Building Pectoral Muscles Before Breast Augmentation?

Question

Will building up your pectoral muscles before getting a breast augmentation make the recovery  difficult or more painful in any way?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

We generally advise patients to cease from pectoralis strengthening for 2-4 weeks prior to surgery to decrrease bleeding and swelling of the engorged muscle.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

This really isn't going to make a difference as the amount of muscle that you may add won't significantly affect the overall size. Also, if you're getting the implants placed under the muscle you may want to avoid any heavy chest building exercises so that your recovery is easier. Getting the implants over the muscle will give you an easier recovery, but you may see the outline of the implants more. Good luck!

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It will not make a difference in recovery.  So you can go ahead and do your weight lifting and be rest assured that it will not make your recovery and more or less painful.  What works well during the recovery phase is muscle relaxants and make sure your surgeon provides a prescription for some in addition to the pain medication that you are prescribed.
Good luck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Most breast augmentations are done by placing the implants under the pec muscles for a variety of reasons, but whether they are bulked up or not should make litle difference in the early recovery. However, if you are a body builder or athletic, there are issues that are more important long-term with implants under the muscle. One common example is what are called "animation deformities" in which the breast is distorted every time the muscle is flexed. A variation of the subfascial technique can help minimize this.

Brian S. Glatt, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are having breast implants placed over the muscle, then it truly makes no difference.  If you are having the implants placed below the pec muscles (which I do for almost 99% of my cosmetic breast augmentations), then it still does not make much of a difference!  If will not make your surgery go better or worse and should not ultimately change your result very much or alter your recovery.  In theory, your plastic surgeon may have to "fight harder" with your stronger muscle to get the implants under it, which may cause more stretching and ultimately more discomfort, but in reality it really doesn;t work this way. 
I would work your pecs if you like to and not worry about them with regards to your impending breast implant surgery.

Ashley Thorburn, MD · Answer

While building pectoral muscles through exercises like chest presses can enhance overall chest appearance, it won’t significantly impact the outcome of breast augmentation. The implants are typically placed behind the chest muscles, and the pectoral muscles won’t cover or change the shape of the implants. Consult with your surgeon to discuss your goals and get guidance based on your specific situation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There is no need to stop upper or lower body exercise prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Working out prior to surgery will not make recovery more difficult or painful.  Your plastic surgeon will guide you postoperatively when it comes to resuming activities. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very happy with.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

While exercising prior to surgery is always a good idea, I think it's important to just continue on your standard routine.  Increasing your "fly" or pec work will probably not only not help your recovery but may make it more painful.  Remember that you're breaking down the muscle every time that you work out.  That muscle needs time to rebuild.
So don't change your routine; keep to your work out schedule.  If you don't exercise don't start right before surgery.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Even if the chest muscle is well developed recovery after breast augmentation should be smooth and reasonably comfortable. The majority of breast implants placed in breast augmentation are positioned under the chest muscle, the pectoralis, for several reasons. The coverage of the upper edge of the implant will produce and smooth an natural contour and reduce the risk of roundness which can appear even through clothing. Also, by placing the implant under the muscle the implant has a tendency to stay softer with less risk of capsule contracture. There is a downside however. For those who are passionate about body building or competitive sport, flexion of the chest muscle will push the implant lower and distort the shape of the breast. Most will find that the benefits of submuscular augmentation outweigh the side effects, but for a few, subglandular augmentation with a silicone gel implant may be a better solution. Be sure to discuss both options.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

It does not appear to make any difference.as regards recovery from breast augmentation regardless of how the implants are placed (over or under the muscle).
Good Luck.

Building Pectoral Muscles Before Breast Augmentation?

Answers (16)

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