Sports and fitness after breast surgery: when to start

The dangers of early exercise

Premature intense loads on the upper body after mammoplasty threaten the formation of a rough scar. This is due to the fact that an unformed scar under external pressure on the tissue can stretch.

Excessive activity in the first weeks after surgery can cause the implant to dislodge. As a result, new surgery will be required.

Lifting weights and performing physical exercises aimed at the shoulder girdle is prohibited for two months, as this risks the implant falling out of the pocket, which will lead to breast asymmetry and repeated surgery.

Premature physical activity can lead to complications such as seroma.

It is a yellowish, slightly viscous liquid that accumulates between the mammary gland and the implant.

In this case, timely administration of antibiotics is necessary. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the implant.

What are the dangers of sports with an endoprosthesis?

Any endoprosthesis is a “weak link” in the body, no matter how high quality it is and no matter how well it is installed. This must be understood, realized and always remembered.

Destruction of the acetabular component.

During active sports, the load on large joints increases. And if a person has an endoprosthesis installed, he inevitably suffers. And this is fraught with loosening of the implant at its border with the bone and the early development of instability. As a result, within a few years a revision, that is, repeat, operation may be necessary. But it is more complex and has worse prognosis than the primary installation of an endoprosthesis.

Destruction of a polyethylene cup.

Even after a severe injury to a healthy joint, a person can have surgery and return to their normal lifestyle. But after repeated joint replacement surgery, the chances of a full recovery are much lower. And there is a high probability of developing complications. Therefore, you should not take another risk by recklessly overloading the installed endoprosthesis.

Why do you exclude physical activity?

Sports after mammoplasty threaten the opening of bleeding.

This is one of the main reasons why heavy physical activity is avoided in the first months.

Excessive bleeding leads to the accumulation of a blood clot in the cavity of the pocket. Large hematomas form, which can serve as the beginning of a suppurative process.

Performing exercises in the early stages can also lead to seams coming apart.

After the sutures are healed, the nerve endings begin to gradually wake up, and the muscles become toned, physical exercise is allowed.

What should you not do the first time after breast augmentation surgery?

The first two weeks are the first recovery period, which is the most difficult. During it, even everyday stress that has nothing to do with sports can negatively affect recovery and the position of the implants. You need to carefully monitor the load on the pectoral muscles - do not lift anything heavy, do not get out of bed leaning on your hands, do not open heavy doors, and do not even pull clothes out of the washing machine. All these seemingly simple things can have undesirable consequences, such as displacement of the implant or bleeding from the wound.

It is important to follow all the instructions of your surgeon, and try not to overexert your body for the sake of a better result.

By enlarging their breasts and restoring their former firmness, women receive a new impetus for self-care. One of its elements is physical activity. But what should sports be like after mammoplasty? Everyone understands that it is necessary to move. And yet there are some nuances here.

Read in this article

The mammoplasty operation is completed by suturing the skin. In the process, deeper tissues are also damaged. They must be delayed in such a way that the result is desirable and predictable, and the state of health is normal. This will happen only with the right approach to the rehabilitation period, part of which is dosed and timely physical activity. They immediately limit it, because if the condition is not met, they will not keep you waiting for problems:

Possible complications in the absence of restrictions in physical activityResults of violation of the regime
Internal bleedingUntil the tissues have grown together and the implant has not adhered to the muscle, the vessels are easily damaged. This threatens the accumulation of blood in the internal space and the formation of hematomas. The woman will experience longer healing, and possibly the development of a purulent process. This is already a reason to remove implants, long-term treatment and a new operation
Seam divergenceThe edges of the wounds are held together with threads. But suture material is needed so that the tissues have the opportunity to grow together. The scar must be formed from living cells. Until they are formed, the edges of the wounds easily move away from each other
Increased painThis is an inevitable accompaniment of the postoperative period, since the muscles, skin and blood vessels were damaged. Physical activity will lead to vibrations of the injured areas, that is, irritation of pain receptors, increased frequency and acceleration of the transmission of impulses to the brain
Implant displacementTheir installation in the chest should be complemented by the formation of connective tissue around it, the growth of its particles into a porous surface or the fit of a smooth one. This will only happen with time. Until the addiction is complete, active training after mammoplasty can lead to changes in the location of endoprostheses and asymmetry of the mammary glands
Capsular contractureThis is a complication that forces removal of the implants. Early stress on the injured area of ​​the body leads to inflammation around them. The formation of connective tissue is more intense, but incorrectly. A thick layer forms, causing pain, compaction and deformation of the implant
The appearance of hypertrophic or even keloid scarsPremature physical activity or inappropriate exercise provokes increased blood supply to the edges of the wound and cell division. Because of this, instead of a neat seam, a thick and rough scar is formed, which will then require correction

