Every year, thousands of women choose to enhance their appearance and femininity with breast augmentation. This highly customizable procedure can add fullness, correct asymmetry, and send your confidence soaring.

Having realistic expectations and preparing for your recovery will ensure a smoother, more successful experience. After this surgery, you must put your daily routine, including your exercise regimen, on pause to give your body the time and care it needs to heal. Dr. Stephanie Teotia offers this comprehensive guide to help you ease back into workouts after breast augmentation.

Understanding the Recovery Process

The initial recovery phase after breast augmentation surgery is vital for ensuring proper healing and optimal results. Rest is paramount during the first few days as your body will need to devote most of its time and energy to reduce swelling, repair tissues, and allow the incisions to start closing.

For the first week, avoid physical activities that might strain your muscles or elevate your blood pressure. You can do light activities like walking around your house to promote circulation, but any form of strenuous exercise is off-limits. You must avoid lifting anything greater than 5 pounds for the first few weeks.

You can start incorporating gentle, low-impact exercises into your routine once Dr. Teotia has assessed your progress and given you the green light, which is typically around two to three weeks after surgery. Remember to always listen to your body—if something feels uncomfortable, back off instead of trying to push through it.

Importance of Preparing for Recovery

Use planning and forethought to facilitate a smooth healing process.

• Optimized healing: Set up a comfortable recovery space, buy necessary supplies, and arrange for help around the house.
• Reduced risk of complications: Being well-prepared can minimize postoperative issues like infections or excessive swelling.
• Convenience: Having everything you need at your fingertips, including prescription medications, comfortable clothes, and easy-to-prepare meals, can make your recovery period less stressful.
• Emotional well-being: Knowing what to expect and having a specific recovery plan can reduce anxiety and get you mentally ready for the process.
• Following instructions: Dr. Teotia will give you detailed postsurgical care directions. Adhering to these is critical for achieving your desired results.
• Time management: Taking time off work and reducing other obligations allows you to focus solely on giving your body the rest it needs to heal without the added pressure of daily responsibilities.

Low-Impact Exercises to Resume Post-Surgery

Maintaining a fitness routine during recovery promotes circulation, speeds healing, and helps prevent complications like blood clots. Low-impact exercises also strengthen your bones and muscles, while boosting your mood and energy levels. Once Dr. Teotia clears you to start exercising, choose a low-impact routine that will not put excessive strain on your body or elevate your blood pressure. Here are some activities you can incorporate.

• Walking: Daily walks are an excellent way to get moving without stressing your upper body. Gradually increase your distance and pace as you feel more comfortable.
• Gentle yoga: Choose simple yoga poses that primarily involve your lower body. The flexibility and mindfulness you can gain from a regular yoga practice will benefit you physically and mentally.
• Leg lifts: You can do leg lifts while sitting in a chair or lying on your side. They are ideal for toning your quadriceps and hamstrings. If you want a challenge, add ankle weights or a resistance band.
• Squats and lunges: Your body weight provides all the resistance you need for these exercises. Maintain correct form to avoid injury—never allow your knees to extend past your toes.
• Wall sits: Stand with your back against a wall, slide down into a seated position, and hold it for a few seconds. This move strengthens your legs and core while keeping your chest muscles disengaged.
• Stationary cycling: An exercise bike is a wise investment if you have space for it in your home. It allows you to work out anytime, rain or shine, with less stress on your joints. Keep your posture upright—leaning forward will put excess force on your healing incisions. Start with light resistance and ramp up the difficulty level as you build strength.

It is important to make sure none of these exercises cause you to clench your chest muscles, as this can lead to displacement of the implant. Also, performing vigorous activity too soon can increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. It’s essential to follow Dr. Teotia’s post-operative directions and slowly ease back into regular routines.

Wear the Right Clothing, Starting with the Right Sports Bra

A well-fitting sports bra must be worn at all times for 6 weeks after surgery. Your sports bra should have full coverage and good compression to minimize movement. Most swelling will subside by 6 weeks; however, you may still occasionally have mild swelling after periods of exercise. Wearing a sports bra during and after exercise can minimize any residual swelling as it resolves.

Gradual Improvements and Ongoing Care

Remember, steady progress is the secret to a successful return to exercise. Pay close attention to how your body responds to each activity and immediately stop if you feel pain or discomfort. While exercising should be on your daily to-do list, it does not need to seem like a chore. Find a routine you enjoy and can stick with. You can add more variety and challenges to your workouts as your fitness level improves.

Dr. Teotia is a highly trained professional with a well-earned reputation as one of the top breast augmentation surgeons in the greater Dallas area. Balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and business owner gives her a firsthand perspective on the challenges women face in juggling work, family responsibilities, and personal time. She and her friendly, all-female team work hard to create a comfortable atmosphere where all patients feel heard, respected, and cared for—never rushed or pressured. Dr. Teotia takes time to establish a genuine partnership and rapport with her patients through detailed consultations. She will ask you questions about your aesthetic goals and use your answers to develop a customized surgical plan that delivers your ideal results. Call our office at (214) 823-9652 or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation today.