Why is it important to take a break from exercise and sport after breast augmentation?

Many women wish to enlarge their breasts in order to have aesthetic, well-formed breasts that harmonize with their figure. To ensure that the «new» breast gives the desired self-confidence and feeling of well-being after the operation, great attention must be paid to the entire enlargement process, especially the time after the operation. For example, a break from sport and exercise of around six weeks is prescribed.

What happens during the procedure and why is a six-week break from exercise necessary?

During breast augmentation, an implant is inserted either above or below the pectoral muscle and placed in the desired location. Initially, the soft tissue of the breast region holds the silicone in place: a place where the skin is very flexible and the implant can therefore quickly slip out of place if you move too much. As experience has shown that it takes around six weeks for a connective tissue membrane to form around the implant, which encapsulates and holds it in place as desired, we advise against exercising during this period.

In the case of a procedure with autologous fat, lipid cells are injected into the fatty tissue of the breast through thin channels: as there are no weighty foreign bodies in the breast during this procedure, a shorter break is beneficial and sport can be resumed more quickly.

What does the time after the operation look like and what should be considered during the recovery phase at home?

The patient can go home just two hours after the operation. The greatest pain and discomfort can be expected afterwards and during the first night, as the local anaesthetic wears off and the patient has to sleep on their back and should not turn. The patient is given a tight sports bra that minimizes movement in the breast region and ensures that the implant does not hurt when it is moved. To further counteract the suffering, our specialist surgeons show patients gentle physical exercises that loosen the breast muscle. In general, it is recommended, especially in the first few days, to move the shoulders and arms as lightly as possible in order to accustom the breast region to movement after the operation.

Depending on the patient's condition and the surgical method, it is possible to return to everyday working life after 3-4 days to a week after the operation. However, it is still important to be careful, especially when performing activities involving the pectoral muscle (e.g. opening a door) and to report any lasting pain.

What can happen if you do not adhere to the prescribed exercise break?

The sports and exercise break prescribed by the surgeon is usually implemented and followed by patients without further ado. Anyone who strains the breast area too quickly or too much again runs the risk of displacing the implant in the worst case, which would make an additional corrective procedure necessary.

How do I proceed once the six-week break is over?

Patients have many questions, especially after the rest phase. It is a misconception that any type of sport can be practiced again at high intensity after the six-week period. Even after the prescribed break, caution is advised - especially with regard to increasing the load. It is important to constantly check whether the muscles can withstand the strain. The training machines in the gym are ideal for this, as the weight can be controlled and varied very well there. However, if the patient has no complaints during training, the load can be increased quickly.

In order not to overstrain the musculoskeletal system after a longer break, however, certain exercises and types of sport are not recommended even after the first six weeks: These include disciplines that use jumping power (such as riding, running or sprinting) and targeted chest muscle training (e.g. butterflies, pull-ups, push-ups). These exercises can be included in the training plan again around three months after the operation - around the time of the final check-up by the surgeon.

A breast surgery at Breast Atelier: Quality surgery at a transparent fixed price

The Breast Atelier's team of doctors consists of specialists with several years of professional experience who work under the medical supervision of Dr. med. Cédric A. George, the founder of the Pyramid Clinic (today Plastic Surgery Pyramid), which is renowned far beyond the country's borders. His Center for Plastic Surgery, which is now one of the market leaders in Switzerland, has set the standards in terms of quality and reliability in plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

Under the patronage of the Plastic Surgery Pyramid, these standards are also accessible to a wider audience in the Breast Atelier. Our specialists in plastic surgery are the guarantors of quality surgery.

Book your free consultation appointment

Arrange your free consultation appointment directly online to get all your questions answered and see the Breast Atelier for yourself. Our specialist doctors are at your disposal. Benefit from our 3D visualization technology (for breast augmentation) and our detailed medical assessment.