Physical Activities After A Breast Augmentation

Question: 

Dear Dr. Perez,

I kindly need your advice!  I had a breast augmentation 2 months ago and I really want to get back to Tae Bo.  Is this the safe and appropriate time for me to return to Tae Bo and other exercise?  If not, what is the ideal time?  I greatly appreciate your answer.

Thanks,  RS

Response From the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa:

Dear Ms. S,

Thank you for your inquiry about breast augmentation recovery and the appropriate time to return to full exercise.

In my practice, recovery from breast augmentation is amongst the easiest of all the plastic surgery procedures we do.  With that said, I place almost all breast implants under the pectoralis muscle through an incision placed in the armpit, around the nipple areola complex, or in the crease underneath the breast.  I have not found there to be a significant difference in recovery between breast implant incision types or if the implant is placed above or below the muscle.  My patients go home the day of surgery after spending approximately one hour in the recovery room immediately after surgery

I see all my patients the day after surgery and make sure they are doing well, walking, moving their arms, and wearing their postoperative dressings and/or bra correctly.  My patients are generally off narcotic pain medicines in 1-2 days, return to work in 2-3 days, resume driving in 3-5 days, and are able to return to full exercise (including weight training and sports) at six weeks.  During that first six weeks, however, I do allow my patients to do light activities such as washing dishes, walking, or desk work.  Heavy lifting and extremes in exercise should be avoid for six weeks to prevent implant displacement and bleeding inside the breast pocket, both of which can have a negative impact on the aesthetic result of the surgery and possibly require a return to the operating for correction.  

Because you are already two months out from your surgery, I would assume it is safe for you to return to your preoperative exercise regimen, including Tae Bo.  HOWEVER, I recommend that you ultimately follow your surgeon’s advice, whatever that may be.  He/she knows the exact details of your surgery and what precautions should be followed to ensure you have the most attractive, safe, and long-term breast augmentation results possible.  

Thank you for your inquiry,

Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

813-877-3739