Competing in a Mud Run After a Breast Implants?

Question

I had breast implants done may 8th and will be competing in Warrior dash(mud run)on July 20th,is this too soon?

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

If all has gone well, I release my patients to "BEGIN to resume all normal activities" at 6 weeks post-op. So theoretically if all has gone well with your recovery you could do that. You will not be fully conditioned within a month, so don't stress the system. Best of luck to you. James E. Chappell, MD, FACS, Annapolis Maryland

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You definitely want to follow your own surgeon's post-op activity instructions. This is a general guide I give to my patients:
1)  No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 6 weeks.
2)  Resume walking at a leisurely pace right after surgery (e.g. 2 mph)
3)  At 2 weeks, you can walk 2 miles at 2mph
4)  At 3 weeks, you can walk 3 miles at 3mph
5)  At 4 weeks, you can walk 4 miles at 4mph
6)  At 5 weeks, you can jog 5 miles at 5mph
7)  At 6 weeks, you can resume all activities, but listen to your body and use discomfort or tightness as a guide so you don't over do it.If you feel good 2.5 months after your surgery and are pretty active, you should be ok for the mud run.  I would build up to it and listen to your body and also check with your plastic surgeon prior to the run.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The decision to release you to this activity resides in the hands of your surgeon. In my practice patients who are doing well a four weeks are permitted to return to full athletic activity.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

I generally release my patients to full activity by 8 weeks after surgery. If you have had any complications this time frame may not apply. I suggest you ask your surgeon, but it should be ok.

Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

I advise my patients not to exercise for the first 2 weeks after breast augmentation and then slowly start to get back into it slowly. If it hurts, stop. I think the two month gap between surgery and your mud run should be fine - although obviously it will interrupt your training.

	Good luck with it all.

Gavin Sandercoe, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi Burlingtonmomma

	You will be over 8 weeks after your operation, so there will be little risk in doing the Warrior Dash. I would begin some light running now (if your plastic surgeon agrees), and gradually build up through early July. You should also practice doing some of the predictable obstacles under controlled environment (like climbing over fences and crawling along the ground) from the beginning of July so that your body has a chance to tell you if it is too soon.

	Have fun - Warrior Dash is a fun race.

	Dr Gavin Sandercoe

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

Go for it!!!  Your recovery will be over 2 months there is no reason you should not participate.  However I would check with your surgeon to check on his experience and policies.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

Your plastic surgeon should really be the one to guide you in what activities you can progress back to after breast augmentation. I ask my patients to not lift, push or pull greater than 10 pounds (includes running, jumping, mud runs, etc.) for 6 weeks. This is considered conservative whereas some plastic surgeons release their patients sooner. A Mud Run is a pretty aggressive ordeal with running, climbing, crawling, etc. so I would recommend you speak with your plastic surgeon for their guidance. Best of luck.

	Dr. Edwards

Jennifer Harrington, MD · Answer

Always listen to your body, and don't overdo!

	I strongly recommend you check with your Plastic Surgeon and follow their advice. I typically tell my patients to resume full activity at 6 weeks if their post-op course has been uneventful. I always caution them to ease into it.

	Again, be careful and listen to your body!

	Best of luck,

	Jennifer Harrington MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

You may be calling it a little close when it comes to your planning. The activity you are describing is obviously quite strenuous and may involve crawling… Ultimately, your body will tell you if you are ready to proceed with this type of activity or not;  your plastic surgeon will also be your best resource given that he knows you, exactly what you are planning, and is ultimately responsible for their care.

	 My general rule ( when it comes to postoperative activity resumption):  if in doubt, don't do it.  Having said that, most patients would likely feel comfortable ( possibly at a slower pace) proceeding, given your time frame.

	 Best wishes.