Aaron Gilson, DO

After breast augmentation, particularly with under-the-muscle implants, weight training requires thoughtful adjustments to protect your results. For the first 6 weeks, no lifting or intense exercise—this is when the implant pocket needs to heal and stabilize. From 6 to 12 weeks, you can resume lower body, back, shoulders, and arm training, but avoid direct chest exercises like push-ups, bench press, and chest flys, which put pressure on the pectoral muscle and can shift the implants. You can also consider going above the muscle which would decrease those risks caused by muscle contraction.

At almost 6 weeks after breast augmentation, you’re still in the early phase of healing, and your implants will continue to settle over the next several weeks to months. It’s very common for breasts—especially in patients with naturally wider breast anatomy—to appear somewhat farther apart initially, particularly with under-the-muscle placement, as swelling resolves and tissues adapt. Regarding wearing a push-up bra: generally, most surgeons recommend waiting until at least 6 to 8 weeks before wearing structured or push-up bras, and even then only occasionally. The key is allowing your tissues and implants to settle naturally without excessive external pressure early on, which can influence their final position. Remember, every patient’s anatomy and healing timeline is unique, and natural cleavage varies depending on factors like chest width and implant placement.

It’s completely normal to feel that tight, high-on-the-chest sensation just a couple of days after breast augmentation—especially with 600cc high-profile implants placed under the muscle. Early on, this tightness is expected as your tissues adjust and the implants begin the “settling” process. In terms of massage, protocols vary based on the surgeon’s technique and implant type. Some surgeons recommend starting gentle implant massage around 1–2 weeks post-op to help maintain softness and promote settling, while others may advise waiting longer—or not massaging at all—depending on surgical preference and implant characteristics. At just 2 days post-op, your tissues are still healing and delicate. Massaging this early could potentially disrupt the healing process or irritate the implant pocket. I would strongly recommend holding off on any self-directed massage until you receive clear guidance from your surgeon at your first post-op visit. That annoying sensation of fullness and tightness will gradually improve over the coming weeks as swelling decreases and the implants begin to drop into a more natural position—so patience here is key. In short: avoid massage for now, keep following your surgeon’s specific post-op instructions, and bring up your concerns at your follow-up appointment so they can tailor advice based on your healing progress.

At 5’1” and 130 lbs with limited tissue coverage, 500cc is likely well on the larger side for your frame. I tend to favor a proportional, natural result—fullness without looking overdone. Moderate-plus profile implants often achieve this balance nicely by giving good upper pole fullness and cleavage without excessive projection or width. Working with a plastic surgeon in person through 3D imaging and sizing may help you narrow your sizing search down. Think less about CC's and more about the natural dimensions of your chest. Both Motiva and Mentor are excellent; under the muscle, they’ll feel soft and natural, but Motiva may have a slight edge in feel and movement. Careful implant selection should always match your anatomy rather than just target a specific volume, so sizing with your surgeon’s guidance is key. Many petite patients achieve a beautiful, natural but enhanced look around 200-350cc, so that’s worth exploring as you finalize your decision.

Sculptra has been available since being FDA-approved in 2004 and is primarily used for facial volume restoration. The effects of Sculptra are gradual and can last up to two years as it stimulates the body's own collagen production. Commonly, results are seen after a few treatment sessions and continue to improve. Long-term side effects are rare but can include nodules or bumps under the skin if not injected properly. While Sculptra has received mixed reviews, many find it a smart choice for subtle, natural-looking enhancement and long-term anti-aging benefits. Always ensure treatments are performed by a qualified professional to minimize risks.