Bodybuilding and heavy lifting after breast augmentation?

Hello,
It will depend on where the implant is places, submuscular or subfascial. Those who go on top of the muscle do not have workout restrictions. Whereas those with submuscular implants I heavily advise them to not do any chest exercises. There is a higher risk for implant displacement and muscle animation submuscular. I require 21 days(3 weeks) of not lifting, pushing, or pulling anything over 30 pounds. After, you may get back to it. Saline implants and silicone implants may also have different risks. Your best bet would be to use silicone implants.
All the best,
Dr. Joe

First of all, physical examination is very important for breast augmentation surgery and is my first choice. Afterwards, if a breast implant has been placed in the Subfascial Plane, exercises and weightlifting exercises can be done after for the first 6 weeks. Apart from that, it would be better to wait up to 12 weeks for all techniques performed.

I have a couple of triple crown bodybuilders and multiple competitive patients who have no issues getting back to competitions after healed. My patients start light weights at 6 weeks and gradually get to full strength by the 8th week. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for your question. After a breast augmentation, it is indeed possible to return to bodybuilding and heavy lifting, but a proper healing period is crucial before resuming these activities. Generally, patients are advised to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before engaging in any heavy lifting or high-intensity exercises to ensure the implants have settled and the risk of complications is minimized. After this initial healing phase, gradual reintroduction to your training regimen is recommended, with careful attention to your body's responses. Long-term, there shouldn't be significant restrictions on your ability to compete in bodybuilding competitions or engage in heavy lifting.

Yes it is possible and common. There are several options for patients that compete in fitness model and or body building competitions. It depends on if muscle animation is a concern, but a subfascial augmentation is my preference for competitors, although this is a long discussion after a complete exam to discuss the goals of the procedure.

Dear Ecomarge21,
you should be able to continue with bodybuilding after BA, especially if implants are above the muscle. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Yes, you can still compete. if the implants are placed behind the muscle, you may be restricted on heavy lifting up to 3 months. However, placement behind the muscle will give very nice definition of your pectoralis muscles, better upper breast fullness, and looks more natural on most body builders with low fat content. Placing the implants in front of the muscle will be less restricting, but will have more of a round ball look unless you have a fair amount of breast tissue. Most of my ladies choose to have the implants placed behind the muscle and limit lifting initially.

Yes, once you are cleared by your surgeon you can return to your previous exercise routine. Keep in mind you may have lifting restrictions in place after surgery and will need to work up to your previous activity level gradually. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

There is no yes or no answer to your question.
Different plastic surgeons will have different postoperative protocols, including potential limitations on weightlifting for certain number of days weeks or months.
If interested in having breast surgery, then I suggest having a few in person, consultations with plastic surgeons in your community. At which point you can get an accurate assessment and better understanding of implications of having breast surgery, including each provider postoperative protocol.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD.