Exercising after Breast Implant Removal Surgery

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After your breast implant removal surgery, you may be anxious that exercise can affect the shape of your breasts whilst they recover or lead to complications. However, there are many safe ways to stay in shape whilst your body heals itself. 

First and foremost, however, it is important that you rest as much as you feel you need to after your breast implant removal surgery. This will ensure that you have a fast recovery and reduces the likelihood of any post-op complications. Having been under general anaesthesia you will probably feel drowsier than normal for a day or so after your surgery so take this time to rest as much as you need to. However, for several weeks after your surgery this should remain a priority to ensure that your recovery is as smooth as possible. You may be advised to take time off work during this period depending on how strenuous your job is. You will also be advised not to lift anything too heavy or engage in physical exercise for a while. If you are unsure as to whether or not you can carry out certain activities, your surgeon or nurse will be more than happy to answer any questions and it is important to consult them if you have any queries.


For the first 48 hours after your breast implant removal surgery, your stitches and incisions are very new. This can be painful and so it is best to refrain from moving around too much. You may want someone else to be with you during this period of time to help around the house and take on some of your daily tasks. Rest should be the most important thing during this time and having someone around will ensure that you can fully relax.

Many health-conscious patients worry about taking too much time from exercise and are eager to get back into the gym. If you’re an avid gym-goer, not to worry! Whilst it will take around 6 weeks for your breasts to fully recover from the procedure, you may begin to ease yourself back into exercise as early as 10 days after your surgery. As your energy begins to come back, starting with light exercises such as walking can be a great way to start getting physical again after your rest period. Walking can not only be a beneficial form of cardio, but it can also help with your recovery from breast implant removal surgery. Raising your heart rate slightly by going on a walk will increase your blood flow around the body which can strengthen your circulatory system. This will reduce the risk of any blood clots whilst you recover and other post-op complications. Going on a daily walk will not only benefit your body but it can also bring you peace of mind and many find this an enjoyable way to keep fit.

If you’re not a fan of walking, there are many alternatives that you can begin with to keep your body in shape whilst you recover. Any form of light cardio that doesn’t involve too much movement can work. Simple household tasks are a great way to get you moving but be sure to avoid any intense floor-scrubbing and strenuous garden work. Pedalling slowly on a stationary bike is also a good way to get the heart pumping without excessive movement. It is best to stick to lower body exercise whilst your breasts settle into place. Your breasts may feel tight and heavy for a few weeks after your breast implant removal surgery. Disrupting your upper body whilst it repairs itself will not only inhibit the recovery process, but can also be painful.

From 4 to weeks after your breast implant removal surgery, you can pick up the pace a little. If all is going well and you aren’t experiencing anything unusual, you may now be able to go for a jog and get moving a little more. It is important that you are careful when building up the intensity of your workouts. Your body is still in a vulnerable condition so you should be careful during this period of time. If everything is going smoothly, it may be okay to progress your workouts further but this should always be done with caution.

After week 6, most of your swelling should have subsided so you may now be able to start exercising your upper body too! Again, you should start slow and build up the intensity gradually. This means lifting smaller weights and less reps. If anything feels strange or uncomfortable, ease off and wait a while before you try again.

With any exercise, it is important that you wear a supportive bra in the initial few weeks after recovery. Wearing a compression bra or compression bandage will provide the most support and alleviate any excess strain on your body. Your breasts may appear a little deflated after your surgery and can take a few weeks to fluff back up. Exercising can, therefore, be more painful after your surgery. You may feel much more comfortable in supportive clothes. This is a great opportunity to treat yourself to some new and pretty bras!

If at any point you feel that physical activity is too much, ease off and seek out advice from your surgeon. The last thing you want is to engage in activities that are too strenuous for your body to handle whilst you recover. It is important to note that everyone’s recovery time is different and that you know your body best. If you feel as though you are not ready to get moving, continue to rest for a while. Recovery time is dependent on a number of factors and you should listen to your own body.

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