When can you exercise after mammoplasty?

The rehabilitation period after mammoplasty ranges from three to six months.

At this time it is not permitted:

  • performing heavy physical activity;
  • bodybuilding training;
  • running, dancing;
  • strength exercises (push-ups, barbell lifts).

You can return to serious activities only six months after the operation.

After three months, the doctor may allow athletics and running. It is very important not to overload the shoulder girdle with active exercises until the three-month period.

You can start exercising in the gym only after consulting with the plastic surgeon who performed the operation, since the timing of returning to physical activity is purely individual and depends on physiology, as well as the speed of the recovery process after surgery.

The main factors influencing the duration of the rehabilitation process include:

  • implant size and shape;
  • breast density;
  • surgical technique and method of implant placement.

With large implant sizes, the time to return to sports may increase significantly.

The method of placement of the implant also determines which exercises can and should be done at first, and which should be excluded.

For example, the location of the implant under the muscle requires that full physical exertion on the shoulder girdle be avoided for up to six weeks.

Exercises to avoid

Not all exercises after mammoplasty are beneficial. Among them there are those that in this period will bring not health, but problems. The main thing that is undesirable now is sweeping movements of the arms, a large load on the chest muscles. Therefore, the following are prohibited for at least the next six months after surgery:

  • Body-building.
    Sport, which is not alien to the fair half of humanity, consists of a heavy load, lifting a lot of weight. This is unacceptable now.
  • Run.
    It seems like an easy activity, especially if you prefer short distances. In fact, the chest undergoes significant vibrations during running, which will cause pain and push the displacement of the prostheses that have not yet secured and damaged tissue. The larger its size, the longer the period during which you will have to do without jogging.
  • Dancing.
    And this deceptively easy and pleasant activity actually represents a high load, and even on the upper half of the body. Some dances require sudden movements, which is not yet acceptable.
  • Strength exercises.
    Arm wrestling, lifting barbells, hanging on the crossbar, and parallel bars are still contraindicated. And at the end of the six-month period, they need to resume classes only with the permission of a doctor.
  • Game sports.
    Volleyball, basketball, tennis require sharp and fast movements, including with your hands. And besides, during these activities, collisions with other players or the ball are possible.
  • Any types of martial arts.
    Contact sports combine everything that is undesirable at this stage of rehabilitation.

Training after breast augmentation should be adjusted, even if the girl has been friends with sports all her life. After all, her upper body has undergone major changes that will force her muscles to work differently. The main feature is that now there is no need to pump up the area above the mammary glands, it is enough to keep it in good shape.

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Mammoplasty is a series of serious surgical interventions, after which it is necessary to devote time and attention to the recovery period. Competent adherence to medical recommendations can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.

One of the strictest rules is the exclusion of any excessive strength loads and sports. This also includes lifting weights of more than two kilograms.

Many patients, accustomed to leading an active lifestyle, torment the doctor with the question “when can you play sports after mammoplasty”! The answer is not until the tissues return to normal and the body comes to its senses after surgery.

Procedure for returning to sports

  1. For the first three days, the patient needs complete rest and bed rest.
  2. After this period, you can get up and take short walks.
  3. In the first two weeks, only walking is allowed. Then you can perform exercises not related to the load on the shoulder girdle.
  4. Physical exercises should begin with small loads, which are gradually increased.
  5. After three or four weeks, the patient is allowed to do some light exercise. From this point on, you can gradually increase the duration of classes.
  6. After two months, you are allowed to engage in many physical activities. During this period, jogging and aerobics are included, but only after consultation with a doctor.

