Will lifting heavy during chest press exercise ruin my implants over time?

Question

I have had implants for over 5 years with no issues, the last two years I started weight training, still no issues. The last few months I started training for a competition and I increased my weight significantly. My chest is sore after workouts, which is expected, but my implants are starting to look different, should I stay away from the chest press all together? Push ups?

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  With heavy lifting and chest exercises, the pectorals muscle can start to push the implants out to the side and slightly downward over time.  This can change the shape of the breasts.  The implants themselves tend not to be harmed, but the pocket that the implant sits in can be altered.  While you don't have to avoid these exercises, using more moderation can help to prevent this problem.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If your implants are behind the pectoralis muscle, frequent and repetitive heavy chest presses will have a tendency of squeezing your implants down and out to the side.  Though the implant is not damaged, the pocket it sits in may change, which can change the position or appearance of the implant.  You need not stop exercising, but be conservative with your approach

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  The effect of weight training as you describe depends on the placement of you implants. If they are placed outside the muscle, there should be little or no effect.  If they are placed under the muscle, then they will be subject to pressure from muscular contraction. Usually routine weight training will not disturb your implants.  However, vigorous and repetitive weight training can push the implants downwards and outward and distort their appearance.  You should have a review with a fully qualified plastic surgeon to discuss any changes and your options for continued weight lifting.

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

Frequent,continued pectoralis exercise can displace the implants downward and outward.  I have seen this in competitive body builders and physique competitors.  Routine exercise on a lesser scale is not a concern in my 20 years experience.  Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

The pectoral muscles do not cover the entire implant.  Use of the pectoral muscles tends to push the implants downward and outward. In most women that is rather inconsequential.  But in body builders, and competitive weight lifters, the muscles are really strong, and are used frequently and vigorously.  Add to that the loss of body fat and therefor breast volume, and you see changes. Rather than telling you to stop, I would suggest a visit to your surgeon who can evaluate the changes that have occurred.  Some women doing these sport activities will do well with shaped implants above the muscle. All the best.

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

Doing heavy chest work outs after breast augmentation increases the chance you may tear parts of the capsule adherent to the pectoralis muscle.  Each time you tear a little of the capsule it may bleed a little.  With repeated injury small bits of scar starts to develop around the capsule of the breast. This can lead to gradual changes in the shape of the breast.  Eventually a thick scar may form around the implant and your breast will start to look distorted.  I do not recommend any heavy exercises using the pectoralis muscle after submuscular breast augmentation.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It sounds like your implants are placed under the muscle.  Most of our workout, weight lifting, crossfit athletics etc..prefer the look of the implants on top of the chest muscle for a natural look.  Consult with your Plastic Surgeon.  Best wishes!

Will lifting heavy during chest press exercise ruin my implants over time?

Answers (7)

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