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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on exercise after breast augmentation. At Berkeley Square Medical, our location in Mayfair, London has provided us with a diverse set of patients, many of whom are committed to maintaining their active lifestyles post-surgery.
As a leading provider of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery in the UK, we understand the nuances of integrating exercise into recovery plans while keeping the well-being and comfort of our patients in mind.
In this article, we aim to share our expertise and latest findings to help those considering or who have recently undergone breast augmentation understand the importance and correct methods of exercising post-procedure.
Remember that breast augmentation, while cosmetic, is a significant operation and warrants a carefully tailored recovery plan. Each patient’s journey is unique, influenced by factors such as their surgical details, employment, and social situation. Join us as we delve into this important topic and explore the best ways to ensure a healthy, balanced, and effective recovery process.
You might be wondering, why is there so much emphasis on exercise after a cosmetic surgery procedure like breast augmentation? The answer lies in the multidimensional role that exercise plays in recovery and maintaining overall health.
Exercise has been proven to speed up the recovery process after surgical procedures. By promoting blood circulation, it aids in delivering vital nutrients to the surgical site, supporting the healing process. Furthermore, regular, gentle exercise can help reduce post-surgical swelling and prevent complications such as blood clots.
Beyond physical recovery, exercise also plays a vital role in emotional well-being. After surgery, it’s common for patients to feel lethargic or down. Regular exercise helps release endorphins, often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones, that can elevate mood and help patients feel more energetic and positive during the recovery process.
In the long term, exercising post-surgery has several benefits. Regular workouts help to maintain a stable body weight, which is crucial as significant weight fluctuations can impact the aesthetics of breast augmentation. Exercise also supports overall breast health and preserves skin elasticity, ensuring that the results of your procedure stay looking their best for longer.
However, while the benefits of exercise are undeniable, it’s crucial to approach it with caution and under professional guidance after breast augmentation. Premature or strenuous activity can lead to complications and hinder the healing process. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the recommended exercise timeline and specifics for each stage of recovery post breast augmentation surgery.
The first week following a breast augmentation procedure is a critical time for healing and recovery. During this period, we usually advise our patients to focus on rest and self-care. However, this does not mean complete immobility. In fact, light activity is often beneficial and recommended.
Starting with slow, brisk walking can promote good circulation, aid in reducing swelling, and prevent complications such as blood clots. Walking also helps gently engage the muscles without straining the chest area, which is crucial during this initial healing period.
Patients are also advised to gradually resume non-strenuous activities within this first week. These can include routine tasks such as getting dressed, preparing light meals, or performing light office work. It’s important, however, to listen to your body during this period. If any activity causes discomfort or pain, it’s a signal to rest and recover more before attempting the activity again.
During this early recovery phase, a critical aspect to remember is to avoid any upper body exercises or heavy lifting. Any strain on the chest muscles could potentially disrupt the healing process and lead to complications.
Every patient’s recovery experience is unique. Some may feel ready to return to light activities earlier than others, while some may need a bit more time. The key is to listen to your body, maintain open communication with your surgeon, and prioritise healing and well-being over rushing back into normal routines.
Between the second and third week post-surgery, we typically suggest our patients to begin low-impact exercises. An excellent choice for this stage is using a stationary bike. This type of exercise encourages blood flow and increases endorphin levels without placing undue stress on the upper body. It’s also a way for patients to regain some of their pre-surgery exercise routines, providing a sense of normality and progress.
While starting to exercise more during this period, it’s crucial to continue avoiding high-impact workouts. Exercises like running, aerobics, or any activities involving jumping could cause too much movement or ‘bouncing,’ which may disrupt the healing process. Similarly, any exercises that focus specifically on the upper body should still be avoided at this stage. Activities like weightlifting, push-ups, or swimming can place strain on the chest muscles, potentially leading to complications.
This is a stage where patience is truly a virtue. We understand the eagerness to return to regular workouts and reclaim a sense of normalcy. However, pushing too hard, too soon can jeopardize your surgical results and overall health. Remember to start slow, listen to your body, and make sure you’re tolerating the exercise well before gradually increasing it.
Six weeks after breast augmentation surgery, most patients have made significant strides in their recovery process. At this stage, we usually advise our patients to slowly reintroduce their regular exercise routines.
It’s important to note, though, that ‘regular’ doesn’t mean diving straight back into your pre-surgery intensity levels. Start with lighter weights and fewer repetitions when it comes to strength training, or a slower pace when it comes to cardio workouts. Your body has gone through a significant operation, and giving it the grace to adapt back to these activities is essential.
Pay attention to how your body responds when you reintroduce different exercises. If you experience discomfort, especially around the chest area, it may be a sign that you’re pushing yourself too hard too soon. In such cases, dialling back the intensity or frequency of your workouts is advisable. Regular check-ins with your surgeon can also provide valuable guidance during this period.
The six-week mark is also the time when patients can typically resume upper body-focused exercises. Again, start with lower intensity and gradually build up as tolerated. If you’re a fan of activities like swimming or yoga, you’ll be pleased to know that you can typically start to reintroduce these into your routine. However, everyone’s recovery is different, so it’s important to get the go-ahead from your surgeon before starting these activities.
The path to recovery after a breast augmentation procedure is a deeply personal journey. Each patient’s experience is unique, shaped by various factors including their specific surgical procedure, employment status, exercise habits, and even social situation. Therefore, we need to tailor your exercise routine to match your specific circumstances, to promote healing and protect your investment in this life-changing procedure.
Open and continuous communication with your surgeon is vital during the recovery period. They will provide guidance based on their extensive knowledge of post-operative care and your specific procedure details. Sharing your regular exercise routine, work requirements, and lifestyle habits with your surgeon can help them to provide personalised advice regarding when and how to safely reintroduce exercise into your routine.
One of the most important aspects of this stage is patience. Understandably, patients who have an active lifestyle might find the recovery process challenging. The temporary halt or reduction of physical activities can be difficult, but it’s crucial to remember that this period of ‘sacrifice’ is vital for a successful recovery.
At Berkeley Square Medical, we are committed to supporting our patients at every step of their journey, providing professional care and guidance that prioritizes their health, wellbeing, and satisfaction with their results. We take pride in being one of the UK’s leading providers of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgery and look forward to continuing to serve our patients with the highest standard of care.
For more information about breast augmentation at Berkeley Square Medical, please visit: https://www.berkeleysquaremedical.com/breast-enlargement
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