Are you considering breast lift surgery but want to know when you can start exercising again safely? It is not uncommon for patients to be eager about getting back to their normal routine after cosmetic surgery. A common question most patients ask during the consultation is, “When can I get back to the gym?” While staying active can help speed up the healing process during breast lift recovery, too much too soon can put a patient at risk for unnecessary complications.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao and his professional team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ are helping patients with this highly effective procedure. Many patients choose to combine breast lift surgery with either breast augmentation or breast reduction to enhance results. Read on to learn more about this popular procedure, including when it is safe to exercise after breast lift surgery.
Do I need breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure that can tighten and lift a woman’s natural breasts and make them look young and perky again. Breast tissue is mostly composed of fat and ligaments, containing no muscle mass. Therefore, no amount of strength training or exercising will change the shape or tighten loose skin. Breast tissue can become stretched or thinner, causing a woman’s natural breasts to sag or droop. At our Tucson, AZ surgical center, we see women considering breast lift surgery due to the following reasons:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuations
- Age
- Gravity
- Large or heavy breasts (predisposed to droop or sag over time
How is a breast lift done?
The primary goal of breast lift surgery is to tighten up loose skin and create more aesthetically-pleasing breasts. By removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissue in the breast area, a woman’s natural breasts can be reshaped and lifted, removing a sagging silhouette. The nipples can also be repositioned during breast lift surgery to give a more natural, symmetrical appearance. It is also common for women to consider a breast reduction or breast augmentation during breast lift surgery. Women who consider combining a breast lift with implants gain size, shape, and firmer breasts for an overall rejuvenated look. However, breast lift surgery is an excellent standalone cosmetic procedure that can provide patients with long-lasting results.
When can I exercise after breast lift surgery?
When can patients get back to exercising during breast lift recovery? Patients can start taking short walks after the procedure to promote proper blood flow and aid in the healing process. Women must forgo more rigorous exercising or strength training for six weeks or until cleared by their plastic surgeon. Patients can gradually incorporate light exercise, like riding a stationary bike at the gym or taking long walks around the neighborhood, in about 2 – 3 weeks after surgery. The main concern for breast lift patients is not to exert their pectoral muscles. Pull-ups, push-ups, yoga, or lifting anything over ten pounds could cause complications following surgery. Breast lift patients should plan on waiting at least six weeks, or until cleared by their plastic surgeon, before doing more strenuous exercise or upper body strength training.
Breast lift surgery can remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue to create a firm, perky appearance. With advancements in surgical techniques and qualified, experienced plastic surgeons, like Dr. Rao, breast lift results are more natural-looking, which is one of the reasons why the cosmetic procedure has become so popular. Although the natural aging process doesn’t stop after breast lift surgery, women who live a healthy lifestyle and wear the proper supportive garments during exercise can enjoy their results for years.
The ideal way to determine if you are the right candidate for breast lift surgery or any other type of cosmetic procedure is to be evaluated by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon. We invite you to contact our Tucson, AZ office and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao. We can provide bilingual Spanish speaking staff if necessary. At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, we can create a custom surgical plan to help you feel more confident about how you look.
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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.
