I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

Question

I want a breast augmentation with silicone implants. I play volleyball in university and I really don't want to wait till I'm done with volleyball to get the procedure. (I'm a 34A and want a C.) If I healed completely and returned to play, what would be the probability of an implant rupture? I'm worried because sometimes I dive onto my chest but I'm not sure if the impact would be large enough to cause damage as my elbows/arms help to support the dive.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

I tell my patients that, after breast augmentation surgery, they should be able to resume all their activities without worry. I prefer them to avoid upper body fitness for about six weeks. Most importantly, most women pay little or no attention to their bras. It is important for all breast augmentation patients, and especially those who do lots of fitness or sports, to buy all their bras (everyday and fitness) from specialty lingerie stores not called Victoria's Secret, etc. The idea is that a grown-up professional woman measures and sizes you, and recommends structured bras that will keep your implants in place while you carry outd all your regular activities. Finally, do not be concerned about falling on an implant. They receive more of a workout during insertion in the operating room than you could ever give them on the volleyball court. All the best.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, most of my patients resume their regular activities and sports, but it is possible that repeated impacts to the chest could increase the risk of implant rupture.  Even if sports are avoided, implants (like any medical device) can break down over time.  The rupture rate also depends on the type of implant you choose.  The possibility of implant rupture is one of many important considerations when deciding if breast augmentation is right for you.

Johanna R. Krebiehl, MD · Answer

Absolutely! You will want to give yourself enough time to recover prior to going back to the court. A typical recommended time frame is 6-8 weeks. For you I would wait around 10. You want to make sure you have a professional supportive bra. An implant can withstand a lot of pressure. With Allergan implants they do come with a warranty if they do rupture prematurely.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear vanesaagatto,
since volleyball is very active sport, you will probably need a bit longer period of recovery, but once you are fully healed, you should be able to continue with your activities. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Usually most simple augmentations return to full activity at 4 weeks.  However, volleyball is an extremely active and strenuous activity that would probably warrant up to 6 weeks of recovery.  Also if your surgeon had to perform any more involved maneuvers like suturing a fold, etc, he may request even more time.

I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

Answers (9)

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

Answer: I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

Answers (9)

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

Answer: I want to get a breast augmentation but I wonder if I'll still be able to play university volleyball. Thoughts?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.