Lower Body Workout After Breast Augmentation

The benefits of exercising after breast augmentation are many, and include a faster recovery time, healthier and more stable implants, a lower risk of capsular contracture and even pain relief.

In this guide, we review the aspects of Lower Body Workout After Breast Augmentation, ab exercises after breast augmentation, post breast augmentation workout plan, and walking on treadmill after breast augmentation.

If you’re able to return to exercise within two weeks of surgery (and have been cleared by your plastic surgeon), that’s great! But remember that every patient is different—some may need more time than others to heal. And if you’re still experiencing discomfort or heavy bleeding after two weeks post-op, it’s best to wait until you’ve healed before jumping back into exercise mode.

If you’re ready for some light activity after surgery but aren’t sure what exercises are best for your situation yet—or even if it’s safe for you at all—your doctor will be happy to talk with you about what kinds of activity might work best for the type of procedure they performed on your chest area.

Lower Body Workout After Breast Augmentation

When it comes to exercise, there are a few things you should be aware of after breast augmentation surgery. First, you need to start slow and build up your endurance slowly over time. Second, your body will be less flexible for a period after surgery due to swelling and other factors. Thirdly, your surgeon will likely prescribe some exercises that are safe for you during this time period which we’ll discuss in detail below:

Section:Glute Bridge With Mini Band

Start by wrapping the mini band around your ankles and lying on your back with knees bent. Pull the band in toward you to create resistance, then press through your heels to lift your hips off of the ground. Keep your knees in line with your shoulders and feet; don’t allow them to drift apart or fall inward. Contracting your glutes, raise and lower for reps until failure (around 10-15).

Section:Fire Hydrants with Resistance Band

Fire Hydrants with Resistance Band

  • Stand on the resistance band so it is taut and hold it in both hands.
  • Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings, keeping your back straight to keep good posture. Do not let your knees go past your toes.

Section:Kneeling Squat Press, Front Side

To do the Kneeling Squat Press, stand with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at arm’s length with palms facing forward and thumbs pointing away from you. Your arms should be straight out in front of you at shoulder height. Lower into a squat by bending at the hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor (A). Then press through your heels to return to start position as quickly as possible (B).

Repeat for 20 repetitions and rest 60 seconds between sets.; Do this exercise three times per week

Section:Hip Thrusts with Mini Band

Hip thrusts are a great exercise to build the glutes, which are the muscles that are crucial in helping you run.

Hip thrusts can be performed with no equipment or with a mini band. If you choose to use a mini band, loop it around your knees and hold onto the ends of it while doing your hip thrusts. The goal is to drive your hips up high into the air as if you were trying to touch your butt with your heels on every rep (don’t actually do this).

When starting out on this exercise, use only one dumbbell for about 5 sets at 10 reps each set. Once you’ve mastered that weight and feel comfortable performing more than 15 reps per set, add more weight!

Section:Seated Leg Press, 45 Degree Angle

To perform the seated leg press, sit at a 45 degree angle and place your feet on the platform. Keep your knees in line with your toes by pushing toward the ceiling without locking out your knees.

Section:Kneeling Squat Press, Lateral Side

Kneeling Squat Press, Lateral Side

This exercise is a great way to strengthen your thighs and glutes while also promoting balance. It’s best performed on an unstable surface like a Bosu ball or Airex pad.

Start in the kneeling squat position with your feet on top of a small box or step, with your knees bent at 90 degrees and hips level with the floor. You should feel like you’re sitting in a chair—your back should be straight around 30 degrees from vertical and arms hanging next to your sides. Bring one arm up as high as possible behind your body until it touches the back of your head (this will be difficult; don’t worry about how far it gets), then return to starting position before repeating on other side by bringing the opposite arm up behind you instead. Perform 10-12 reps per side without resting between alternating sides!

ab exercises after breast augmentation

Hey ladies, if you’ve upgraded your girls you might be wondering about exercise. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to post-op exercises including: physical activity levels before the procedure, future fitness goals, breast implant exercise techniques, and regaining your general exercise routine. Firstly, knowing what to expect  is an important part of recovery as well as having a well-made post-surgical bra. It sounds like a lot but don’t worry. You got this!

