Is over the muscle augmentation recovery different than under the muscle?

Question

Hi, I am 1 week post op from having an over the muscle breast augmentation and my Dr. has cleared me for most athletic activities, however I feel traditionally this isn't allowed til week 4 or 6. Will I risk displacement of the implant and bleeding if I engage in my normal athletic routine? Unclear on recovery and healing time for over the muscle.

Ellis Choy, FRACS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there,
Taking appropriate down time after any surgery is important and breast augmentation is no exception. While fit and healthy individuals will recover very well with minimal pain after the surgery, but it's extra important to recognise the body will still require the appropriate healing and care for the optimal recovery to occur with minimal risk of complications. 
Different patients will heal differently (no matter how fit & healthy you are!) and so advice from your surgeon in customising the recovery plan in accordance with your medical background and life style is critical in ensuring you'll have the best surgical outcome in the long term. This also depends on the surgical technique, especially whether the implants were placed behind the muscle or not. In general, it'll be wise to avoid any upper body exercise especially resistance training for at least the first 4-6 weeks depending on surgical techniques. It is also prudent not to get yourself too "pumped up" with elevated blood pressure & heart rate especially in the first 2 weeks post op to minimise risk of postop bleed/haematoma. Your body will also know your limit, so common sense applies, slowly ease back to your normal exercise routines with lower body works, power walk etc before you escalate to any more strenuous exercise activities. Always be guided by your surgeon's advice and instructions for the optimal recovery process that is right for you.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes
Ellis Choy

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi babyface87,
The majority of breast augmentation patients need one week of downtime. Depending on the work environment (heavy lifting, etc) more time off may be necessary. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to avoid blood clots in the legs.
  
I suggest that you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, especially on the level of activity that you can do and your scheduled follow up checkups, for faster and recovery. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

do recover more quickly and have less pain.  As for resuming your activities, if you are cleared by your surgeon, then you're cleared.  My routine is 3 weeks for my submuscular patients and they have to be using a very good sport bra.  Your surgeon wants the best outcome so if you do some activity that causes problems, your surgeon is on the hook to fix it since you were cleared.  So continue to follow your surgeon's instructions and I hope your outcome exceeds your expectations.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Generally over the muscle BA has a lot less post op discomfort associated with it. All surgeons have their own post op protocols. I tell my patient not to get their heart rate high in the first two weeks and not to engage in activities that make their breasts bounce for 6 weeks. Good luck. Dr Maz

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not recommend athletic activity this soon.  You are not fully healed and certainly run the risk of bleeding if you overdo it.    Subglandular augmentation like yours may heal more quickly and be less painful because of the position of the implant.  But if you have bleeding or an infection,  you can lose the implant, displace it or open up the incision.  I would recommend waiting 4 weeks for exercise, but of course discuss this with your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Generally, breast augmentation in the sub glandular position is associated with a recovery experience that is less uncomfortable, compared to breast augmentation done in the sub muscular (dual plane position).  Nevertheless,  I think that it is important for patients to return to activity in a very gradual/cautious fashion (in order to avoid complications). I ask my patients to "listen to your body" as they resume activity.  Most patients are able to drive approximately one week after surgery, engage in lower body exercises two weeks after surgery, lift more than 10 pounds 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, and run 4 to 6 weeks after surgery as well.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Is over the muscle augmentation recovery different than under the muscle?

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