Exercises After a Breast Augmentation to Speed Up Recovery
Updated: Jan 3
Learn more about the safe and effective recovery exercises that you can perform following your breast augmentation surgery.
How do Recovery Exercises help following a Breast Augmentation?
Evidence suggests that certain exercises such as breast massage and implant displacement techniques can help prevent the formation of capsular contracture, a complication of breast implant surgery characterized by the formation of scar tissue around the implant. Several studies reported that these exercises prevent capsular contracture through the following mechanisms:
By flattening the breast implant and increasing its surface area
By promoting anti-inflammatory displacement
By displacing the breast
What Exercises are Safe following a Breast Augmentation?
It is important to keep in mind that the types of exercises you can perform after your breast augmentation surgery will be determined by your surgeon and will be based on your body anatomy, the extent of the surgical procedure, and your desired aesthetic goals.
In one study, researchers found that daily capsule expansion exercises involving 3 maneuvers performed twice daily following a breast augmentation were associated with a lower incidence of capsular contracture (28%). [4] This suggests that exercises are beneficial in the postoperative period.
What Specific Recovery Exercises can you perform during the Post Operative Recovery Period?
To prevent the development of stiffness and to improve the range of motion in your arm and shoulders, the following exercises can help:
Arm Swings
Place your arms on your side.
Rotate your arms in a circular motion while increasing the size of the circle.
Do 5 repetitions every 2-3 hours.
Body Turns (Rotations)
Cross your arms so that they are placed on your shoulders.
Turn your head slowly to the left.
Turn your head slowly to the right.
Do 5 repetitions every 2-3 hours.
Shoulder Shrugs
Relax your shoulders.
Lift your shoulders toward your ears.
Slowly relax your shoulders while bringing them down slowly.
Do 5 repetitions every hour.
Shoulder Rolls
Relax your shoulders.
Roll your shoulders forward.
Roll your shoulders backward.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together while taking a deep breath.
Do 5 repetitions every hour.
Shoulder Raise
Put your fingertips onto your shoulders.
Raise both elbows up to the side.
Move your elbows forward in a circular motion.
Aim to get your elbows at the level of your shoulder.
Do 5 repetitions every hour.
Beach Pose
Lie down on a flat surface.
Place your fingers on your ears.
Point your elbows toward the ceiling.
Slowly lower your elbows.
Do repetitions as desired.
Chest Stretch
Stand up straight.
Place your arms at your side.
Slowly place your arms at your back.
Aim to touch your hands together.
Do repetitions as desired.
To keep the surgical pocket open so that the implant will drop into its ideal position and to prevent capsular contracture, the following exercises can help:
Upward Breast Implant Exercise
Place your thumb and forefingers on the crease of the lower breast.
Firmly grip the breast implants with both hands.
Gently squeeze your forefingers and thumb to apply pressure on the implant and allow it to slide into the upper area of the surgical pocket.
Continue to push the implant upwards toward the collarbone.
Firmly press the top of the breast implants downward to return them to their original position.
Downward Breast Implant Exercise
Place your fingers above your nipples.
Firmly apply pressure to the breast implants with both hands using a downward motion.
Continue to press until the implants slide down fully into the lower area of the surgical pocket.
Firmly press the breast implants upward to return them to their original position.
Medial Breast Implant Exercise
Place a cupped hand over the breast implant.