Heavy chest after submuscular implants - is this common?

Question

Hi, I am due to have my procedure in September, a breast lift with implant. I am opting for sub muscle. I am nervous because I have been told by others who have had it done that you can feel a weight on your chest like an elephant is sitting on it. Is this common? How long does the weight last? I am asthmatic, managed fine and my surgeon has approved me with my asthma however I’m nervous I’ll be anxious I’ll not be able to breathe with the feeling of an elephant on my chest.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
Thank you for the question.
 
Breast implants are frequently placed under the muscle (known as submuscular plane) which can be associated with a feeling of tightness during the first 2-3 weeks.   In addition, patients are typically prescribed a muscle relaxant medication to alleviate the feeling of tightness.

It is uncommon to feel that you have "an elephant sitting on your chest". 
 
Implants can take take 6-12 months to settle fully into the their final position for the best cosmetic results. 
 
I would encourage you to discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
 
I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear paigerose,
breast implants should have no effect on your breathing and asthma. 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

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Not only is this sensation, and, it is almost expected. A usually only lasts a few days. In your situation, I think you would do very well and just have to concentrate on deep breaths and returning to normal activity as soon as possible.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Each day is better than the last.. easing up a lot by the 4th day and more than 90% of my patients say they are back to work by the 5th day in an office setting. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Great question — and one that comes up often after breast lift with implant surgery.
Yes, significant weight loss can affect your breast results, including causing some sagging again. Here's why:
1. Breast Tissue Still Contains Fat
Even with implants, your natural breast tissue is still present, and it contains fat. If you lose a noticeable amount of weight, especially body fat, that volume can decrease — leading to looser skin and potentially some drooping over time.
2. Skin Elasticity Plays a Role
During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the breast is reshaped. However, skin elasticity isn't permanently "fixed." Weight fluctuations can stretch the skin again, especially if the weight loss is rapid or substantial.
3. Implants Provide Support — But Not Unlimited
Implants can help maintain volume and some degree of shape, but they don’t fully prevent sagging if the surrounding tissue and skin lose tone or shrink after weight loss.
What You Can Do:
•	Maintain a stable weight: Try to be close to your goal weight before surgery when possible.
•	Use supportive bras: Especially during workouts or weight changes.
•	Consider skin quality support: Treatments like radiofrequency or microneedling may help maintain skin tone.
If you're planning or expecting weight loss, it’s smart to talk with your surgeon — they might recommend timing your procedure or selecting specific implants that will age better with your body changes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your muscles will be stretched, so you will feel pressure.  If you had had children, it will feel like your breasts are engorged. The worst part is during the first week when you are taking medication.  You will be able to breathe well.  Muscle relaxers and cold compresses will be helpful.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is some recovery to breast augmentation with a lift, but it is typically managed well with pain medication.  Patients are often able to return to a non physically demanding job within a week.  Feeling  sore is expected but you should not experience any trouble breathing.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I don’t think I’ve ever had a patient describe the sensation of having breast augmentation as an elephant sitting on their chest.
Patients typically have soreness, especially lifting their arms or putting their pectoralis muscle under tension.
Other than that you’re just sore and things feel tight, especially the first week or two.
 Most surgical pain diminishes substantially within the first three days.
After that it’s mostly soreness related to range of motion.
I don’t think you’re going to have anxiety regarding the inability to breathe after surgery.
I think the fear of this is going to be much worse than the actual postoperative experience.
If you selected your provider correctly, and you have a good understanding of your own candidacy for the procedure, then you should be all set.
The things I would be worried about before surgery is provider selection and making sure that you have done due diligence in regards to implant selection.
It’s common for people to have substantial anxiety before plastic surgery procedures.
What ends up being issues after surgery tend to be quite different than what people anticipate before surgery.
I think it’s unlikely you’ll feel the need to remove the elephant after surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Heavy chest after submuscular implants - is this common?

Answers (8)

More Breast Lift with Implants Questions

Do my implants look like they’re sitting ok? Scars don’t exactly match (Photo)

After a breast lift with implants surgery, if I were to lose weight would that cause my boobs to sag again ?

Anchor or Periareolar lift? (Photo)

11 years post op - should I consider replacing my implants now that I'm having a lift done?

Benign cyst - do I need a new mammogram before breast lift with implants?

Was I lifted enough? Will another anchor lift help? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS