I Am an Avid Rock Climber; Will Going Submuscular Affect my Strength/distort my Implants? (photo)

Thanks for a great question.  I almost always reccommend a submuscular position even in very active women, but your rock climbing passion is a hard to comment on, because I do think the pectoralis muscle is weakened some and more importantly-animation deformity or motion of the implant with use of the pectoralis muscle is not an uncommon problem.  Your other option is to place a silicone implant over the muscle.  Secondly though I do not personally perform this operation, you could seek the opinion of a surgeon who specializes in fat transfer to breast.  Hope that helps, good luck.

Partially subpectoral breast augmentations have the advantage over submammary breast augmentations in very slender, muscular women.  These advantages are:

1.  less chance of rippling

2.  less chance of capsular contracture

3.  easier to read mammograms

4.  more natural appearance and less chance of seeing the edge of the implant

I have done breast augmentations on many competitive athletes including rock climbers, and I have found no loss of strength or distortions over time. 

The increased risk of capsular contracture when placed over the muscle can lead to unusual distorted breasts that are uncomfortable as well as unattractive.  This alone would make me recommend submuscular placement even in a rock climber. 

All that being said, it is important for you to find a Board Certified plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience in breast augmentations on athletes.  Be sure that you feel comfortable with this surgeon and then go with what he or she recommends.