Quick Answer
Most surgeons recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation before doing any strenuous exercise like sit ups. The implants need time to settle and adhere in place, and too much movement can disrupt this process. Light exercise may be okay after 2-3 weeks, but sit ups and other abdominal exercises should wait until at least 1 month post-op. Always get your surgeon’s clearance before resuming exercise.
When Can I Start Exercising After Breast Augmentation?
After breast augmentation surgery, your chest will be tender and swollen as you recover. Your surgeon will likely recommend taking it easy for the first 48 hours. Here are general exercise guidelines after a breast augmentation:
Week 1
Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the first week after surgery. You’ll want to rest and allow your body to start healing. Only do light walking during this time.
Weeks 2-3
You may be able to start doing light cardiovascular exercise like walking on the treadmill after 2 weeks. Avoid movements that engage your chest muscles like running or elliptical training. No weightlifting either.
Weeks 4-6
Most patients can resume light strength training after 4 weeks. Start with lower body moves like squats using just your bodyweight. Upper body moves like push-ups and chest flies can typically be added after week 5.
After 6 weeks
Once you’re 6 weeks post-op, you may be cleared for more intense cardio and strength training. Most surgeons approve sit ups and core abdominal moves after 4-6 weeks. Make sure you get clearance before adding crunches or planks to your routine.
So in summary, most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 4 weeks before doing sit ups or focused abdominal exercises after a breast augmentation. Every patient is different though – talk to your surgeon about when you can safely resume specific activities.
Why You Should Wait to Do Sit Ups After Surgery
There are a few reasons why doctors recommend waiting 4-6 weeks to do sit ups after a breast augmentation:
Let incisions heal
The incisions under your breasts will still be healing for several weeks after surgery. Sit ups and crunches involve a lot of folds and creases in the skin around your torso and chest area. This repeated motion can irritate healing incisions. Give them time to fully close up first.
Allow implants to settle
It takes time for breast implants to settle into their final position and adhere in the surrounding breast tissue. Too much bouncing or movement in the early weeks can disrupt this process, possibly shifting the implants out of place. Avoid sit ups until implants have stabilized.
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Your breasts will be swollen and inflamed as you recover from surgery. Sit ups increase blood flow to the area, which can worsen swelling. Resting will help the inflammation resolve faster.
Prevent capsular contracture
Avoid strain on incisionsSit ups generate a lot of tension on the chest muscles. This can put strain on the delicate internal sutures still healing from implant placement. Waiting to do sit ups reduces the risk of ripping stitches before they fully mend.
So give your body about a month to recover before doing sit ups or crunches. This allows everything to stabilize properly for the best results.
What Exercises Can I Do Instead?
While you should avoid sit ups and vigorous core work for 4-6 weeks, you can do some gentle activity to stay active as you recover:
Walking
Going for daily walks is a great way to keep your circulation up and prevent blood clots after surgery without putting pressure on the chest. Start with short, slow walks and gradually increase distance and pace.
Low-impact cardio
Once approved by your surgeon, try low-impact cardio like the elliptical, stationary bike, or swimming after 2-3 weeks. Avoid running or high-intensity intervals too soon.
Light yoga
Gentle yoga focusing on the lower body can be okay after 2 weeks. Avoid inversions or chest-opening poses that stretch the implant area. Modify moves as needed.
Lower body strength training
After 4 weeks, work on toning your legs and glutes with moves like squats, lunges, and glute bridges using just your bodyweight. Your surgeon may also clear lower body machines if weights are kept light.
Arm exercises
Start rebuilding strength in your arms after 4 weeks with bicep curls, tricep extensions, and lateral raises using 3-5 lb dumbbells. Take care not to engage the chest muscles.
Core isolation moves
Toward the end of week 4, you might be able to do gentle core moves that don’t involve abdominal crunching like planks, side planks, and bridges. Check with your surgeon first.
Work closely with your plastic surgeon to develop an exercise plan that promotes healing without overdoing it in the first month after a breast augmentation. Slowly work back up to your normal fitness routine.
Tips for Getting Back Into Ab Workouts
Once your surgeon gives you the all-clear to start working your core again, ease back into it gradually with these tips:
Start slow
Don’t jump right into hardcore abs routines too quickly after months off. Introduce core moves slowly and progressively, 1-2 times per week to start.
