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Breast lift surgery can be a great way to restore the perkiness of your breasts and boost your confidence. However, after the surgery, patients often wonder when they can resume their exercise routine, especially activities such as gym workouts or running. While there are general exercise guidelines that patients can follow, it’s important to listen to your body’s progress and recovery pace before starting any exercise routine.
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At Centre for Surgery, our experienced consultant plastic surgeons can suggest appropriate exercises and gradually increase your activity levels based on your individual healing progress. Our recommendations will help you safely resume your exercise routine without compromising the quality of your breast lift results or risking any complications.
How Long Should I Wait to Exercise After a Breast Lift?
The amount of time it takes to return to exercise after a breast lift varies from person to person, and it also depends on the extent of the procedure. Typically, patients should avoid vigorous activities and exercises that use the chest muscles for at least four to six weeks after surgery. During this time, the breasts will need time to heal, and any strenuous activities may cause the incisions to reopen, leading to complications and prolonging the recovery period.
It is important to gradually increase your activity level over time. Light activities such as walking and stretching can be resumed after two weeks, but activities that cause impact or stress on the chest muscles, such as running or lifting weights, should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks. Patients should also avoid activities that cause bouncing or jarring of the breasts, such as high-impact aerobics, during this period.
When you feel ready to return to exercise, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. Patients should listen to their body and avoid pushing themselves too hard, especially during the first few weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed plan for resuming exercise that is tailored to your specific needs and recovery progress.
It is also important to wear a supportive sports bra during exercise for several weeks after surgery. A sports bra will provide support and reduce the risk of injury or damage to the breasts during exercise.
Exercise timeline after breast lift surgery – week by week
Here is a general timeline for resuming exercise after a breast lift surgery (mastopexy):
Week 1: Rest and Recovery
During the first week following your breast lift surgery, it’s important to take it easy and allow your body to rest and recover. Avoid any strenuous activities, including exercise, as it can hinder the healing process and cause complications.
Week 2: Light Walking and Stretching
After the first week, you can start taking short walks around the house or neighbourhood to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. You can also start doing light stretching exercises to promote flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Week 3-4: Low-Impact Exercises
Around week 3 or 4, you can start to gradually incorporate low-impact exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. Avoid exercises that involve bouncing or jumping movements, such as running or high-impact aerobics, as they can put stress on your healing breasts.
Week 5-6: Moderate-Intensity Cardio and Strength Training
Around week 5 or 6, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to include moderate-intensity cardio exercises, such as cycling or using the elliptical machine, and strength training exercises, such as using weights or resistance bands. However, make sure to avoid exercises that put pressure on your chest muscles, such as push-ups or bench presses.
Week 7-8: High-Impact Exercises and Sports
Around week 7 or 8, you can start to incorporate high-impact exercises and sports back into your routine, such as running or playing basketball. However, make sure to listen to your body and stop exercising if you experience any pain, discomfort, or swelling.
It’s important to remember that every patient is different, and recovery times may vary. It’s essential to follow your plastic surgeon’s advice and guidelines for exercise after your breast lift surgery to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Breast Lift Recovery Tips
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that helps to lift and reshape sagging breasts. The recovery period after breast lift surgery can be crucial to the success of the procedure. Here are some tips to help with your breast lift recovery:
- Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions: Your surgeon will give you a set of post-operative instructions that will help you to have a safe and comfortable recovery. These instructions will include things like how to care for your incisions, what medications to take, when to follow up with your surgeon, and when to resume normal activities.
- Get plenty of rest: Rest is essential for a speedy and smooth recovery. You should avoid strenuous activities and rest as much as possible in the first few days after your surgery.
- Wear a supportive bra: Your surgeon will provide you with a supportive bra that you will need to wear for several weeks after your surgery. The bra will help to minimize swelling, provide support, and promote healing.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects: You should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds for at least 4-6 weeks after your surgery. Lifting heavy objects can cause strain on the incisions and slow down the healing process.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out toxins from your body and promote healing. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 4-6 weeks after your surgery.
- Avoid sun exposure: Sun exposure can cause your scars to darken and become more noticeable. It is important to avoid sun exposure and wear protective clothing or sunscreen if you need to go outside.
- Take it easy: It is important to take it easy during your recovery period and avoid any activities that can cause strain on your incisions. You can gradually resume your normal activities as your surgeon recommends.
- Follow up with your surgeon: It is important to follow up with your surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and comfortable recovery after breast lift surgery and achieve the best possible results.
What gym exercises can I do to make my breasts look more toned after surgery?
- Chest press: Using a weight machine or dumbbells, lie down on a bench or stability ball with your feet flat on the ground. Hold the weights or use the machine handles with your arms extended above your chest. Slowly lower the weights towards your chest until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then push back up to the starting position.
- Push-ups: Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on the ground and lower your body down, keeping your back straight until your chest nearly touches the ground. Push back up to the starting position.
- Chest fly: Lie down on a bench or stability ball with your feet flat on the ground. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms extended above your chest. Slowly lower the weights out to the sides, keeping your elbows slightly bent until they are at shoulder level. Bring the weights back up to the starting position.
