As a sprinter can I compete with breast implants? Dual, over or under? (Photos)

Dear Caring4755,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for breast augmentation in the subglandular or subfascial plane. This will avoid any negative impact on your ability to compete. I hope this helps.

I advise my patients they can start running and doing cardio after 3 weeks. Always a good idea to check with your surgeon's protocol. I have several triple crown body builders who started light at 6 weeks and back to competition workouts by 8 weeks. Patients in general in my practice start upper body around 5 to 6 weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Good morning,
Overs are always a terrible idea. Dual plane is okay but in an athlete (and in anyone for that matter), if the stronger pec muscle beats down against the implant over time against the lower outer pole of the breast where there is no muscle coverage patients will see their implants slowly, gradually get positioned a little further apart and more to the sides- decreasing upper pole fullness and cleavage, often leading to lateral displacement and bottoming out, which is why I developed the Original Internal Bra for correction. Because of these issues, in my own first time augmentation patients I prefer full submuscular placement of implants- I believe it is the superior approach that leads to the longest term best results.

At size 30, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. Another alternative to consider is fat transfer. If you only want to go up 1 cup size then fat transfer would be a better way to go. Implants can be placed in front or behind the muscle. Implants placed in front of the muscle frequently result in capsular contracture.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

I have been doing augmentations now for forty years and whenever possible submuscular placement which gives the most natural result and fewest complications. I have done many athletes including bodybuilders with this technique. I would recommend you have your surgery off season to allow a few weeks healing before stressing the breasts and incisions. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. For limiting long-term consequences you should consider under the muscle placement, and once fully healed you should be able to return to competition without issue.

I would suggest placing the implants behind the muscle and avoid going too large. Behind the muscle will be more painful and give you more down time initially, but will help support the implants and decrease your risk of sagging over time.

Yes, after you have fully healed from surgery you can gradually return to your active lifestyle including competitive sprinting. Placing the implant under the muscle will help to support the implant. I recommend selecting an implant that fits the breast space and is proportionate to your body. When returning to exercise you will want to wear a good supportive sports bra.