Plastic surgery is an exciting time to embark in one’s personal aesthetic goals. However, like with any surgery, the decision to undergo such a procedure takes much thought and consideration.
And that includes deciding to move forward with breast augmentation surgery.
Today is an era where a healthy diet and exercise are prominent in the culture. With that said, many women who have breast augmentation would like to know when they can resume their physical activity.
During a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, both the surgery and consultation phase will be reviewed. While this will be discussed, it’s important for patients to be empowered with knowledge including the realistic expectations of their recovery.
Spring boarding into a fitness routine needs a doctor’s approval, and one must not hurry back to resume those activities. And this is why.
The most important part of the healing process is to give one time to heal. And as a patient begins to become more active, they must avoid exercises or movements which could make them vulnerable in hindering recovery.
A routine method for breast augmentation is to place the breast implants under the pectoralis major muscle. While every plastic surgeon has their preference, those who opt for submuscular placement do so because the likelihood of a rippling effect from the implant is less likely to occur. Additionally, some surgeons also believe that implants placed under the muscle may also decrease the chances of capsular contracture.
Respectively, every plastic surgeon has their theory.
For patients who have undergone a submuscular breast implant placement, the healing portion of the surgery requires the pectoral muscle. Many doctors agree that the pectoral muscles should not be stressed for roughly a four-week period.
Activities to avoid include the following:
- Avoid lifting anything that is more than 10 pounds
- No upper body resistance training
- Swimming moves that promote arm and chest strain
- Avoiding sports such as tennis
- Avoiding stretches for the chest area
- Not attempting open chest positions in Yoga such as the Camel and Fish poses
And more….
In other words, it is advisable to avoid any workouts involving the upper body, including the arms and chest.
For exercise enthusiasts, they can most certainly resume a different level of activity such as walking, stationary bicycle, lunges, and any type of exercise equipment focusing on the lower half of the body.
And for those with small children, mothers need to confirm with their doctors as to when it is safe to lift them. For those with younger children, it may be advisable to have some assistance while one heals as well as with some help with any household chores which may impact the pectoral muscles.
Do remember that following a doctor’s guidelines on when to start incorporating exercises and certain activities is incredibly important in order to achieve optimal healing.
