Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

Question

I am 3 months post op sub muscular gummy bear implants. I have a 295 cc implants. It is still very painful to do pushups especially on my knees or to hang on the monkey bars with my children. My PS says he would prefer to avoid all chest exercises which is frustrating. I am very active and love doing those things along with rock climbing and other activities. I am wondering if I should remove my implants instead.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Chest exercises are safe to start at the 4 week period if the implants are in adequate position. Pectoral muscle stimulation can promote the muscle compressing the implant and not allowing them to drop, therefore allowing the implants some time to settle is optimal. Textured implants may not have the same recovery profile as smooth implants. Even a month from working those muscles can weaken them, therefore the resumption of chest exercises should be gradual.Chest exercises should not have any negative effects on the breast implants.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

thanks for the question. I think this will gradually improve over time, but anything that loads your entire body weight and stretches the pectoralis muscle is going to still be uncomfortable. Starting with very little weight, and doing more reps might help get you back to a more comfortable place. I would not recommend removing the implants at this point. Best of Luck!

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS · Answer

As others have said, it will take time.  Typically, I will allow my patients to resume working out -- including chest exercises like push-ups and bench presses -- 3 months after surgery.  But it will take time.  The first time you do a push-up, you will feel like you are going to collapse.  I would advise patience, keeping in mind that you will likely not be as strong as you were before surgery, and that it may take up to a year before you feel like you can do push-ups or playing on the monkey bars without feeling odd twinges of discomfort.  Good luck!

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

I recommend that my patients avoid chest exercises which over time may tend to push the implants to the outside of the chest widening the space between the implants.I recommend that my patients start cardio exercise two weeks after surgery and then begin light weights at four weeks after surgery and gradually work up to pro operative levels of exercise and activities.  Most patients are back to most if not all activities by 3 months.  Depending on how long you waited to get back to these activities you may have some discomfort.Check with your plastic surgeon with regard to his recommendations.Taking the implants out would be a larger issue.  Only you will be able to answer that.  I would however give it a few more months.Best of luck.

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I recommend that my patients wait a full three months before doing any type of chest exercise. You mentioned that it is "still" very painful and I'm wondering when you returned to doing chest exercise. If you began too soon, you may delay full healing, thus causing more pain than one would expect at 3 months. You may need to back off just a bit, allow things to heal up and then begin with a mild routine and work your way up slowly. Take the time to heal.

Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

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Answer: Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

Answer: Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

Answer: Pain While Doing Chest Exercise Following Breast Augmentation

Answer: Pain While Doing Chest Exercise Following Breast Augmentation

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Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

Answers (6)

Answer: Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

Answer: Is it normal to have pain when doing push-ups, hanging on a monkey bar, other chest activities or exercises?

Answer: Pain While Doing Chest Exercise Following Breast Augmentation

Answer: Pain While Doing Chest Exercise Following Breast Augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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