After your breast augmentation, you’ll likely be eager to return to your usual activities as soon as it’s safely possible. Travel and exercise top many women’s post-op to-do-lists. We caution our breast augmentation patients in Westchester and Manhattan that it may be tempting to jump back into your routine as soon as you’re feeling up to it. But you must allow your body time to recover fully before taking these steps.
Read on to learn more about when you can plan to safely get back to your favorite activities after surgery. However, keep in mind that the healing process is individualized, and your own timeline may vary slightly.
When can I run after breast augmentation?
Dr. Newman often clears women to ease back into aerobic exercise after their second post-op visit, which takes place around day 10. However, some women choose to wait until after the 6- to 8-week mark to start running again. By that point, swelling has typically subsided and the area has had more time to recover and adjust to the implants.
When you do resume running, you’ll need to wear a snug-fitting sports bra to avoid too much movement and irritation in the area. (Learn more about this requirement on our recovery page.) If you feel discomfort while exercising, try starting with a brisk walk and slowly build up to a faster pace as is comfortable. Listen to your body—don’t push yourself too far too fast.
When can I swim after breast augmentation?
Wait until 3 to 4 weeks after surgery to swim or fully submerge your incisions. Be careful to pat yourself dry when leaving the water to make sure your incisions don’t stay wet for an extended period of time. This will help prevent infections.
The same advice for running applies to swimming: don’t overexert yourself. Exercising past your limits early on will only draw out your recovery timeline. Giving your body time to heal upfront makes for a speedier and more effective recovery overall.
When can I fly after breast augmentation?
Most women can fly after about a week, but only if they do not lift heavy luggage or anything over about 20 lbs. You’ll need to wait until you have Dr. Newman’s clearance to do any heavy lifting. If you have assistance and are able to safely travel, make sure you have your pain medications on hand in case you need them during your flight.
Keep in mind everyone responds to surgery differently and heals at their own rate. Before surgery, Dr. Newman thoroughly discusses individual recovery timelines and instructions with each woman he treats to answer any questions they may have about the process. His office is always available to provide advice and support each step of the way.
To see examples of the results you can expect once you’re fully recovered, please visit our breast augmentation before-and-after photo gallery.
If you would like to learn more about augmentation from an experienced plastic surgeon in Westchester, NY, please contact us online or call (914) 423-9000 to request your free plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Newman. We look forward to joining you on your breast augmentation journey.