Exercising After Breast Surgery: Your Guide to a Safe Return

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As one of the UK’s most popular cosmetic procedures, breast augmentation can transform your confidence and shape – but getting back to your fitness routine requires careful planning.

Our expert surgical team at The Private Clinic has helped thousands of women safely return to exercise, and we’ve created this comprehensive guide to support your recovery journey.

At a Glance – Your Recovery Timeline

Weeks 1-2: Rest and gentle walks
Weeks 3-4: Light daily activities
Week 6: Return to gentle exercise
Week 12+: Resume full fitness routine

Don’t Forget: Keep Wearing Your Sports Bra!

Weeks 1-4: Wear your surgical support bra 24/7 to aid healing.
Weeks 4-12: Transition to a high-support sports bra—look for options with a wide underband, no underwire, and adjustable straps for optimal comfort and support.

Breast Augmentation Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery after Breast Augmentation requires patience and a gradual approach to ensure your results are protected. The Private Clinic’s experienced surgeons and dedicated aftercare team are here to support you at every stage. Our approach prioritises natural-looking outcomes and minimal downtime, helping you feel confident and comfortable as you return to your routine.

Learn more about our breast augmentation procedures here.

Movements to Avoid After Breast Surgery

In the first few weeks post-surgery, certain movements should be avoided to prevent strain on healing tissues. These include:

Lifting arms above the head: This movement can put undue stress on incision sites.
Heavy lifting and chest-focused exercises: Avoid these to minimise strain on the pectoral muscles and protect your results.
High-impact activities: Running and jumping can disrupt healing, especially in the early stages.

These precautions ensure optimal recovery and protect against complications.

When Can You Start Exercising After Breast Surgery?

The timing of exercise post-surgery follows a gradual approach. Here’s a breakdown of each phase:

1-2 Weeks Post-Surgery: Rest and Light Movement

Focus on rest while taking short, gentle walks to support circulation. Avoid lifting arms above the head or engaging in any strenuous activity. During this phase, wearing a supportive bra is essential to minimise strain on the surgical area.

3-4 Weeks Post-Surgery: Light Exercise

At this point, patients can incorporate light, low-impact exercises, such as longer walks, to gently ease back into physical activity. Avoid high-impact movements or activities that directly affect the chest.

6 Weeks Post-Surgery: Gradual Return to Gentle Exercise

With your surgeon’s approval, you may reintroduce low-intensity exercises like gentle stretching, light resistance, or yoga. Avoid heavy lifting or chest exercises to protect your results and only partake in activities that feel comfortable.

12 Weeks and Beyond: Resume Most Physical Activities

After three months, most patients can gradually return to their full fitness routine, including more strenuous activities like weightlifting. Start slow, focusing on proper technique and body awareness.

Learn more about breast augmentation recovery and aftercare.

Vicky’s Story: Balancing Fitness with Breast Surgery Recovery

Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer Vicky found herself in a similar situation after undergoing Breast Augmentation with The Private Clinic. As someone dedicated to an active lifestyle, she was eager to return to her routine but followed a careful recovery plan. “It was tough to wait, but now I feel more confident and can pursue my fitness goals without compromise.” Vicky shared.

Read Vicky’s full story and see her journey here.

Best Exercises After Breast Surgery

Once you’re cleared to exercise (usually after 6 weeks), here are some activities to consider:

Walking and gentle cardio: A great way to keep active without impacting the chest area.
Lower body workouts: Focus on exercises that target the legs and glutes without placing pressure on the upper body.
Core and stability exercises: Planks and light ab work can help re-engage your core.

If you’re an athlete or regular gym-goer, you may also find it helpful to read our blog on Breast Augmentation for Athletic Women.

Final Tips for Resuming Exercise After Breast Augmentation

Listen to Your Body: Be mindful of any discomfort, and rest when needed.
Supportive Clothing: Wear a high-quality sports bra to support your new shape.
Start Slow: Begin with lower weights and gentle movements, especially when reintroducing upper body exercises.

Why Choose The Private Clinic for Breast Surgery?

Decades of Expertise: With over 40 years of experience, we’re a trusted leader in breast surgery, offering a wide range of procedures with exceptional results.
Personalised Care: We provide tailored treatment plans and dedicated aftercare, ensuring your unique needs and expectations are fully met.
Leading Surgeons: Our highly skilled surgeons are among the UK’s top experts in breast surgery, delivering natural-looking and confident results.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our London hospital offer the latest technology, ensuring safe, effective treatments with minimal downtime in a welcoming environment.
Comprehensive Support: We provide 24/7 access to our nursing team, offering continuous support throughout your recovery with post-op appointments as needed.
Flexible Financing Options: We offer a range of payment options, including 0% finance, making breast surgery more accessible and affordable for you.

Breast Enlargement Before and After Photos

Whether you’re considering a subtle change or a more significant transformation, the right breast surgery can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. At the end of the day, the most beautiful breasts are the ones you feel great about—no filter required.

See more Breast Enlargement results

Our Expert Surgeons

Mr Davood Fallahdar, MD&Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng), Chir Plast (Hons), MicroSurg (Hons), ORL (H&N) GMC Number: 4686602
Mr Dario Rochira, BS, MD. GMC Number : 6130664
Mr Navid Jallali, BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 4404969
Ms Helena Antoniadou, MBBS, MD & Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng). GMC Number: 3700956
Mr Maisam Fazel, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MSEd, FRCS. GMC Number : 4767420
Mr Giuseppe Di Taranto, MD. GMC Number: 7614248
Sandip Hindocha – Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, MD, MPhil, MBChB, MRCS, MFFLM, FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 6122218
Ms Rieka Taghizadeh, MBChb, MRCS (Glas), FRCS (Plast), GMC Number: 4743910
Mr George Samouris, MD. GMC Number: 7064009