Are you suffering from shoulder or chest tightness following your breast augmentation surgery? Do these discomforts prevent you from being productive at work or impair your daily activities? While they are normal and expected after a breast augmentation surgery, performing specific exercises can have a significant impact on your body function. The aim of exercising after breast reconstruction or breast implant surgery is to help restore your physical function and get you back to your activities as soon as possible. It may take some time to achieve a full recovery, but the right postoperative exercises will help you improve your range of motion.
Dr Mark Gittos is a breast surgery expert and Plastic Surgeon in New Zealand who has helped hundreds of patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
Evidence suggests that certain exercises such as breast massage and implant displacement techniques can help prevent the formation of capsular contracture, a complication of breast implant surgery characterised by the formation of scar tissue around the implant. Several studies reported that these exercises prevent capsular contracture through the following mechanisms:
It is important to keep in mind that the types of exercises you can perform after your breast augmentation surgery will be determined by Dr Gittos and will be based on your body anatomy, the extent of the surgical procedure, and your desired aesthetic goals.
In one study, researchers found that daily capsule expansion exercises involving 3 maneuvers performed twice daily following a breast augmentation were associated with a lower incidence of capsular contracture (28%). This suggests that exercises are beneficial in the postoperative period.
To prevent the development of stiffness and to improve the range of motion in your arm and shoulders, these exercises can help:
Arm Swings
Body Turns (Rotations)
Shoulder Shrugs
Shoulder Rolls
Shoulder Raise
Beach Pose
Chest Stretch
To keep the surgical pocket open so that the implant will drop into its ideal position and to prevent capsular contracture, these exercises can help:
Upward Breast Implant Exercise
Downward Breast Implant Exercise
Medial Breast Implant Exercise
If you experience the following signs and symptoms, stop your breast augmentation exercises immediately and consult with Dr Gittos:
For many women in New Zealand, having a breast augmentation is a life-changing experience. There are many qualified doctors, but it is always best to find one who is experienced in breast augmentation procedures. Breast implants come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are various insertion techniques, so find a reputable practitioner who can give good advice on the right implants for you. Before considering breast implants, it is wise to find a surgeon who is also up to speed with new non-invasive techniques for boosting the breasts, so you can investigate all the options before deciding on permanent surgical implants. It is important to avoid choosing a cheaper overseas option that lacks the ongoing support that a New Zealand surgeon provides. Always look for an experienced surgeon that you feel comfortable with and get a second opinion.
Dr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in Herne Bay, Auckland and in the UK. The practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.
Dr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years. With worldwide expertise Dr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.
Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.
Please NOTE: Dr Gittos only performs surgery on non-smoker patients with a BMI less than 30. To check your BMI please visit the NZ Heart Foundation website. For help giving up smoking before surgery visit the Smoke Free website
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