Breast Augmentation: Adjusting Your Workout Routine

Immediately following a breast augmentation, patients aren't ready to get back into the gym for a workout. They want to rest and recover, giving their body a chance to heal. A few days, or even a few weeks later, the desire to get back to a regular exercise routine sets in. If the doctor limits the amount of activity until further notice, there are ways to still get the physical benefits from movement without overdoing it.

Start Slowly:
Don't try to go out and run a mile the first time out. In fact, skip running completely until the doctor gives the okay. The motion required for running causes way to much movement in the area of the breast augmentation. Problems around the incision area are common with activities like running.

Walking provides an alternative to running. Start out slowly, with just a short walk around the block. This allows the body to gently ease back into activity. If possible, minimize the amount of bouncing and the extension of the arms. Depending on the type of breast augmentation, bouncing too heavily or quick movements of the arms could cause problems.

Begin to Incorporate More Activity:
The plastic surgeon's recommendation should be the final say when it comes to exercise. Usually, around four weeks after the breast augmentation, a patient is ready to take on more activity. Swimmers undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery are advised to take time out of the water until their doctor gives the okay, sometime around the fourth week.

Listen to the Body:
Pain and discomfort are often the result of overexertion, especially after a surgical procedure. Even if the physician has given a release for activity, if pain persists, cut back on the exercise. If the there is no improvement, it is time to make an appointment to get a professional opinion. It is worth going in to make sure that there are no problems that need to be addressed.

Whether the pain is just uncomfortable or severe, stopping activity immediately protects the body. For some, the recovery process takes longer. In these situations, pressing on through the pain could end up being even more of a setback.

Noticeable Changes to the Body:
After breast augmentation, getting adjusted to the change is completely normal. Implants or reductions change a person's balance. In running, swimming, or even dancing, it will feel a little different to make some of the motions and movements. The surgery should in no way limit activity. It just takes some time to get comfortable with a new body shape.