Your activity level may vary as the healing process progresses. However, the exercises that you do in the later stages of the healing process depend on your physical condition prior to the breast augmentation procedure. For example, if you trained for an hour or more each day and consider yourself especially fit, then you can generally expect to kick it back into high gear in about twelve weeks. If you had moderate amounts of exercise and wish to continue your current lifestyle, a few weeks of rest from intense exercises won’t affect you too much. Finally, if you enjoy a relatively sedentary lifestyle, consider light exercise such as walking in order to keep the blood flow going.

General Exercises After Breast Augmentation: How Long Before You Can Exercise After Breast Augmentation?

Aside from specific exercises for the breast implants, you might want to know what types of exercises are safe during recovery. Need to know about 3 weeks post op breast augmentation exercises? How about leg exercises after breast augmentation?

According to John Williams, M.D., “The main concern with working out after a breast augmentation is overusing the pectoral muscles. Since the vast majority of breast implants are placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle, the muscle will need to heal from surgery before stress is placed on it through resistance training. The reason for this is the scar tissue, or capsule, that lines the pocket that holds the implant, begins forming immediately after surgery. Every woman who has breast implants has capsules lining the pockets. This is simply our body’s way of protecting us against an object (the implant) that it doesn’t recognize. The goal is to allow the capsule to form in such a way that it is undetectable. Therefore, during the initial four weeks after surgery, it is recommended that breast augmentation patients avoid overusing their pectoral muscles”.

In other words, you’ll want to avoid overworking the pecs so that your new implants will heal up properly without scars. Also, avoid lifting anything over ten pounds, carrying heavy purses or bags, and pushing or pulling heavy objects within the first four weeks after surgery. You’ll mainly wanna focus on lower-body exercises and light to moderate cardio. Around the four-week mark, you’ll most likely have a post-op visit where the doc will check you out and make sure everything’s healing up properly. If they give you the OK, you should be able to start doing arm and chest exercises.

The following is a week-by-week breakdown of how to perform general exercise throughout the healing process. Always consult with your surgeon before taking on high intensity exercises at any part of the healing process. Pain and discomfort are your body’s way of telling you to stop. If exercises that were previously within your capability suddenly prove too difficult, rest for a few more days and try again. This guide is meant for those who were moderately or highly physically active before surgery.

During the first 48-72 hours, taking light walks can help with blood flow. This is important for preventing blood clots. Your body is still recovering and needs an adequate amount of rest so make sure to take plenty of naps. After the first three days, low intensity exercises such as walking on the treadmill and peddling a stationary bike are fine in moderation. As a precaution, try to avoid core, upper body, incline, holding on, and other high intensity exercises.

In the second week, your energy levels will start coming back so you might feel like moving around a little bit. Still, be mindful about your body’s needs. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop and wait a few more days before trying again. You should be able to do leg extensions, seated hamstring, seated abduction, and isolated legs. Upper body, core, holding on, and high intensity exercises should still be avoided.

Between weeks 3 and 4, you might feel more comfortable moving around. You should still avoid upper body and high intensity work outs but light holding and lightly holding small weights in your hands should be ok in moderation. Be careful with core exercises. There’s no need to worry about loss of abdominal muscle definition at this point, especially if you were an avid gym girl before the breast augmentation procedure.

During this time, your body has made a lot of progress. Feel good about yourself! You’re in the home stretch. Now you can do some light jogging, narrow back work, squats and lunges, bicep and tricep work, delt raises and presses, and glute kickbacks. Bench pushups, chest flies, pull-ups/hanging, and heavy tricep dips are still out, though.

After the ninth week, your body might feel completely normal again. You’ll be able to start high intensity exercises such as sprints, jump rope, and lunge jumps. Hanging and pull-ups should still be avoided, however.

Around week twelve, it should be safe to continue all previous high intensity workout routines but check with your physician just to be safe, especially if you feel any pain or discomfort before, during, or after working out.

Your body is unique and listening to it throughout the healing process is the best thing you can do. These general guidelines can help you plan a suitable post-op exercise routine. For personalized advice, talk to your doctor and/or personal trainer about your health, fitness, and body image goals. Plenty of rest, relaxation, and a little exercise can go a long way. You go girl!

post breast augmentation workout plan

Patients may gradually increase their activity level as they feel their energy level coming back. Depending on the type of surgery, it may take 1 – 2 weeks to return to normal energy levels throughout the day. For those who are anxious to return to exercise, light cardio activities are ideal. You can start these activities after 2 weeks. These activities may include walking the neighborhood, walking on a very slow setting on a treadmill, or cycling slowly on a stationary bike. The goal is to not elevate the heart rate too high, while still experiencing the psychological effects of exercise.

