How will breast lift with implants impact my workouts?

Question

I currently exercise 4-5x/week. I do Orange Theory, which is basically heart rate interval training -- running, rowing, TRX, push-ups, weighted squats (25-50 lbs max), burpees, etc. I'm curious what working out will look like once I've healed from a lift wth implants. Will I still be able to do these things once healed? What's the best way to modify? Will I have rebuild all of my strength?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Long-term patients who undergo breast augmentation/lifting surgery (barring complications) should be able to return to all activities with full strength. 
Timing to return to specific types of exercise will vary from one patient to another. Best to check with your plastic surgeon for specific advice. Generally, I suggest patients gradually ease back into the strenuous aerobic exercise 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively, assuming that they are doing well and there have been no complications. Lower body exercise can generally be resumed 2 weeks postoperatively. Use common sense, listen to your body, and gradually resume previous activity. In my practice, I ask patients to avoid contact and strenuous exercise involving the pectoralis major muscles ( such as push-ups, bench press, burpees, dancing on a pole…) for at least 3-6 months. Best wishes.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The biggest issue is finding an implant that matches your base diameter. The biggest problem I see is when patients choose too large an implant and the surgeon agrees to place that size. This results in malposition and asymmetry.  I always place the implant below the muscle and so it is a weird sensation at first. There should not be any loss of function, but you have to protect the surgery for 4-6 weeks. Best of Luck!

Michael Baumholtz, MD, FACS · Answer

Truly a great and common question but one that involves a number of variables.
For example - Putting the implant above or below the muscle will impact your healing time, your discomfort with physical activity, and animation deformity (implant moving with muscle action).
After about 6 weeks of healing - most of my patients are returning to full activity (likely with some modification to their workout routine)

Find a board certified member of ASPS or ASAPS for your consultation and discuss your concerns with your surgeon

Best wishes

Joseph M. Perlman, MD · Answer

if the augmentation is under your muscle, it will be more sore and take longer for you to get back to normal routine. I have female patients who compete internationally as bodybuilders and others who are trainers and may have no problems in the long run. While you're healing from the breast augmentation and lift, I would limit anything that stresses the pectoralis muscles such as push-ups, presses, pull-ups, rowing etc.you can still work out lower body and core. If you work with a trainer he can modify your activities for four weeks. Good luck

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

Once you've healed, you shouldn't have any problem exercising like normal, especially if you go for smaller implants that are not too wide and don't impact the muscle significantly.

How will breast lift with implants impact my workouts?

Answers (5)

Answer: You should be good to go but take it easy for starters

Answer: You should be good to go but take it easy for starters

Answer: Impact on Exercise

Answer: Impact on Exercise

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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How will breast lift with implants impact my workouts?

Answers (5)

Answer: You should be good to go but take it easy for starters

Answer: You should be good to go but take it easy for starters

Answer: Impact on Exercise

Answer: Impact on Exercise

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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