Long Term Pectoral Muscle Use After Breast Reconstruction?

Question

I'm 7 weeks post tissue expander surgery and can now get back to working out. My surgeon told me I have to limit the use of my pec muscles to 5-10 lbs for life! No more pull ups or push ups because if the muscles increase in size the implants will get pulled to the sides. Is this accurate? I was very active doing yoga, racquet sports and weight training and he told me before surgery I could continue all of these things!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Once the implants have been placed and healing has been completed, there are very few limitations. There are some bodybuilders and weightlifters who are so strong that the implants can become displaced over time with such powerful contractions. However, this does not apply to the majority of patients. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There is a little bit of truth in both statements: you should be able to participate in all sports without limitation, but weight training for the pecs can create some issues. If they get too strong, they can cause what are called animation deformities. So I generally don't encourage upper body weight training with implant reconstruction.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Once fully healed, you should have no restrictions. I ask my patients to avoid strenuous physical activity for the 6 weeks after surgery while they recover.

You now have a tissue expander and are going through the expansion process.  At this time I would be careful and not over-exert myself, but after you have healed from the implant exchange procedure, you should be able to go back to as normal of a life as possible

Robert Ferguson, MD · Answer

I have not found such limitations to be the case. While I do not know if there has been tissue damage from radiation that is resulting in such a recommendation, I have plenty of patients with implant-based reconstruction who are avid mountain bikers, wake boarders, and even body builders who have not had lateral displacement. Movement or compression of the implant is a common observation during vigorous pectoralis use but should resolve with completion of the muscle contraction.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I have never heard that you can not work out once things have healed.   You  may want to get a second opinion.

Long Term Pectoral Muscle Use After Breast Reconstruction?

Answers (5)

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