As patients return to their normal energy levels, a specific exercise regimen will be outlined based on the procedure and fitness level.

Exercise After Breast Augmentation

The main concern with working out after a breast augmentation is overusing the pectoral muscles. The vast majority of breast implants are placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle. Thus, the muscle will need to heal from surgery before resistance training. The reason for this is the scar tissue, or capsule, that lines the pocket that holds the implant. This begins forming immediately after surgery. Every woman who has breast implants has capsules lining the pockets. This is simply our body’s way of protecting us against an object (the implant) that it doesn’t recognize. The goal is to allow the capsule to form in such a way that it is undetectable. Therefore, during the initial four weeks after surgery, breast augmentation patients should avoid overusing their pectoral muscles.

Typically, this means lifting nothing heavier than 10 pounds. No heavy pulling or pushing of objects such as car doors or even heavy purses, and no weight training. This also includes any weight lifting exercises that involve the chest and back (and to some degree, the arms). Patients should avoid push-ups, pull-ups, dips, certain yoga poses and Pilates moves that rely on balancing body weight with the arms, swinging a golf club or tennis racquet, and using certain exercise equipment such as an elliptical trainer with arm attachments. 

In the first 4 weeks after surgery, Dr. Williams recommends lower body exercise. Any type of leg exercise including lunges, leg presses, and squats (without weights) are fine. Light to moderate cardio can also be performed, such as walking, stationary cycling, and the elliptical (without the arms). Strive for no bouncing motion like running or jumping. Patients may also carefully complete core strengthening exercises. These types of exercises can usually begin at 2 weeks post-op.

At the four-week post-op visit, the patient’s progress will be reviewed. If all is progressing normal in the recovery, the patient may slowly begin arm workouts followed by chest exercises.

Eventually, every patient regains total strength of their pec muscles and are able to perform any exercise they desire. Dr. Williams has operated upon competitive fitness models and bodybuilders who continue to compete and highlight their pecs after breast augmentation surgery.

Exercise After Liposuction

The first two weeks following liposuction are like any other procedure and the same restrictions as outlined in the general “Exercise After Plastic Surgery” instructions are applied.

By the third week, liposuction patients will be instructed to begin light cardio workouts, such as walking or stationary cycling. During the first four weeks after liposuction, all patients are required to wear a compression garment day and night to help minimize swelling and help guide skin retraction. This garment (or a sport specific garment) should also be worn during exercise. After two weeks of light cardio, the patient may resume more demanding workouts to include weight lifting and running.

The amount of exercise that can be done at four weeks depends on the amount of liposuction performed and how many areas of the body were treated. Also, it’s important to understand that as one exercises after liposuction, the treated areas will experience prolonged swelling, sometimes for up to six months after surgery. This does not jeopardize the results, but it may prolong the final result. However, most patients are willing to wait for the final result if it means they can get back to their workout routine faster.

Exercise After a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The recovery period following a tummy tuck is longer than that of just liposuction. Because of the muscle repair that is involved in a tummy tuck, the body needs a longer time to heal before becoming stressed by any kind of workout.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of sports and training routines rely on activating the core musculature, which includes the rectus muscles. Therefore, patients are instructed to wait four weeks before beginning light cardio exercise. When patients begin this exercise at four weeks following surgery, they have to start very slowly and advance to a more vigorous routine over a span of four additional weeks, which will allow adequate time for the muscles to heal. Once the patient is able to perform moderate cardio exercises, they will be released for light resistance training and then finally core work. It may take 8 – 10 weeks before a patient may perform sit-ups, crunches, or twisting movements.  As with liposuction, a compression garment is recommended during the first 6 – 8 weeks following surgery to limit swelling and guide skin retraction. Also, patients will experience prolonged swelling around the waist and above the scar the more they work out in the early post-operative period. This is not harmful; it simply prolongs the final result.

