After breast implant surgery, many patients are keen to resume exercise and return to familiar routines. Physical activity plays an important role in both physical health and emotional wellbeing, but timing and progression are critical following surgery.
Breast implant procedures involve delicate tissue work and the creation of a surgical pocket that requires time to heal and stabilise. Introducing movement too early or too aggressively can interfere with healing and compromise outcomes. For this reason, exercise following surgery should be gradual, considered, and guided by your surgeon.
Dr Rohan Page provides individualised post-operative advice to help patients return to activity safely, while prioritising healing, comfort, and long-term implant positioning.
Why Exercise After Surgery Needs Careful Planning
Gentle movement after surgery has clear benefits. It can help maintain circulation, reduce stiffness, support mood, and lower the risk of complications such as blood clots. However, breast implant surgery also places temporary limits on what the body can safely tolerate.
During the early healing phase, internal tissues are fragile. Excessive strain may increase the risk of:
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Movement or displacement of the implant
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Delayed wound healing
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Fluid accumulation around the implant (seroma)
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Increased swelling or discomfort
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Unfavourable scar tissue formation
For this reason, structured guidance and regular post-operative reviews are essential before progressing exercise intensity.
A General Timeline for Returning to Exercise After Breast Implant Surgery
The outline below reflects common recovery milestones. Individual recovery varies depending on implant placement, surgical technique, general health, and lifestyle factors. Always follow your surgeon’s specific advice.
Weeks 1–2: Rest and Gentle Mobility
Focus: Protect healing tissues and support circulation
During the first two weeks, rest is essential. Movement should be light and purposeful.
Suitable activities
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Short, slow walks around the home
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Standing and gentle movement to reduce stiffness
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Light daily tasks that do not involve lifting or reaching
Avoid
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Lifting items heavier than a few kilograms
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Raising arms above shoulder height
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Using arms to push or pull (including getting out of bed forcefully)
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Any exercise involving the chest, shoulders, or core
A post-operative surgical bra should be worn as directed to support healing and reduce unnecessary breast movement.
Weeks 3–4: Light Daily Activity
Focus: Gradual return to normal movement without strain
As healing progresses, light activity can increase slightly.
Suitable activities
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Easy outdoor walking on flat ground
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Light household tasks
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Gentle stretching that does not involve the chest or upper arms
Avoid
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Lifting, pushing, or pulling
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Gym workouts or structured exercise
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Driving if discomfort or reduced mobility persists
Although patients often feel more capable at this stage, internal healing is still ongoing. Progress should remain conservative.
Weeks 5–6: Lower-Body Exercise and Low-Impact Cardio
Focus: Improve general fitness while protecting the surgical area
At this stage, some structured movement may be introduced.
Suitable activities
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Stationary cycling with low resistance
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Brisk walking
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Lower-body bodyweight exercises such as gentle squats or step-ups
A high-support sports bra is recommended during any activity to minimise movement.
Any exercise that causes pulling, pressure, or discomfort in the chest should be stopped.
Weeks 7–12: Gradual Return to Full-Body Movement
Focus: Rebuilding strength and endurance carefully
As tissue strength improves, more varied movement may be considered with clearance from your surgeon.
Possible activities
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Modified Pilates or yoga (avoiding chest compression or prone positions)
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Elliptical machines or light jogging (closer to the 10–12 week mark)
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Light upper-body movements using minimal resistance, if approved
Progression should be slow and monitored. This period often includes follow-up appointments to assess implant position and healing.
After 12 Weeks: Returning to Usual Exercise Routines
Focus: Long-term fitness while maintaining surgical outcomes
Many patients are able to resume most forms of exercise after 12 weeks, including:
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Resistance training
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Swimming
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Higher-impact cardiovascular activity
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Group fitness or sport
Supportive sports bras remain important, particularly for running or high-impact movement.
Exercises Commonly Restricted in Early Recovery
In the early stages of healing, the following are typically avoided:
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Chest-focused strength exercises
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Overhead lifting
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High-impact movements such as running or jumping
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Swimming before wounds are fully healed
Restrictions vary between individuals and should always be confirmed with your surgeon.
Tailoring Recovery to Different Lifestyles
Previously active patients
Temporary restrictions can feel challenging. Modified lower-body and low-impact options can help maintain routine while healing progresses.
Patients new to exercise
Recovery can be an opportunity to establish gentle movement habits that support long-term health.
Competitive or high-performance athletes
A staged, carefully monitored return is particularly important. Individualised planning helps balance performance goals with surgical safety.
When to Pause Activity and Seek Review
Contact your surgeon if you notice:
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Increasing pain with movement
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Swelling that worsens after activity
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Changes in breast symmetry or position
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A feeling of pressure or tightness that does not settle
Early assessment allows activity plans to be adjusted and helps prevent complications.
Practical Tips for Exercising Safely After Surgery
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Wear appropriate support garments as advised
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Stay well hydrated
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Maintain balanced nutrition to support healing
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Avoid excessive heat (such as saunas or hot yoga) during recovery
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Increase activity gradually rather than all at once
Ongoing Care with Dr Rohan Page
Post-operative care is an important part of surgical treatment. Dr Rohan Page provides structured follow-up appointments and personalised guidance throughout recovery to support safe return to activity.
Recovery timelines are individual, and exercise advice is adjusted based on healing progress and clinical assessment.
Final Thoughts
Returning to exercise after breast implant surgery requires patience and a measured approach. While staying active is beneficial, allowing adequate time for healing is essential to support comfort, safety, and long-term outcomes.
If you are considering breast implant surgery or would like guidance on recovery and return to exercise, you can contact Dr Rohan Page’s Perth practice to arrange a consultation.