For achieving a quick recovery after breast augmentation, low-impact post-operative exercises involving the treated muscles can become a great ally during this period.
You may have previously heard that during this time you should avoid sports and reduce physical activity, which is true. However, staying still during the days after plastic surgery is also not a good idea. A little body movement will make the blood flow easier, allowing you to heal faster.
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That’s why we compiled here what to expect during the post-operative process and some exercises you can perform under medical supervision after your breast augmentation surgery.
What to expect after breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day of surgery and recovery will vary depending on each patient’s body and how they follow the medical recommendations.
Among the main instructions, you are advised to follow are: to wear a post-surgical bra, to receive lymphatic massages, not to sunbathe or go swimming in the pool during this period, avoiding great efforts, and of course, to do some exercises suggested by your surgeon after the first week to increase blood circulation.
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It should be noted that the introduction of the exercises is done gradually from the time the doctor suggests it until when you can move your arms without any type of limitation.
Patients usually begin by taking short walks around the house every two hours. After two weeks, they start doing more intense cardiovascular exercises, and after one month, they can resume most exercises, except heavy lifting [2].
By the sixth week, patients are usually completely healed and can perform any exercise they did before the procedure. However, it is best to discuss with your doctor the timing of the exercises.
3 post-operative exercises you can do after breast augmentation
It is important to get your arms and shoulders moving again after this surgical procedure. For this reason, some exercises in these areas help resume usual activities after surgery and improve blood flow.
Here are some movements that you can do at home under medical supervision:
1. Shoulder rotation
Begin with your shoulders relaxed and slowly rotate them forward and backward. As you do the latter, squeeze your shoulder blades together in the back and breathe deeply as you perform each shoulder roll.
For better understanding, you can watch the following video that teaches you the correct movement and start with 5 repetitions till you feel you can do a little more each time.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5rzdNM6L2Y
2. Soft shoulder wings
First, place your hands on your chest and lift your elbows out to the sides as far as you can. Then, slowly lower your elbows and gently raise them again. Finish the exercise by raising your elbows just enough to feel a gentle stretch and no discomfort. You can start with 10 repetitions and work your way up until you feel you can do a little more each time.
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3. Arm circles
This exercise is intended for when you can lift your arms to 90° from the body without discomfort.
Stretch one arm out to the side so that its palm faces the floor and the arm is parallel to it. Then, make circles using the shoulder (not the wrist or arm) to perform the movement, first forward and then backward. Begin with small circles and gradually widen them without provoking pain.
For better appreciation, you can watch the following video that teaches you the correct movement, then start with repetitions of 10 in any direction you choose until you feel comfortable doing a little more each time.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmdQbKc_bd4
In summary
After having a breast augmentation, you will need to wait sometime before returning to sports and training. However, some simple, low-impact exercises such as walking, cardiovascular exercises, and shoulder and arm stretches can help you strengthen your body’s blood circulation, build muscle and improve the healing process.
It should be noted that these exercises do not replace medical recommendations such as wearing post-surgical bras, receiving lymphatic drainage, resting, and so on and that the first and most important thing is to consult with your plastic surgeon before practicing any exercise on your own.
If you want to know more about breast augmentation surgery, its postoperative period, and what you need to do to receive it, email us at info@bettermegroup.com and receive personalized advice throughout the entire process, from your medical pre-consultation to coordinating every detail regarding your plastic surgery in Colombia.
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[1] C. (2021, 28 Diciembre). Augmentation mammoplasty – Cliniq | Seeks to increase the volume. Cliniq. Recuperado 22 de marzo de 2022, de https://www.cliniq.com.co/cirugia/augmentation-mammoplasty/?lang=en
[2] Huang-Begovic, C., MD. (2017, 1 agosto). Exercise after breast augmentation. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Recuperado 22 de marzo de 2022, de https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/exercise-after-breast-augmentation#:%7E:text=After%20two%20weeks%2C%20patients%20can,and%20can%20resume%20all%20exercises.
[3] 5 Post-Operative Exercises for Breast Surgery Patients | Performance Health. (s. f.). Performance Health. Recuperado 22 de marzo de 2022, de https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/5-post-operative-exercises-for-breast-surgery-patients
[4] Lymphatic Drainage Massage: What It Is, Benefits & How To Do It. (s. f.). Cleveland Clinic. Recuperado 24 de enero de 2022, de https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21768-lymphatic-drainage-massage
[5] Helping Patients After Surgery | Massage Therapy Journal. (s. f.). American Massage Therapy Association. Recuperado 16 de enero de 2022, de https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/helping-patients-after-surgery/
