, or upper body exercises at this time, as these could increase the risk of bleeding at incision sites.
• Three weeks: Depending on your recovery process, you may be able to incorporate slow, low-impact exercises from the bottom half. Only proceed with these exercises with your doctor’s approval.
• Six weeks: Most patients are able to resume their pre-surgery fitness routine at this time. It is important to listen to your body. You may find that you aren’t able to do as many exercises as you were before, and you may have lost some muscle during recovery. If any exercise feels too strenuous, resume your lower impact activity and allow yourself to slowly build back up to where you were before.

Tips on Selecting A Sports Bra for Exercising After Breast Augmentation

Once your surgeon clears you, you will be free to wear sports bras again. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a sports bra:

• Implants will use the recovery time to settle into place. A sports bra that imposes too much pressure or constriction can interfere with the breasts’ shape and appearance, so be sure to choose a sports bra that is not too tight.
• The shape and size of the breast following an augmentation form gradually, so a sports bra purchase right after surgery might not fit the same way once the surgery’s results have been fully achieved. To save yourself some money, wait until your surgeon clears you before you go shopping for all the cute bras.

Put Your Trust in Livingston Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation is amongst the most popular procedures in the world, but the procedure itself requires tremendous artistry, finesse, and skill to ensure the results look natural and create harmony with the rest of the body. If you’re thinking about cosmetic breast surgery, make sure that you’re receiving the best care from a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Livingston today, call (281) 501-1812 or contact us through our website.