Lifting Weights After Breast Lift

Considering a breast lift procedure but worried about how it’ll affect your exercise routine afterwards? 

In this article, we will take a closer look at lifting weights after breast lift, including the exercises you can safely perform during the recovery process, the exercises to avoid, and the best exercises that help to maintain breast lift results. 

Our head surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo, specialises in breast lift surgery. With extensive experience in the field, he has the skills and expertise to design a bespoke surgical approach, taking into account each patient’s unique anatomy and desired aesthetic

When Can You Start Exercising After Breast Lift?

As with any cosmetic surgery, your body will need time to heal properly after a breast lift. Every patient is different, so it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your doctor and only resume activity when it’s safe to do so.

The speed at which you’re able to return to weight lifting after breast lift is dependent on a range of factors, including the type of breast lift performed, as well as your individual progress. 

One Week Post-Op

While it’s important to give yourself plenty of rest during the first week of breast lift recovery, it’s also advisable to keep your body moving. This helps to promote rapid recovery and a sense of well-being. 

Light and gentle exercise such as walking is the most beneficial activity at this stage of the healing process. Walking promotes blood flow and oxygenation, promoting circulation and the body’s natural healing process.

Two Weeks Post-Op

Most patients can return to moderate physical activity after two weeks. However, healing is variable, so it’s always best to check with your surgeon beforehand. 

You may be able to perform low-impact cardio and other lower body exercises such as squats and lunges. Gentle arm exercises can also be appropriate. Make sure you continue wearing a support bra when returning to activity. 

At this stage of breast lift recovery, you should continue to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. Even if you feel ready to engage in high levels of physical activity, going too hard too soon can present a wide range of healing issues such as wound breakdown. 

Four Weeks Post-Op

Four weeks after your cosmetic surgery, your body should be accustomed to and comfortable with movement. Therefore, most forms of exercise are permitted at this stage, including running, cycling, and swimming.

You should continue to refrain from intense, weight-based workouts and chest exercises such as press-ups until you’ve made a full recovery from your breast lift surgery. This is because it’s important to avoid placing a significant amount of stress on the chest before the incision site has fully healed. 

Six Weeks Post-Op

Once you’ve reached the six-week mark, you should be able to safely return to weight lifting and strenuous exercise. 

It’s helpful to continue wearing a support bra during these workouts, as this can help to limit the negative effects of movement and gravity of the breasts on the healing scars.

Risks of Lifting Weights Too Soon After Breast Lift

The main concern for women after a breast lift procedure is exerting too much unnecessary pressure on their pectoral muscles and damaging the incision sites. 

While staying active can help to speed up the healing process, too much too soon can put you at risk of complications such as wound breakdown and infection. 

Lifting anything in excess of ten pounds should be avoided until six weeks after a breast lift. This is particularly important for patients with young children to look after, so make sure you plan for extra help around the home during this stage of recovery. 

Exercises to Maintain Breast Lift Results

Once you’ve fully recovered from your breast lift surgery, there are several upper body exercises you can perform to strengthen the supportive muscles underneath the breast tissue. These exercises are easy to perform at home and can help to maintain your breast lift results: 

• Push-ups – this exercise helps to keep your breasts perky by strengthening the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and lats. If full push-ups are too difficult, try them on your knees

• Plank holds – similar to push-ups, the plank will strengthen your chest, arms, and core for firmer looking breasts

• Dumbbell pullovers – even if you don’t have access to a dumbbell, you can use any heavy object with a secure grip for this simple and effective exercise

Schedule a Consultation With CREO Clinic Today

If you’re interested in a breast lift procedure and feel confident that the cosmetic surgery won’t have a detrimental effect on your exercise routine, contact us to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with CREO Clinic today. 

Our double board-certified surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo, specialises in all types of breast lift surgery, and will be able to design a bespoke treatment plan for you.