Breast reduction can remove real barriers to an active lifestyle: pain, pulling, bouncing discomfort, shoulder grooving, and the constant feeling of “managing” your body instead of living in it. The goal is to achieve movement that fits your new comfort level, sort of like an “activity reboot.”
At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery in Chicago, breast reduction is performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Robert J. Lukavsky, MD, supported by an experienced team and an accredited surgical environment. This foundation of exceptional professionalism informs our post-op suggestions, including when and how to get active again after your breast reduction surgery.
Recover: Immediately After Surgery
Post-op activity prioritizes safe, gentle movements that:
- Support circulation
- Encourage healing
- Help reduce post-surgical risks such as blood clots
- Support lymphatic flow
This may include:
- Frequent position changes to avoid prolonged pressure and stiffness
- Light, short walks throughout the day to promote healthy circulation
- Calm, steady breathing to support oxygen flow and relaxation
- Upright posture, when possible, to reduce tension through the neck and shoulders
- Listening to your body and resting when needed, rather than pushing through fatigue
Reset: The First 1–2 weeks
Even when you begin to feel better, doing too much activity too soon can cause increased swelling and hinder your recovery. Gentle mobility focuses on maintaining comfort in the shoulder and upper body through simple, controlled movements, which helps prevent stiffness in that area.
Activities
- Easy walking around your home, then gradually outside as you feel stronger (and as you’re cleared)
Avoid
- Strenuous exercise
- Heavy lifting
- Sudden upper-body strain
Rebuild: Weeks 2–6
During this stage, movement often starts to feel more natural and comfortable. Many patients find they can move through their daily routines with greater ease and slowly reintroduce low-impact activities. Upper-body restrictions are still necessary, but progress tends to feel steady and encouraging as strength and confidence return.
Activities
- Longer walks (gradually)
- Stationary bike at low intensity (often later in this phase, if cleared)
- Light lower-body strength (only when approved)
- Stretching that does not stress incisions or chest muscles
Avoid
- Running/jogging
- HIIT
- Heavy lifting
- Push-ups, chest-focused movements
- High-impact classes
Return: ~6 weeks and Beyond
A common milestone many practices use is around six weeks for broader activity progression. However, remember that progressing slowly now often helps you regain full strength sooner.
Activities
- Strength training (progressive, controlled)
- Higher-impact cardio
- Some sport-specific movement
Before Returning, Consider…
- Your incision healing
- Swelling levels
- Your tissue response
- The extent of your reduction
- Your personal recovery pace
Our Top Tips For the Smoothest Comeback
- If you can do an activity with zero swelling increase the next day, you’re progressing well
- A properly supportive bra can make activity dramatically more comfortable while tissues settle
- If you notice worsening redness, increasing warmth, fever, sudden swelling, drainage, or pain that escalates instead of improves, contact your GCPS surgical team.
Gold Coast Plastic Surgery Helps You Reboot and Move Forward
Resuming physical activity after breast reduction surgery is easier with expert guidance. When you choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, your recovery plan will be customized by Dr. Lukavsky, MD, a certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He utilizes his advanced training and clinical experience to help patients rebuild their relationship with physical activity.
If you’re considering breast reduction, choose a surgical partner who will provide exceptional support from the initial consultation through recovery. Schedule a private consultation with Gold Coast Plastic Surgery today.