Exercise After Facial Rejuvenation (Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift)

Following a facial rejuvenation procedure, patients are recommended to refrain from any activity that will increase their heart rate and/or blood pressure for at least four weeks. This is due to the fact that these procedures involve operating beneath the skin of the face, eyelids, or brow where there are hundreds of tiny blood vessels that can easily bleed after surgery with just a slight increase in blood pressure. If this were to happen, a hematoma, or a collection of blood, could form under the skin resulting in significant complications, including a return trip to the operating room. After the first four weeks, the majority of patients can resume light cardio (walking or slow stationary cycling) and gradually work up to a more vigorous workout over the subsequent two weeks. By six weeks after surgery, most patients can return to various activities, such as hiking, golf, or yoga.

Exercise After A Breast Lift

While it is important for patients to get back to exercise and an active lifestyle following breast lift surgery, it is also extremely important for the body to be given the necessary time to heal. Dr. Williams has experience in working with athletes following surgical procedures and will work with patients to provide specific guidelines that fit their needs. Some general guidelines following a breast lift:

Lower body exercise is recommended and encouraged following a breast lift. Body weight squats and lunges and leg presses are allowed, and light cardio using a stationary bicycle or an elliptical without the arm attachments are good choices in the weeks immediately following surgery. Any type of exercise that involves bouncing type motions or the upper body area should be avoided until the four-week post-op visit, at which time Dr. Williams will evaluate the patient and determine the most appropriate exercise program.

Exercise After a Breast Reduction

Following a breast reduction, many patients are anxious to exercise, as they may have had limitations in exercise due to their previous breast size. While Dr. Williams encourages physical fitness, it’s crucial to let the body sufficiently heal following a breast reduction procedure. While Dr. Williams will work with each patient on an individual basis to determine what their exercise capacity may be following a breast reduction surgery, there are some general guidelines:

Lower body exercise is encouraged in the immediate weeks following a breast reduction surgery. While weights should not be used, body weight lunges and squats are perfectly fine. Low impact cardio is encouraged, and walking, stationary bicycling, and using an elliptical without the arm attachments are all good choices. Any type of exercise involving the upper body should be avoided until clearance from the surgeon. At the four-week post-op appointment, Dr. Williams will evaluate the healing progress and determine if the patient is ready to begin exercise that involves their upper body.

walking on treadmill after breast augmentation

Patients may gradually increase their activity level as they feel their energy level coming back. Depending on the type of surgery, it may take 1 – 2 weeks to return to normal energy levels throughout the day. For those who are anxious to return to exercise, light cardio activities are ideal. You can start these activities after 2 weeks. These activities may include walking the neighborhood, walking on a very slow setting on a treadmill, or cycling slowly on a stationary bike. The goal is to not elevate the heart rate too high, while still experiencing the psychological effects of exercise.

As patients return to their normal energy levels, a specific exercise regimen will be outlined based on the procedure and fitness level.

Exercise After Breast Augmentation

The main concern with working out after a breast augmentation is overusing the pectoral muscles. The vast majority of breast implants are placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle. Thus, the muscle will need to heal from surgery before resistance training. The reason for this is the scar tissue, or capsule, that lines the pocket that holds the implant. This begins forming immediately after surgery. Every woman who has breast implants has capsules lining the pockets. This is simply our body’s way of protecting us against an object (the implant) that it doesn’t recognize. The goal is to allow the capsule to form in such a way that it is undetectable. Therefore, during the initial four weeks after surgery, breast augmentation patients should avoid overusing their pectoral muscles.

Typically, this means lifting nothing heavier than 10 pounds. No heavy pulling or pushing of objects such as car doors or even heavy purses, and no weight training. This also includes any weight lifting exercises that involve the chest and back (and to some degree, the arms). Patients should avoid push-ups, pull-ups, dips, certain yoga poses and Pilates moves that rely on balancing body weight with the arms, swinging a golf club or tennis racquet, and using certain exercise equipment such as an elliptical trainer with arm attachments. 

In the first 4 weeks after surgery, Dr. Williams recommends lower body exercise. Any type of leg exercise including lunges, leg presses, and squats (without weights) are fine. Light to moderate cardio can also be performed, such as walking, stationary cycling, and the elliptical (without the arms). Strive for no bouncing motion like running or jumping. Patients may also carefully complete core strengthening exercises. These types of exercises can usually begin at 2 weeks post-op.

At the four-week post-op visit, the patient’s progress will be reviewed. If all is progressing normal in the recovery, the patient may slowly begin arm workouts followed by chest exercises.

