“I must, I must, I must increase my bust.” The famous breast enhancing exercises practiced by the pre-teen girls in Judy Blume’s book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, may not have actually been beneficial in increasing their bra size, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that exercising the breast area is not necessary. For women who have undergone breast augmentation, breasting implant exercises are an important part of recovery and maintenance. Performing certain motions will help to achieve the most genuine look and natural feel possible for submuscular implants.
Why You Should Do Them
Submuscular implants are placed in a large pocket created by the surgeon beneath the pectoralis muscle in the lower portion of the breast. The scar tissue can become thick and rigid if the pocket does not remain open, which can lead to pain, a feeling of hardness, and even deformation of the breast appearance. Capsular contracture, as the condition is known, is cause for additional surgery to correct the issue. Breast implant exercises help the pocket to remain opened wide to promote natural movement of the saline or silicone implant, and keep the scar tissue that forms around the foreign object from becoming hard and growing too large. When performed correctly and with appropriate frequency, the risk of capsular contracture is greatly reduced.
When You Should Do Them
You can start your exercises the same day you get home from your breast augmentation surgery. During the first six weeks of recovery you should perform them every 30 minutes during waking hours. That may seem like a lot, but they are quick and will take no time at all. Sticking to the routine and performing them correctly will make them easier with time. After six weeks is over, continue to perform the exercises for as long as you have implants.
The Exercises
When performing the following three exercises, the implants should be held in each position for 5-10 seconds. Exercises for both breasts should take 30 seconds – 1 minute total.
Moving the Breast Implant Upward
This exercisegently slides the breast implant upward within the pocket, while keeping the breast in place. Note: You should not be pushing the entire breast upward while performing it.
- Using one hand, place your thumb and forefinger on the underside of the breast, just about the crease.
- Use the thumb and forefinger of the other hand to span the entire breast over the nipple area.
- Grip the implant with both sets of fingers.
- Squeeze your forefinger and thumb together while applying gentle pressure. Slide the implant upward towards the top of the pocket.
- Continue to slide the implant slowly in an upward motion.
- The implant can be returned to its original position by pressing down along the top of the implant firmly.
Moving the Breast Implant Downward
- Keeping your fingers flat and closed, place your hand just above the nipple on the upper portion of the breast.
- Gently apply firm pressure, forcing the breast implant to slid downward.
- Continue to apply pressure until the implant is fully in the lower area of the pocket. It will round out along the lower part of the best fold.
- Slowly return the implant to its original position.
Moving the Breast Implant to the Outside and Cleavage
- Using the hand on the opposite side of the body, cup your breast and feel the breast implant.
- To move the breast implant towards your cleavage, grasp it from the outer side and move it in the direction of your breastbone. It will be fully over when it rounds out along the cleavage side of the breast.
- Complete the same motion, going in the opposite direction towards the outer edge of the breast.
- When finished, return he implant to the original position.
Other Exercises for Fitness
Physical activity is crucial for the recovery of the body after surgery, but patients should postpone their regular vigorous exercise routines and strenuous activities for about four to six weeks after undergoing breast augmentation. Upper body workouts in particular can be damaging, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure can increase the risk of swelling or bleeding. Walking is encouraged, though, and it is a good way to stay active while you are on hiatus from the gym. Your body will send you signals about what is right for you, but you should always consult your surgeon before jumping on the elliptical or hitting the weights again.