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.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients that three weeks after surgery, it’s OK for you to do aerobic activity (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.), running and lower-body weight training. Women are usually comfortable doing arm exercises (upper-body weights) starting about six weeks after surgery. Among my 7000 patients are Triple Crown bodybuilders, sports athletes, and kickboxers who go back into competition after getting implants. They start with light training at six weeks and heavier training after eight weeks. None of their implants has deflated.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After you have completely healed from surgery you will be able to resume your regular activities.  You will have restrictions in place generally for six weeks.  After that time you can gradually return to your previous activity level.  Your implants are very durable but rupture risk cannot be completely eliminated.  The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is very important to limit some activities through the first 3 weeks, and generally a full return to activities is achieved at 6 weeks after augmentation.  It should not limit your activities, including volleyball after six weeks as long as you healed normally from the surgery. WirthPlasticSurgery.com

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most women can return to full sports in about 6 weeks after surgery. Those who choose large implants that are placed behind the muscle may need up to eight weeks. I do recommend wearing a good sports bra while you are playing volleyball.  You can break the implant, just as you can break your bones, but most do not when playing volleyball.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. 
Thank
you for your inquiry. Typically our tips for recovery following breastaugmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operativeand refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don'twant any strain at your incision sites. After 6 weeks, it is usually possible to return to usual activity.
There
are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which
will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your
aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant
profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual
Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants
for the best results. 
During
a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the
measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level
of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. 
You
are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you
can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer
Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our
in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your
consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with
you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your
procedure.
I
specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast
and decreases pain post-operatively.
We
encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for
lots of before and after pictures!
Please
note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship.
We
welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for
a complimentary consultation available for limited time
only.
During
the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as
in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done
in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We
utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our
consultations and surgery.
We invite
you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly.  Please
send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line:
"Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to
coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC
(27+ years experience)
-
Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital
private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

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

Answers (10)

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