Eventually, every patient regains total strength of their pec muscles and are able to perform any exercise they desire. Dr. Williams has operated upon competitive fitness models and bodybuilders who continue to compete and highlight their pecs after breast augmentation surgery.

Exercise After Liposuction

The first two weeks following liposuction are like any other procedure and the same restrictions as outlined in the general “Exercise After Plastic Surgery” instructions are applied.

By the third week, liposuction patients will be instructed to begin light cardio workouts, such as walking or stationary cycling. During the first four weeks after liposuction, all patients are required to wear a compression garment day and night to help minimize swelling and help guide skin retraction. This garment (or a sport specific garment) should also be worn during exercise. After two weeks of light cardio, the patient may resume more demanding workouts to include weight lifting and running.

The amount of exercise that can be done at four weeks depends on the amount of liposuction performed and how many areas of the body were treated. Also, it’s important to understand that as one exercises after liposuction, the treated areas will experience prolonged swelling, sometimes for up to six months after surgery. This does not jeopardize the results, but it may prolong the final result. However, most patients are willing to wait for the final result if it means they can get back to their workout routine faster.

Exercise After a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The recovery period following a tummy tuck is longer than that of just liposuction. Because of the muscle repair that is involved in a tummy tuck, the body needs a longer time to heal before becoming stressed by any kind of workout.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of sports and training routines rely on activating the core musculature, which includes the rectus muscles. Therefore, patients are instructed to wait four weeks before beginning light cardio exercise. When patients begin this exercise at four weeks following surgery, they have to start very slowly and advance to a more vigorous routine over a span of four additional weeks, which will allow adequate time for the muscles to heal. Once the patient is able to perform moderate cardio exercises, they will be released for light resistance training and then finally core work. It may take 8 – 10 weeks before a patient may perform sit-ups, crunches, or twisting movements.  As with liposuction, a compression garment is recommended during the first 6 – 8 weeks following surgery to limit swelling and guide skin retraction. Also, patients will experience prolonged swelling around the waist and above the scar the more they work out in the early post-operative period. This is not harmful; it simply prolongs the final result.

Exercise After Facial Rejuvenation (Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Brow Lift)

Following a facial rejuvenation procedure, patients are recommended to refrain from any activity that will increase their heart rate and/or blood pressure for at least four weeks. This is due to the fact that these procedures involve operating beneath the skin of the face, eyelids, or brow where there are hundreds of tiny blood vessels that can easily bleed after surgery with just a slight increase in blood pressure. If this were to happen, a hematoma, or a collection of blood, could form under the skin resulting in significant complications, including a return trip to the operating room. After the first four weeks, the majority of patients can resume light cardio (walking or slow stationary cycling) and gradually work up to a more vigorous workout over the subsequent two weeks. By six weeks after surgery, most patients can return to various activities, such as hiking, golf, or yoga.

Exercise After A Breast Lift

While it is important for patients to get back to exercise and an active lifestyle following breast lift surgery, it is also extremely important for the body to be given the necessary time to heal. Dr. Williams has experience in working with athletes following surgical procedures and will work with patients to provide specific guidelines that fit their needs. Some general guidelines following a breast lift:

Lower body exercise is recommended and encouraged following a breast lift. Body weight squats and lunges and leg presses are allowed, and light cardio using a stationary bicycle or an elliptical without the arm attachments are good choices in the weeks immediately following surgery. Any type of exercise that involves bouncing type motions or the upper body area should be avoided until the four-week post-op visit, at which time Dr. Williams will evaluate the patient and determine the most appropriate exercise program.

Exercise After a Breast Reduction

Following a breast reduction, many patients are anxious to exercise, as they may have had limitations in exercise due to their previous breast size. While Dr. Williams encourages physical fitness, it’s crucial to let the body sufficiently heal following a breast reduction procedure. While Dr. Williams will work with each patient on an individual basis to determine what their exercise capacity may be following a breast reduction surgery, there are some general guidelines:

Lower body exercise is encouraged in the immediate weeks following a breast reduction surgery. While weights should not be used, body weight lunges and squats are perfectly fine. Low impact cardio is encouraged, and walking, stationary bicycling, and using an elliptical without the arm attachments are all good choices. Any type of exercise involving the upper body should be avoided until clearance from the surgeon. At the four-week post-op appointment, Dr. Williams will evaluate the healing progress and determine if the patient is ready to begin exercise that involves their upper body.