I'm worried I won't be able to do certain exercises like backbends and planks after surgery? (Photos)

Question

I'm a dancer and pilates instructor. I'm petite + athletic, 5'1" 105 lbs. Had a great consultation + am planning to have silicone 250 or 275cc under the muscle, I want it to look natural but I do a lot of physical exercise. I'm a dancer and do moves like back walkovers, lowering myself down to the floor, and a lot of planks, push ups, + pilates reformer exercises. I'm worried about limiting mobility + animation deformity. Happy to wait to heal, I just want to know if I'll be able to eventually resume all of my activity. Thank you!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. I suggest you to go for small implant sizes to be affected less from the change in your muscles. Also, you can get back to the exercises like at the pictures 3 months after the surgery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While you should probably direct this question to your surgeon, getting implants shouldn’t interfere with your ability to continue dancing and exercising. Just make sure to wait out the full recovery period recommended by your surgeon before resuming your physical activities.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Patients can generally return to aerobics in three weeks and upper body weightlifting in six weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear bpbushnell, thanks for sharing your concerns, that kind of implant techniques plus sizes are small enough to allow you practice physical exercise of course once your fully healed, it will take almost 30 days to start again your practices, Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You will be able to do these exercises after surgery. However, tightening your pectoralis major muscle will result in extruding the implant inferiorly and laterally. I recommend the smallest implant possible to create less displacement. Implants are not lifetime devices. 8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. I can understand your concerns, but once fully healed you should be able to resume any and all activities.  Certainly your specific maneuvers will take more time than others but you will be able to do them.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bpbushnell,
once you are fully healed, you should be able to continue with your activities. Breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Those implant sizes are small enough that they should not cause any issue with physical activities that you refer to.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Submuscular breast augmentation has many advantages including a more natural appearance, less implant visibility, and most importantly there is a decreased risk of capsular contracture.  Placing the implant below your chest muscle should have no long term consequence on your athletic lifestyle.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As a bodybuilder, I augment professional athletes frequently. I think for those people in whom the living is made by athletic performance, the implant can be placed above the muscle. Other patients will be happier longterm with submuscular (dual plane) placement. The recommended time off from all exercise is four to six weeks; return to your former exercise routine gradually while you heal.