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Exercise after Breast Reduction Surgery – Top Tips

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in the UK is commonly requested by women looking to achieve smaller and lighter breasts by eliminating shoulder, neck and back pain. Breast reduction surgery involves removing excess skin and fat to produce smaller breasts that are better proportioned with the body as a whole. Centre for Surgery is recognised as one of the leading Cosmetic surgery (Recommended Web site) clinics in London, and an in-person consultation will help you to decide on the best size for your new breasts. Here we discuss advice and top tips for exercising after breast reduction.

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There are several breast reduction techniques commonly used to achieve lighter and smaller breasts. Breast reduction is a surgically invasive procedure and involves a period of recovery. Women can achieve not only breasts but also a significant improvement in their quality of life. Many women may have previously been unable to carry out certain forms of exercise. After breast reduction surgery, women often find they feel more mobile and energetic, with the ability to carry out more vigorous forms of exercise without pain and discomfort.

How to have a fast recovery after breast reduction

Bruising and swelling are common side effects of breast reduction surgery. We would advise you to wear your compression bra continuously for at least four weeks after surgery. You should also sleep on your back, with your upper body elevated, to minimise swelling. We would advise against carrying out any form of strenuous exercise immediately after a breast reduction, as this may increase the risk of complications occurring. Initially, you should focus on gentle movement around the home during the first two weeks after surgery to promote healthy blood circulation to the legs. This helps speed healing and prevent deep vein thrombosis.

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Exercise can be gradually intensified over the first six weeks after surgery. You should avoid high-impact exercise for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Stationary bikes are handy as they do not involve significant upper-body involvement. Always listen to your body and try not to do too much too soon. You should avoid any upper body involving your chest muscles until your have fully healed for four weeks. Running, rowing, or swimming should be avoided for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Lifting heavy weights, including bench presses or shoulder presses, should be avoided until at least six weeks after surgery.

Breast reduction surgery – how to get the best recovery

Make sure to follow all of the preoperative and postoperative instructions given to you by your surgeon. Wearing your compression bra continuously for six weeks will help to minimise bruising and swelling and support the breasts in the new position. You may switch to a well-fitting sports bra after six weeks, but avoid underwire bras for at least 3 months.

Avoid high-intensity sports for at least six weeks after breast reduction to avoid wound-related complications. It is normal to feel tired during the first few weeks after surgery. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath during any form of exercise, stop what you are doing and drink plenty of water. Consult your surgeon immediately for a clinical assessment.

There are several recognised features of wound infection, including pain, warmth, redness and swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with us to arrange an urgent face-to-face .

Exercise guidelines after breast reduction surgery

Recovery after breast reduction varies depending on certain factors, including the overall state of health and the size of breast reduction. Achieving a smooth recovery depends on following your surgeon’s care instructions, including when to start exercising after breast reduction safely.

You should try to keep mobile in the first few days after surgery to promote blood to the legs and prevent . This will help to boost your overall sense of well-being. Walks of 10 to 15 minutes or less are sufficient. Try to get plenty of sleep and take time out during the day for relaxation. Light exercise will help to minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis as well as help to release endorphins to boost your energy levels.

Most day-to-day household tasks can be resumed after week two. Most people can return to most types of work, although a more period off may be if you have a physically demanding occupation. If your surgeon allows it, you may be able to carry out certain forms of exercise that focus on your abdomen or legs. Lower-body workouts help keep you energised without placing undue stress on the surgical area. Light walks can be gradually increased in length, always make sure to wear your compression bra continuously. If you feel tired after exercise, make sure to get plenty of rest to promote healing.

Most people will begin to feel their usual selves, and most types of exercise can be carried out, although lifting heavy weights and intense workouts should be avoided. If you are unsure, reach out to us for personalised recommendations on which types of exercise can be safely performed after breast reduction.

You can generally return to all forms of exercise two months after surgery. Lifting weights and high-intensity workouts can be carried out. It is best to start slowly and build up gradually to avoid injury.

Exercising after breast reduction – recommended advice

Keep in mind the do’s and don’ts of exercise after breast reduction below to get a quick recovery:

We would recommend walking every day after to promote blood circulation. This helps the healing tissues to recover more quickly. You should try to avoid doing too much too soon and build up gradually.

Once your incisions have fully healed at four weeks, pre-workout stretches help prevent muscle injury or stiffness. By week six, you can carry out virtually all forms of stretching exercises without affecting your incisions.

If you are unsure about specific types of exercise and whether they can be safely carried out after breast reduction, consult your surgeon for advice. If you chest pain, of breath, or dizziness, you should immediately stop what you are doing, drink water, and then our clinical team.

What types of exercise should be avoided?

Jogging should be avoided until six weeks after surgery. Carrying out jogging or running too soon after surgery can affect the healing of your incisions and may lead to early wound breakdown. Light walking will help to keep you healthy during the first six weeks after surgery.

is an excellent method of achieving a toned look, you should avoid lifting heavy weights until at least six weeks after surgery. After six weeks, you should start lifting lighter weights and build up gradually to prevent excessive stress being placed on your upper body.

Top tips for a smooth recovery after breast reduction

Exercise after breast reduction surgery FAQs

Recovery after breast reduction takes six and eight weeks, although every patient is different depending on their overall state of health.

Only light walking around the home is recommended immediately after surgery and should last no longer than 10 minutes at a time. Other more vigorous exercises should be avoided until six weeks after surgery.

You should wait at least six weeks after Surgery before returning to your regular exercise routine. Check with your surgeon before lifting heavy or engaging in intensive cardiovascular workouts.

Most patients can perform light household tasks two weeks after surgery and can return to work after this time. Walking is actively encouraged after surgery, and by six weeks, patients should be able to feel back to normal.

Carrying out intensive exercise too early after breast reduction may lead to wound breakdown, wound infection, excessive bruising and swelling and seroma formation. Try not to overdo it, and avoid heroic workouts three days after surgery.

Swelling begins to improve by three weeks after surgery, and most resolves by six weeks. It can take up to 3 months for all swelling to fully resolve.

You must wear your compression bra continuously for a minimum of four weeks after surgery to minimise bruising and swelling and support the in the optimum position to get the best results.

A surgical compression bra should be worn for the first six weeks after surgery. You may then wear a sports bra for three months. Underwire bras should be avoided for at least three months after surgery.

Breast reduction incisions are usually fully healed by three weeks after surgery, although healing will differ based on the overall state of general health and whether you smoke.

You should sleep on your back for the first four weeks after breast reduction. Sleeping on your side or stomach should be avoided during this time to minimise excessive stress on the incisions.

Although you will see impressive results immediately after surgery, you will need to wait at least 8 weeks, once bruising and swelling have disappeared, to enjoy the final results of your procedure.

Breast reduction surgery at Centre for Surgery in London

Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in the UK and is home to some of the best breast reduction surgeons in London. We carry out hundreds of breast procedures each year at our Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of breast reduction surgery, get in touch with us today at or complete the contact form below to start your patient journey with us.

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