You're well on your way to full recovery. Most restrictions are lifting, and you can gradually return to exercise and more strenuous activities.
What to Expect
By weeks 4-6, you should feel largely back to normal. The initial recovery phase is complete, and your body is now in the longer-term healing and settling phase.
Physical Changes
Swelling: Most swelling has resolved, though minor fluctuations may continue.
Implant position: Noticeable dropping should be occurring. Implants are starting to look more natural.
Softening: Implants begin to feel softer and more natural as the tissue relaxes.
Sensation: Continuing to improve, though full sensation may take 6-12 months.
Scars: May appear pink or slightly raised. Continue scar care routine.
Major Milestone
Week 6 typically marks the point where you can resume most normal activities including exercise. You've come a long way - the hardest part of recovery is behind you.
Returning to Exercise
From week 4-6, you can gradually reintroduce exercise. The key word is gradual.
Week 4: Light Exercise
Brisk walking
Stationary cycling (no resistance)
Light lower body exercises (squats, lunges - no weights)
Gentle stretching
Week 5-6: Moderate Exercise
Light jogging or running
Lower body weight training (light weights)
Core exercises (modified - avoid exercises that strain the chest)
Swimming (once incisions fully healed and cleared by your surgeon)
Still Avoid
Upper body weight training: Wait until 8-12 weeks for chest exercises.
High-impact activities: Running on hard surfaces, jumping, burpees.
Contact sports: No risk of impact to the chest yet.
Push-ups, chest press, chest flies: These can wait until 3 months.
Exercise Tip
Wear a supportive sports bra when exercising. If anything causes pain or discomfort, stop immediately. It's better to progress slowly than to set back your recovery.
Bra Guidance
Daytime: You can now transition to supportive, non-wired bras during the day.
Night: Many surgeons recommend continuing to wear a soft bra at night for support until 3 months.
Underwired bras: Can typically be worn from 6-8 weeks, but check with your surgeon.
Exercise: Always wear a high-support sports bra during physical activity.
Swimming and Baths
Once your incisions are fully healed (usually by week 4-6), you can:
Take baths
Swim in chlorinated pools
Use hot tubs (limit time due to heat)
Wait until your surgeon has confirmed incisions are fully closed before submerging them.
Your 6-Week Appointment
Most patients have a follow-up around the 6-week mark. At this appointment:
Your surgeon will assess your healing progress.
Discuss any remaining concerns or questions.
Get clearance for specific activities.
Review your ongoing scar care routine.
Schedule any future follow-up appointments.
Lifestyle Considerations
Work
All office/desk work should be comfortable.
Most physical jobs can resume, though heavy manual labour may need a bit longer.
Flying is fine for holiday or business travel.
Intimacy
Full intimate activity can resume without restrictions.
Be mindful that breasts may still be sensitive or have areas of numbness.
Communicate with your partner about what feels comfortable.
Clothing
You can now wear most clothing styles.
Hold off on buying new bras until the 3-month mark when settling is more complete.
Bikinis and low-cut tops are fine when you feel confident.