Focus on form
Strict form is crucial, especially if you’re deconditioned. Keep your core engaged and spine aligned during all movements. Avoid jerky sit ups.
Listen to your body
Stop immediately if you feel pain, tearing, or pressure during core exercises. Your body may need more time to heal. Don’t push through discomfort.
Avoid direct chest stimulation
Modify traditional crunches by keeping hands behind your head versus crossed over your chest, which can put pressure on implants.
Lighten weights
Use lighter weights for core moves like weighted Russian twists until your muscles rebuild strength and stamina.
Support your back
Try core exercises with a stability ball or foam roller for added low back support as you regain strength.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids before and after ab routines as you acclimate back to intense core work. Dehydration can impede muscle recovery.
Gradually transition back to more frequent and intense abdominal training over 2-3 months post-op. Avoid over-fatiguing your core too soon.
When to Call the Surgeon
Most women can resume gentle exercise within weeks and more strenuous activity after 1 month following breast augmentation. Call your plastic surgeon right away if you experience:
Severe pain or swelling
Some soreness is expected, but excruciating pain or swelling can indicate an issue like a hematoma. This needs prompt medical care.
Fever over 100°F (38°C)
A fever can be a sign of infection. Infection requires treatment with antibiotics. Catch it early.
Pus or foul-smelling discharge
Yellow/green discharge or a putrid odor likely means an infected incision or implant. Call your surgeon’s emergency line.
Warmth, redness, irritation
Warm, reddened skin around the breasts or under the arms can indicate cellulitis. Seek care promptly to prevent serious complications.
Implant asymmetry or displacement
If one or both implants appear to shift out of position or look very mismatched, contact your doctor. This may require surgical revision.
Excessive bruising
Some mild bruising after surgery is normal. Extensive or expanding areas of bruising could signify a more serious issue like a hematoma.
Let your plastic surgeon’s office know right away if you have any concerning symptoms after breast augmentation, especially when resuming exercise. Prompt treatment is key.
Full Recovery Takes Time
While light activity can often be resumed in 2-3 weeks, full recovery after breast augmentation takes months. Here’s what you can expect:
1-2 weeks
Early recovery focused on rest, pain and nausea management, restrictions on raising the arms over the head.
2-4 weeks
Sutures removed, swelling diminishes, potentially cleared for light cardio activity. Scars healing.
1-3 months
Most swelling subsides, nipple sensitivity improves, cleared for more intense exercise like sit ups. Breasts settling.
3-6 months
Breasts continue to drop and soften, incision lines fade. Can resume all normal activities, including exercise.
6+ months
Final results visible as implants fully settle and drop into position, although breasts may continue to change over the first year.
Have realistic expectations about your recovery timeline. While exercise like sit ups is often approved after 1 month, your breasts will still be healing and settling for several more months. Give your body time to fully adjust.
Example Sit Up Routine After Cleared by Surgeon
Once your surgeon confirms you can safely resume core abdominal exercise, here is a sample 2 week sit up routine to help you ease back into it:
Week 1
| Day 1 | 1 set 10 basic sit ups |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Rest |
| Day 3 | 1 set 10 reverse crunches |
| Day 4 | 1 set 10 V-ups |
| Day 5 | Rest |
| Day 6 | 1 set 15 bicycle crunches |
| Day 7 | Rest |
Week 2
| Day 1 | 2 sets 10 basic sit ups |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | 1 set 10 reverse crunches |
| Day 3 | 2 sets 10 V-ups |
| Day 4 | 1 set 15 bicycle crunches |
| Day 5 | 2 sets 10 basic sit ups |
| Day 6 | 1 set 10 reverse crunches |
| Day 7 | Rest |
Focus on quality, not quantity. Maintain proper form and slowly increase repetitions and sets from week to week. Avoid overexerting your abs while you rebuild core strength.
Conclusion
In most cases, you’ll need to wait at least 4-6 weeks before doing sit ups or crunches after breast augmentation surgery. Your chest needs time to heal before the intense contractions involved in abdominal moves. Start with walking and lower body exercise in weeks 2-3 before introducing light core isolation moves around week 4 once approved by your surgeon. When cleared, ease back into sit ups gradually. Listen to your body and avoid exercises that cause pain or discomfort as you fully recover over several months. Being patient ensures the best results from your procedure.
