Breast prosthesis and sport

In the case of having undergone a breast augmentation surgery, it requires a little patience to be able to resume physical activity because there is a postoperative time for recovery, and the rush is not good. After all, the body has undergone a change, and it takes time to return to normal.

• Not being in a hurry and following the surgeon's recommendations are key to incorporating exercise back into daily life.
• At the end of the month, if there are no complications that contraindicate it, you can return to sports practice prior to the intervention.
• The sports bra, adapted to the new size of the breast, that holds without pressing, will be essential for the practice of any activity.

To avoid later complications, it is advisable to consult with the surgeon any questions and to follow the guidelines that are established in terms of lifestyle after the placement of the prostheses. In this sense, it is important that there is a dialogue between doctor-patient since at present there are different possibilities both in terms of type of prosthesis and surgery, and this can make the recommendations that are derived vary, to some extent.

MAPFRE Salud insurances make a 24-hour Medical Guidance service available to all its insured. Health specialists will attend to any questions about doubts or health problems.

When to exercise again

In a generic way, 4 periods of time are established in which the different types of activities can be incorporated:

• The first two weeks, walking is the star exercise. Always monitoring the movement and amplitude of the arms and avoiding carrying weights.
• During weeks 3 and 4 you can add the exercise bike, which will allow you to progressively increase your effort and physical demand, but without becoming excessively intense.
• After a month you can go out by bicycle (avoiding uneven surfaces). Stretching-toning exercises for the lower extremities and / or abdomen are also allowed as long as they DO NOT involve the pectoral.
• After the first month, normality in terms of exercise is usually common.

These guidelines can be followed if there are no associated complications, such as the presence of edema, pain or bleeding, in which case it will be necessary to assess what the existing circumstances are at that time and adapt to them.

On the other hand, the practice of contact sports or in which there may be trauma or blows must be deferred a little in time and have to make a more specific assessment.

Sports bra

Whatever the evolutionary moment after the surgical intervention or the type of activity that is practiced, there is a recommendation that will always be present, the use of a suitable sports bra. Sports bras are created with one objective: to prevent the breasts from suffering movements that, on some occasions and when the impact is added, can cause discomfort and even injuries, such as those that affect Cooper's ligaments (those that provide support to the breasts).

With surgery, the size of the breast will vary, so it is important to look for a new bra that adapts to the new reality and that is effective according to the needs of each sport and the breast. A sport with no or low impact is not the same as those in which the impact is high, such as all those in which one jumps or runs. The level of impact will be a factor to bear in mind when looking for the most appropriate model.

A good bra is important, which does not press on the chest but does offer adequate support. For this, that the straps are adjustable and that both the cup and the contour adjust to the feminine characteristics, it is essential.

Thus, after the surgery and after the appropriate period, the question is “to move”.

General Medicine Specialist Advance Medical Consultant Physician