When it comes to re-entering your workout routine after male breast reduction surgery, taking it slow is the name of the game. Your chest – including all of the supportive muscles, tissues, and skin – needs time to heal before you can engage in strengthening the area.
When Can I Do Chest and Arm Exercises?
Upper body workouts will need to be delayed the longest, since it’s the treatment area. You will need to consult Dr. Jean about specific dates, but most patients are cleared to gradually begin working their upper bodies 4 weeks after surgery. Again, it’s important to gradually build your routine up at the 4-week mark as opposed to jumping back into your former routine all at once.
What About Other Physical Activity?
You should be walking around soon after surgery. This helps your blood circulate and is a good way to kickstart the healing process. Very light aerobic activity can be resumed after 1 week.
Any activity that increases your blood pressure significantly (strenuous walking, running, cycling, etc.) must be delayed for at least 2 weeks. After that, most people are cleared to begin lower body exercise and cardio workouts. Still, you need to take it easy and listen to your body. It can be tempting to overdo it, but taking things slow is an important part of getting the results you want.
The Importance of a Workout Routine
It’s good to work out and stay active after you’ve fully recovered from gynecomastia surgery. Regular exercise – whether it’s weightlifting at the gym or other upper body strengthening – is a great way to preserve the results you obtain with gynecomastia surgery. Although results are generally long-lasting for most patients, it is possible to gain new weight and see a return of excess fat, whether that’s in the chest or elsewhere. Staying fit and in shape will help you maintain the sculpted chest you’ve achieved.
Learn More
If you’re ready to discuss the male breast reduction process with an experienced plastic surgeon, please call Main Line Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr at 484-222-0010. We proudly provide gynecomastia surgery and other procedures to people from Philadelphia and all of the surrounding areas.