Why Exercise After Breast Augmentation Needs Careful Planning
We understand that you want to get back into your life as quickly as possible after your breast augmentation surgery, but doing too much too soon can cause implant displacement, delayed healing, and increased swelling. We’ve created this guide to help you decide when it’s safe for you to resume certain activities and exercises. Your plastic surgeon always has the last word, however, so please default to their advice if it differs from what you see here.
Exercise Timeline After Breast Augmentation: Week by Week
The questions our patients ask vary by procedure, of course, but overall, two of the most common are, “How much does this hurt?” and “When can I get back to my normal routine?” When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, the following timeline will answer the second question. Again, however, we reiterate that your plastic surgeon is familiar with you and the specifics of your procedure, so seek and follow their advice if you’re unsure which activities are safe for you.
- Weeks 1–2: Rest and Gentle Movement
- No strenuous exercise
- Focus on light walking around the house to improve circulation—this reduces swelling and the risk of blood clots
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds, including pets and children
- Weeks 3–4: Introduce Light Lower Body Exercises
- Gentle lower-body workouts like bodyweight squats, lunges, and light yoga (avoiding poses that stretch the chest) are safe
- Avoid upper body exercises, cardio, and any bouncing movements (e.g., running or jumping)
- Weeks 5–6: Add Light Cardio and Lower Body Workouts
- Introduce light cardio, such as stationary cycling, brisk walking, or elliptical workouts
- Continue avoiding upper body weights or chest exercises
- Weeks 7–8: Gradual Return to Full-Body Workouts
- Begin light upper body exercises like bicep curls, shoulder raises, and back exercises with minimal weight
- Avoid push-ups, chest presses, or heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon
- Months 2–3: Resume Full Workout Routine
- Most patients can resume full exercise routines, including running, weightlifting, and chest workouts after eight weeks
Exercises to Avoid Immediately After Breast Augmentation
There are a few exercises that you should avoid at all costs for at least eight weeks after your breast augmentation procedure. High-impact cardio like running, jumping jacks, or HIIT workouts are definitely on the no-fly list. They can cause your implants to shift and make swelling worse. Avoid chest exercises as well, including push-ups, chest presses, and pull-ups. Muscle strain from these activities can also shift your implants.
Lifting anything that weighs more than 10 pounds is out, too. This includes grocery bags, so no trying to make it all in one trip for a little while. Lifting too much weight can shift your implants and/or open your incisions.
Safe Exercises After Breast Augmentation
Now that you know what exercises you can’t do, we want to give you some specific exercises that you can. You may not be able to hit your workouts with your usual vigor and enthusiasm for a few weeks, but getting safely moving again after surgery can help you maintain your current fitness level and lift your spirits. The following exercises are generally safe after a breast augmentation:
- Early Recovery Exercises (Weeks 1–4)
- Light walking
- Seated leg lifts
- Wall sits
- Intermediate Exercises (Weeks 5–8)
- Stationary biking
- Light yoga (no chest stretches) that focuses on balance and core
- Full Recovery Exercises (After 8 Weeks)
- Weightlifting: Gradually reintroduce upper body weights, starting light
- Running and other intense, high-impact cardio
How to Protect Your Breast Implants During Exercise
When you do get back to the gym, there are things you should do to protect your new breast implants and healing body no matter what stage of healing you happen to be in. Protect yourself by:
- Wearing a high-impact sports bra with wide straps and full coverage when engaging in cardio and weightlifting
- Avoiding exercises that stretch the chest such as deep backbends or arm stretches
- Increasing workout intensity gradually
When to Call Your Surgeon
It’s important that you reach out to your plastic surgeon if you see signs that you may have overdone it a bit. They can check you out and make sure everything is still OK. If it’s not, they can help you address any issues, hopefully correcting small problems before they become big ones. Signs of overexertion include increased swelling, sharp pain, and changes in breast shape during or after exercise. Persistent pain in your chest and/or underarms while exercising also requires your surgeon’s attention.
Recap & Next Steps
Exercise after breast augmentation should be introduced gradually, starting with walking in the first two weeks and progressing to full workouts slowly over the course of approximately eight weeks. Wearing a supportive sports bra, initially avoiding high-impact activities, and following a structured timeline ensures safe recovery and implant stability. If getting back in the gym quickly after your breast augmentation is a concern for you, we encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation with us. During this visit, you can tell us about your workout routine, and we can give you personalized information about how a breast augmentation procedure will affect it.