Posted: September 5, 2019
When it comes to exercising after a breast lift, every patient is different. Your ability to resume exercise after surgery depends on the extent of your procedure and your individual progress.
Double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Orringer, will recommend what he considers to be appropriate increases in activity levels based on your progress during your recovery. Keep reading for a general timeline of when you may be able to exercise, and at what intensity, after a breast lift.
Day of Surgery and First Week
Dr. Orringer strongly believes patients should be up and moving on the night of their surgery, whether it’s a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, or other procedure. Movement helps promote rapid recovery and a sense of well-being.
Engaging in light activities, such as walking, as soon as possible after an operation is known as early ambulation. Early ambulation pumps leg muscles and promotes blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. As an added benefit, engaging in physical activity releases endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that can relieve discomfort and improve mood.
In addition to walking, Dr. Orringer advises some use of your arms beginning the day of surgery. Patients tend to think that they shouldn’t move their arms after a breast procedure. However, movement is important for preventing stiffness.
Most patients should continue to do most normal activities. However, at this stage of the recovery process, heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided.
Two Weeks Post-Surgery
While patients can often resume most normal activities by two weeks, healing is variable and return to exercise should be cleared by Dr. Orringer.
At this stage of the breast lift recovery, patients are generally cleared to engage in moderate physical activities. You may be able to perform light, low-impact cardio and other lower body exercises. Gentle arm exercises may also be appropriate. Bra support should be maintained while active.
You should continue to avoid heavy weightlifting (more than ten pounds) generally for the first post-operative month. Even if you feel ready to engage in high levels of physical activity, doing too much too soon can present healing issues.
Four Weeks Post-Surgery and Beyond
Typically, patients are cleared to resume normal exercises about four weeks after a breast lift, but again this varies with each individual situation. Discuss your plans to return to heavy levels of activity with Dr. Orringer.
Going forward, it continues to be helpful to wear a support bra at all times while exercising. This can help limit the negative effects of gravity and movement of the breasts on the healing scars. Additionally, the support can help to potentially limit the rate of recurrent stretch of the skin of the breasts. If your skin has stretched once, it will stretch again. Support is beneficial.
Schedule Your Beverly Hills Breast Lift Consultation
Call 310-273-1663, today, to schedule your breast lift consultation with Dr. Orringer. We proudly welcome patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Newport Beach, Northern California, as well as nationally and internationally.
