Will Breast Implants Affect my Golf Swing?

Question

I'm considering breast implants but have concerns that as a an almost-pro golfer they will change my swing - is this a possibility?

Steven Teitelbaum, MD · Answer

Have you heard the one about the woman who goes to the plastic surgeon and asks him, "Doc, will I be able to play golf after my breast augmentation."  He answers her, "of course; you will have a very powerful swing."  "Awesome," she says, "Because I could never play well before."
 
I've done breast augmentation on professional golfers. Out of concerned for affecting the stroke, I placed the implants in front of the muscle.  There were therefore no effects on their stroke whatsoever.  But being lean athletes, the implant edges were more visible than might have been ideal.
 
in more recent years, I have again operated on college level as well as profressional tennis players and golfers, typically placing the implants behind the muscle.  And in no case was there any effect on the stroke.  Of course, they all wanted reasonable implant sizes that would fit with their athletic bodies, and surgical technique was meticulous.
 
So the bottom line is that though no surgeon can promise you there will not be an effect on your stroke, the likeihood is overwhelmingly that there will not be.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

if you choose nicely proportional implants you should not have a problem. If you choose devices that are large for your body, you can have an effect on your swing. err on a smaller size and you should be fine. If you are vying to become a pro, you might want to wait.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Under the muscle implants are more likely to be felt moving because the pectoralis muscle is attached to the arm.  This will become less evident over time.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients with breast implants are fully functional and can engage in all strenuous exercise once the surgery is complete and the postoperative recovery period is passed.  
In my practice, I suggest that women who are highly active consider implants that are slightly smaller than their non-active counterparts.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The effect of implants on your golf swing may be related by your incision, size and over/under location.
Some patients are concerned about showing their transaxillary scar and so they may be reluctant to wear an open sleeve.
The size of the implant may also play a role because you may be aware of a larger implant as you bring your arms across your chest.
Furthermore, under the muscle locations may cause a longer recovery and general tenderness for a longer period.
Although, I recall paitents commenting about being aware of the implants, I don't recall anyone complaining about hurting their overall performance.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Even if you go under the muslce with your implants, it will in long term not affect your golf swing.
You will obviously have to hold off for about 4 weeks from golfing, but after that it will take some time adjusting but in the long scheme of things it will not affect your swing.
Good luck.  Make sure you choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your surgery.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally, there is no long term effect with breast implants if the planning of the surgery including your need/objective to continue playing golf in the future.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Your concern is reasonable. As long as you stay on the small side you should be OK although there is always a chance. Having operated on high level athletes and fitness models, I cannot remember that last case in which a moderate enlargement caused problems.

Joseph M. Perlman, MD · Answer

I have many patients who are active competitive athletes, some even professional, who have undergone breast augmentation. Initially during the healing process, you may have some discomfort with your swing, but as you recuperate, things should return to normal. I would assume that being athletic, you're probably not going from A cup to a D cup. Going up 1-2 cup sizes should not affect your swing in the long run. If the implants are being placed under the muscle, your recovery time will be 1-2 weeks longer and you will have to gradually get back into the golf, starting with putting and short irons and working your way up to woods and fairway irons.

	You can ask your physician about placing sample implants into your bra to get an idea of how the extra weight feels,but this is not always an accurate correlation to the actual final augmentation result.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

Clearly you've been playing golf for a long time and therefore you are highly in tune with your body.  Breast implants will add a new issue to have to deal with.  With that said I don't think it will be a tremendous adjustment as long as the implants are not too big. 
If you were a pro I'd say no but since you're not you can enjoy both enhanced breasts and a great game.