When placing implants under the muscle, it is advisable to wait up to 1.5 months before performing exercises.

Failure to comply with this rule may lead to the implant falling out before it has time to fix itself.

What can you do after surgery?

After the operation, a rehabilitation period begins for women.

The process of engraftment of the implant, its strong fixation to the tissue and the formation of a new breast during augmentation mammoplasty takes six weeks.

In the first three weeks, physical activity on the shoulder girdle is completely avoided so as not to interfere with the fixation of the implant.

Only short walks are possible.

Lifting even minor weights is strictly prohibited.

In the second three weeks, a woman can raise her arms up. The development of the shoulder girdle is performed with the “cheerful man” exercise.

Using two fingers, the hand moves slowly up the back. Thanks to this gymnastics, smooth and safe development of the shoulder girdle is achieved.

After four weeks, you are allowed to swim short distances. You can gradually begin training with dumbbells weighing no more than 2 kg.

After three months it is allowed:

  • do stretching;
  • pump up the press;
  • raise your arms above your shoulders.

Push-ups, chest presses and pectoral stretches can be performed after six months, after consultation with your doctor.

You can engage in complex sports such as kickboxing, tennis or mountaineering only after 6-12 months.

This is influenced by factors such as the physiological characteristics of the patient and the size of the implants.

The load on the pectoral muscles should be introduced gradually. The first exercises with dumbbells are best done from a supine position. You should do push-ups from your knees at first.

Performing moderate exercise after breast surgery is a prerequisite.

Sports are especially important after mammoplasty under the muscle: exercise with a load on the shoulder girdle will help to avoid severe scarring, which limits mobility.

All types of exercise must be performed in compression garments for up to six weeks, and then in a sports bra.

Why is it important to exclude sports in the first time after surgery?

Most often, the desire to enlarge breasts arises among women who take care of themselves and regularly maintain their figure in great shape. Therefore, the first question that arises is how long you should not exercise after mammoplasty.

The recovery period after surgery plays a very important role:

  • the seams need to be tightened;
  • the muscles must acquire tone.

The beauty of her breasts and her health will depend on the correct behavior of a woman. Therefore, light exercise is indicated a month after the operation, if everything is normal, and serious sports should be done only after six months.

Does the shape and size of the implant affect the choice of exercises?

Patients involved in athletics and running should avoid large implants. Large breasts will interfere with proper training and activities.

Round implants allow you to do push-ups from the wall after three weeks after mammoplasty.

This exercise allows you to take on more natural breast shapes. In this case, squeezing the palms in front of the chest with the elbows moving to the side is also indicated.

Teardrop implants require special care when accessing under the breast.

It is not recommended to suddenly raise your arms to avoid disrupting the scar healing process.

In this case, after 2-3 weeks it is necessary to perform triceps exercises.

Find out when sutures are removed after mammoplasty. Is it possible to visit a solarium after mammoplasty? Details here.

How to ensure optimal conditions during the rehabilitation period

During the rehabilitation period after mammoplasty, wearing compression garments is prescribed. This will avoid complications such as implant displacement, the formation of rough sutures and other complications.

It is not removed for the first six weeks. Then it is worn only at night.

After a month it is possible to wear a bra without wires, after three - with wires.

  • The seams must be treated with antiseptic agents and sealed with silicone tape. During the healing period, anti-scar cream should not be used.
  • For the first month after mammoplasty, the patient is allowed to sleep exclusively on her back. After two months you are allowed to sleep on your side, and after three months you can lie on your stomach.
  • You should not make sudden movements or wave your arms for the first three weeks after mammoplasty.
  • You can return to driving after 2 weeks, provided you do not use a seat belt. Fastening is possible only after two months. The belt will compress the mammary gland, and this in turn can lead to serious complications.
  • For the first four weeks, it is recommended to abstain from sex, as this will lead to blood flow to the mammary glands, which is extremely undesirable for the first time after surgery.
  • You are not allowed to visit the sauna or solarium for three months.
  • Visiting beaches for sunbathing is contraindicated for six months. After this, the scars are covered with a plaster to avoid pigmentation of the scars.
  • When using smooth implants after surgery, on the seventh day it is necessary to do a light breast massage. This will help prevent the formation of fibrocapsular contracture, which requires surgical intervention.

