My doctor has told me I won't be able to work my upper body after a Breast Augmentation. Is this true?

- You will be able to return to upper body exercise/workouts one month after your breast augmentation.
- I have performed many breast augmentations for women who do CrossFit and for a few bodybuilders. After taking it easy for a month, all of these women are able to return to their normal upper body workout regimens.
-Best of luck to you!

I do not recommend strict chest exercises after augmentation with an implant as the chest muscle can push the implant down and out. This resulting in an appearance the vast majority of patients do not like.

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

We recommend our patients to avoid driving and lifting anything above 5-10 lb. for one week after BA. They can start upper body and other exercise, gradually, 4-6 weeks after surgery. You should clarify your instructions with a surgeon.

It depends on a few details. If the breast augmentation positions the implant above the muscle (subglandular implant position) working out the upper body is generally safe once the implant pocket has healed. Recommendations will vary based on your surgeon, but waiting to work out the upper body after this procedure typically ranges 6-8 weeks.
If the breast augmentation positions the implant under the muscle (subpectoral), the implant will be affected by muscle contraction. When the pectoralis major muscle contracts over a breast implant, the force of the muscle pushes the implant down and to the side. Over time, this action of the muscle on the implant can cause stretching of the supporting soft tissues, allowing the implant fall into an unnatural position (implant malposition). A person's tissue type, number of prior surgeries, and implant size are other important details that may affect your surgeon's recommendations regarding exercise after subpectoral breast augmentation. To summarize, it may be safe for some women to resume upper body exercise after subpectoral breast augmentation. However, it depends on multiple important patient and implant characteristics.

Is he saying you won't be able to exercise fir a few weeks or never at all? You might have misunderstood what he or she meant.

Dear donnanaaa,
once you are fully healed you should be able to continue with exercises. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question. You will most assuredly be able to return to working out your upper body after your breast augmentation.

After a breast augmentation you will need to allow your body to heal. Lifting restrictions are typically in place for the first six weeks. After that patients can generally resume normal activities including weight lifting. You will want to progress gradually as you return to your prior routines.

After about 6 weeks, you should be able to return to full activities, including working out your upper body. You do need to take time to heal.