I Am a Female Powerlifter and Train with Heavy Weight. How Will Implants Affect Upper Body Strength?

   As a bodybuilder and as an athlete who has bench pressed 600 lbs, I probably have a different view on this question.   If your goal is to become the strongest you can become, there is NO doubt that there will be a decrement in strength with submuscular augmentation.  If you have enough tissue above the muscle to camouflage the implant, then go above the muscle.  If you have very little tissue or diet down at certain times, you should consider submuscular implants with the understanding that there will be a small decrease in strength and that there may be a small chance to laterally displace the implants.  I have put submuscular implants in women who have bench pressed almost 300 lbs without ill effect, but it is always better for the patient to be fully informed.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

In power lifters the pectoralis muscle can be bulky so you might want to consider using a gel implant place just underneath the breast gland so you will not have muscle movement of your implant when you are lifting.  This should not effect you muscle strength after your initial post op period.

 

Good luck,

Dr T

As a power lifter you have 2 options each of which has its pros and cons.  Option one is to go below the muscle.  Main advantage being NO affect on your muscle strength nor function.  But several major downsides.  First is rippling and potential visibility of the implant.  This leads to the "fake" look.  More importantly is the increased risk of capsular contracture.  Alternatively is to go under the muscle.  The benefit being increased coverage of the implant , a more natural look and reduced capsular contracture.  As for how it will affect your muscle no one can tell.  There are many fit and active women with sub muscular implants who don't notice any weakness.  That being said no one can be sure.  Additionally your implants WILL move when you workout.  I hope that helps.