Should Chest Exercises Be Stopped Before Breast Augmentation?

I have my patients stop excercising their chest muscles for two weeks before surgery.  In my personal belief I believe this helps minimize post-operative pain and might reduce intraoperative bleeding.  

I may adivse competitive body builder like patients to stop working out for anywhere from 2-4 weeks prior to surgery to minimize bleeding during the procudure.

Hi Kath, No, you do not need to stop chest exercises before your surgery but I would not overdo it for the week before surgery to make sure you do not injure yourself. However, after your surgery, you will need to wait about 6 weeks before you lift anything over 10 lbs. Best regards, Dr. Speron

Dear Kath, No reason to stop them before the surgery - even though they will not materially increase your bust size. You will need to stop them for a few weeks AFTER the surgery (especially if the implants are placed under the pectoralis major muscle) to reduce the risk of implants being shifted upwards and sideways. Consult with your surgeon to see what he/she prefers. Good Luck. Peter A Aldea, MD, FACSwww.TheBeautyDoctors.com

Kath, I do not ask my patients to stop exercising prior to surgery but I do after surgery. I place the majority of my breast implants partially under the muscle so I ask patients to not lift greater than 10 pounds for 6 weeks after surgery and to wear a very good supportive bra when they resume exercise. I hope this helps. Dr Edwards