It might surprise you to know that female bodybuilders are one demographic showing a growing trend in opting for breast augmentation. This can be attributed to the popularity of the bikini competitions which focus on more traditionally feminine aesthetics versus traditional female bodybuilding competitions which favor a more muscular, masculine aesthetic. For this reason, more and more women opt for breast augmentation with concerns about their workout regimen and exercise routine. If fitness is a concern when it comes to your recovery period, then it’s important to know what to expect. Although Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom will make sure you have instructions to follow, here’s a rough guide to working out after breast augmentation.
Your Implants
There are a lot of choices that you’ll make while planning your breast augmentation. As such, there are some specific choices that will affect your recovery and ability to exercise after surgery. Your implant choice won’t have much bearing on your final results or ability to exercise, but your implant placement will. If you opt to have the implant placed under the chest muscle (which is generally recommended if you have low body fat) then your recovery period will be longer. This also means that you’ll need to avoid working your chest muscles for some time, so you should avoid certain exercises and instead opt for others in the meantime.
Your Recovery Timeframe
The typical recovery period is six to eight weeks, although your doctor can give you the best idea of what to expect from your timeframe. You can count on being at home and in bed for the first one to two weeks with only light activities to keep your blood moving. After you begin to regain energy, it’s important to avoid raising your heart rate too much and elevate your level of activity gradually and with the guidance of Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom. Overall, you can expect to return to full capacity after eight weeks (although you still may not feel comfortable with your full regimen at this point). The most important thing to keep in mind is listening to your body and not pushing yourself until you’re ready.
Your Workout Regimen
If you feel you’re ready to begin upping your activity level after the first two weeks, you can begin with low-impact cardio like walking inside or outside. It’s extremely important to avoid moving your implants around too much and to continue wearing your supportive recovery bra. Too much movement can put a strain on your incisions, inhibiting your recovery. After you’re cleared to begin your exercise regimen again, it’s a good idea to start with exercises that focus on the legs and buttocks, like lunges or hip abduction. Again, listen to your body as you gradually include exercises for your core, arms, and chest. You can always check with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom before incorporating your next steps in fitness during your recovery period.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re considering breast augmentation to boost your body goals and achieve the figure you’re working towards, then we can help. To get started on discussing your options for breast augmentation, contact New Image Plastic Surgery by calling or filling out our online form.