Read what to do if a vertical seam breaks after mammoplasty. How to massage after mammoplasty? Follow the link. Why did breast asymmetry appear after mammoplasty? Find out more.

Workouts, fitness and gym after mammoplasty


So, when 2 weeks of rest have passed and you decide to hit the gym, you should remember that compression garments should still not be removed.

Yes, in the absence of pain, which should have passed by this time, the underwear will still bring some discomfort, but it will not be comparable to the first few days after the operation.

In terms of training after mammoplasty, you should not immediately perform a large number of exercises and approaches.

The first thing doctors advise patients who have undergone mammoplasty is push-ups.

This exercise should be started from the wall, while constantly observing the body’s reaction.

At the first signs of fatigue and pain, stop.

Push-ups perfectly develop the pectoral muscle and, unlike popular opinion, this exercise will not harm your form, but on the contrary, it will help the implants “fall into place.”

All other exercises should also be performed at the initial level, without overworking the body.

Sports that can have a positive effect on the postoperative period include fitness. After mammoplasty, it is not so important what type of fitness we are talking about - be it step or cardio, the main thing is good fixation, which is achieved with bandages and control of the body’s condition. It should be noted that the healing process occurs much faster if the patient regularly exposes her body to light physical activity.

Speaking about visiting the gym after mammoplasty, it is also worth noting the need to inform your trainer about the surgery. This is done, firstly, so that the trainer can protect you from exercise equipment that can harm you in one way or another, and secondly, if something goes wrong during the training process (or you feel sick), the trainer could quickly respond and provide assistance. appropriate assistance.

When can you ski after mammoplasty?

Skiing requires active work of all muscle groups. If we talk about semi-professional or professional skating, the process implies active work of the upper muscle group. In addition to active muscle work, you should also take into account the fact of increased injury risk. While bandages may well save you from sudden movements, displacement of the mammary gland during running and jumping movements, it is unlikely to protect you from a severe fall from a mountainside.

Even when it comes to riding on relatively flat terrain, you should never neglect safety precautions. A strong fall on the chest can cause a huge number of consequences, ranging from suture rupture to implant displacement, which may require additional surgical intervention. In order to safely go skiing and enjoy this sport without the risk of complications, you must fully adhere to the period of wearing the bandage, which is determined by your attending physician.

Thus, in order to return to the usual rhythm of life, full of sports, as quickly as possible, it is necessary to follow simple rules: monitor the healing process, analyze the general condition of the body and follow the regime of wearing a post-operative bandage. Listen to your body, giving it time to recover!

For many patients who lead an active lifestyle and engage in various sports, stopping their usual activities is akin to a disaster. The breast augmentation procedure, like many other plastic and other surgeries, requires abstaining from exercise for some time.

First of all, it is necessary to discuss with the surgeon what level of activity the patient already has, and what his expectations are about returning to his usual lifestyle. Almost any doctor will advise at least 6 weeks of rest in order to recover.

Prevention of complications

In the first seven days, it is not recommended to raise your arms above your shoulders, or make sudden movements with your body and arms. You cannot lift weights exceeding 2 kg.

To avoid complications after surgery, you should begin physical exercise and exercise no earlier than recommended by your doctor.

Classes are held for up to six weeks exclusively in compression garments. You can then continue exercising while wearing a sports bra.

FAQ

Should you continue training if pain occurs?

During exercise, especially in the early stages after surgery, the patient may experience pain. This is due to the fact that the muscles have not yet reached the proper tone. You can continue classes.

In this case, you need to give up exercises that cause pain for a while, or reduce their intensity.

If the patient experiences excessive discomfort and severe pain, it is better to completely stop training for a certain period and see a doctor.

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