Will Exercise (Not Just Massaging) Encourage my Implant to Drop?

Question

I am 5 weeks post op and I have saline 350 cc under muscle. My right hasn't dropped while my left has dropped and fluffed already. I am close to point where exercising will be allowed, will running/cardio etc encourage my right to drop or will it make the muscle even tighter? Massaging hasn't done much up till this point. Note: healing is great stitches have dissolved, I plan to discuss this with my doc next week just curious to other advice. Thanks!

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Exercising after a breast augmentation will not cause the implant to drop. The rate of the settling of the implant is variable, and can be different in the 2 sides. While much of the settling is usually completed by 5 weeks, it can take longer in some cases. I would give it more time. 

	As for the exercise restrictions, it is always best to check with your surgeon before resuming your exercise regimen.

	Congratulations on your augmentation and good luck with the rest of your recovery.

	Jeff Rockmore

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Your final results following a breast augmentation are mostly present; including "dropping of the implant", when implants are below the muscle, within the first 3 months for most and certainly by a year. Breast implants initially after surgery when placed in a submuscular position often give superior fullness that corrects itself with time, the "fluff and drop" phenomena. In reality the pectoralis major muscle takes a while to adjust its size to accommodate the implant as well as occasional muscle spasm which keeps the implant projection higher than its final resting shape. Additional variables include:laxity of skin, size difference during prior pregnancies, position of implant,size of muscle, and size of implant.As the muscle relaxes the projection of the implant often increases and the breast shape improves. Massage and use of a superior placed elastic strap can often make this process go faster.#breastaugmentation#BA#breastdropping

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, running and exercise is probably ok at 5 weeks with appropriate support.  Massage and time will help with the implant drop.  I would not rely on exercise to help the implants drop.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Exercising will not influence the implant position.  The implant will continue to settle over the next 6-7 weeks.  Time is the key here.  Good luck,

	Dr. ES

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no accurate way to predict whether exercise will help a breast implant “settle".  I would agree with you that any activity that makes the pectoralis major muscle “tighter”  can potentially make the breast implant settling process slower. I suggest my patients avoid heavy lifting, push-ups, chest flies, and any other activity that activates the pectoralis major muscle (especially if there is a problem with a breast implant “dropping”).

	Of course, your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to advise you after direct examination.

	Best wishes.

Will Exercise (Not Just Massaging) Encourage my Implant to Drop?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Implant Settling

Answer: Breast Implant Settling

Answer: Asymmetric Breast Implant Settling and Exercise?

Answer: Asymmetric Breast Implant Settling and Exercise?

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Will Exercise (Not Just Massaging) Encourage my Implant to Drop?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Implant Settling

Answer: Breast Implant Settling

Answer: Asymmetric Breast Implant Settling and Exercise?

Answer: Asymmetric Breast Implant Settling and Exercise?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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