- Cable crossover: Stand in the middle of a cable machine with the cables set at the highest level. Grab the handles and pull them down and across your chest, bringing your hands together in front of your body. Slowly release back to the starting position.
- Medicine ball push-ups: Place one hand on a medicine ball and the other hand on the ground, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body down, keeping your back straight, until your chest nearly touches the ground. Push back up to the starting position and then switch hands with the medicine ball.
It’s important to consult with your plastic surgeon and a certified personal trainer before beginning any new exercise routine after breast lift surgery to ensure proper healing and avoid injury.
EXERCISING AFTER BREAST LIFT SURGERY FAQS
How soon can I work out after a breast lift surgery?
It is recommended to avoid any strenuous activities, including exercise, for at least 4-6 weeks after breast lift surgery. It is important to allow enough time for the incisions to heal and for the breasts to settle into their new shape. Before starting any exercise routine, it is advisable to consult with your surgeon to ensure that you are fully healed and ready to resume physical activity.
Can I have breast augmentation combined with a breast lift?
Yes, it is possible to have breast augmentation and a breast lift performed at the same time. This is known as a breast lift with augmentation. The combination procedure can help to improve the shape, size, and position of the breasts. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your surgeon to determine if it is right for you.
How do I maintain the results of breast lift?
Maintaining the results of a breast lift involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Wearing a supportive bra and avoiding smoking can also help to preserve the results of the procedure. It is important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results are maintained.
How much can I walk after breast lift surgery?
It is recommended to walk short distances soon after breast lift surgery to promote blood flow and prevent blood clots. However, it is important to avoid long walks or any other strenuous activities for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Walking can be gradually increased as the healing progresses and with the approval of your surgeon.
How should I sleep after breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, it is important to sleep on your back in an elevated position for at least 2-3 weeks to reduce swelling and promote healing. It is recommended to use pillows to support your head and upper body while sleeping.
When can I start stretching after breast lift surgery?
It is recommended to avoid stretching or any other strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks after breast lift surgery. Once the incisions have healed and the breasts have settled into their new shape, stretching can be gradually incorporated into the exercise routine.
When can I lift my arms above my head after breast lift surgery?
It is recommended to avoid lifting your arms above your head for at least 2-3 weeks after breast lift surgery to prevent strain on the incisions and the breasts. Once the incisions have healed, lifting your arms above your head can be gradually increased with the approval of your surgeon.
What should I eat after breast lift surgery to promote healing?
Eating a healthy and balanced diet after breast lift surgery can help to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help to boost the immune system and promote tissue repair. It is important to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can interfere with the healing process.
When can I play sports after a breast lift surgery?
It is recommended to avoid any strenuous activities, including sports, for at least 4-6 weeks after breast lift surgery. It is important to allow enough time for the incisions to heal and for the breasts to settle into their new shape. Before resuming sports activities, it is advisable to consult with your surgeon to ensure that you are fully healed and ready to resume physical activity.
How long does swelling last after breast lift surgery?
Swelling after breast lift surgery is normal and can last for several weeks. The majority of swelling will subside within the first 2-3 weeks after surgery. However, it may take several months for all swelling to fully resolve.
What kind of bras should I wear after a breast lift?
- Surgical bras: Your surgeon will usually recommend that you wear a surgical bra immediately after the surgery. This type of bra is designed to provide support and compression to the breasts, which helps reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Sports bras: After the first few weeks, you can transition to wearing a sports bra. Look for one that has a front closure and adjustable straps. Make sure it fits snugly but is not too tight. It should provide support and compression to the breasts during physical activity.
- Wire-free bras: Avoid wearing underwire bras for at least six weeks after the surgery. The wire can irritate the incisions and delay the healing process.
- Seamless bras: Look for seamless bras that do not have any seams or clasps that can rub against the incisions.
- Proper fitting: Make sure to wear bras that fit properly. A poorly fitting bra can cause discomfort and even damage the breast tissue. Make sure to get measured by a professional if you are unsure of your size.
How long do breast lift incisions take to heal?
The time it takes for incisions to heal after breast lift surgery can vary from person to person. In general, it can take several weeks to a few months for the incisions to fully heal. During this time, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions, such as avoiding certain activities and keeping the incisions clean and dry. Your surgeon will also provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions during the healing process.
How long after breast lift surgery can I see results?
The results of a breast lift surgery are not immediately visible. It can take several weeks or even months for the final results to become fully apparent. During this time, it is important to be patient and to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. The results of a breast lift surgery can be long-lasting, but it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to help maintain the results over time.
Learn more about Breast Lift Surgery by contacting Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is a renowned clinic for plastic surgery, with a team of highly-skilled UK cosmetic surgeons specialising in treating saggy and droopy breasts through surgical options such as breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both. Our clinic also offers fat grafting to the breasts to restore firmness. You can schedule an in-person consultation with one of our expert Plastic Surgeons at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone by calling us today on 0207 993 4849.
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