Women with active lifestyles who are considering breast augmentation in the Washington, DC area have unique concerns about how breast implants may impact their exercise routines. Running, weight-lifting, or participating in a range of sports are all possible after breast enhancement surgery, but you’ll want to read this blog post to learn some tips before undergoing the procedure.
Learn Your Options
Breast augmentation isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” procedure. Doctors can customize the surgery around your specific lifestyle needs. Discuss with your surgeon any sports you play or exercise routines you follow. These facts will impact your augmentation options. The size of implants, the location of the incision, and the placement of the implants (either in front of or behind the chest muscle) are all factors that can be influenced by your active lifestyle.
Implants shouldn’t be a distraction. Together, you and your surgeon can decide upon something proportional to your body that will complement your fitness routine.
Don’t Rush Recovery
Being health-conscious involves listening to your body. While you can return to work 3 to 4 days after surgery, wait at least 6 weeks before resuming strenuous exercise. During this time, you should take easy walks to get your blood flowing (which has the added bonus of preventing clots during recovery). Pace yourself and don’t rush back to an exhausting schedule.
After 2 weeks, you can begin slightly more intensive cardio such as using a treadmill or running uphill. Understand that your energy levels might be naturally lower during this time as your body is still healing.
At 1 month, patients can resume most exercise except for heavy lifting. After 6 weeks, recovery is complete for most patients and heavy lifting is allowed.
Adjust to Your New Body
Breast augmentation noticeably changes your body. Back posture and sense of balance might need an adjustment period after surgery. Your muscles need time to acclimate to the newly added weight. You might also feel chest pressure and tightness immediately after the procedure—don’t worry, this a normal part of the healing process.
Buy a supportive sports bra to make sure you’re secure and comfortable. Listen to any changes you feel and don’t push yourself too hard. If you experience swelling or discomfort, ease up and give yourself a bit more time to recover. After a few weeks, you can head back to the gym without any issues.
Active women can rest assured that their healthy lifestyle won’t be negatively impacted by breast augmentation. A trusted surgeon can help you find the best fit for your personal tastes.
Browse our before-and-after gallery to see examples of breast augmentation results enjoyed by our patients. If you’re interested in breast enhancement and would like to learn more, request a consultation online or call the practice at (703) 560-2850 to schedule an appointment.