Am I able to do push-ups 1 year after having a breast augmentation?

Question

Hello I am 19 and had my breast augmentation for about a year now and I have not been able to do any chest exercises like before. When I do push-ups, I won’t go all the way down because I feel my implants moving and my muscles really straining them. This doesn’t feel right and I am afraid they will rupture when doing these types of chest exercises. It has felt this way since recovery and I am wondering if this will ever improve or if it is safe to do push-ups with this strenuous movement.

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

At 1 year post op, you should be fully healed from your procedure
and clear to resume any chest exercises. The sensation you are describing
sounds normal, your implants will move slightly as you exercise. Your body
simply needs to adjust to you doing more strenuous movements with your
implants. With time, chest exercises should feel more and more natural. If you
feel like you are experiencing abnormal pains with exercise, I recommend
reaching out to your surgeon. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nicoler19,one year after surgery, there should be no limitations. If you have any problems it is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.By 1 year, you should be fully healed. You should be able to resume chest muscle exercises. What you are describing sounds normal as you most likely went under the muscle. Please see your surgeon if you are still concerned. Regards,

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

This all sounds normal. I have triple crown body builders who resume there full chest workouts by the 8th week after breast augmentation with no problems whatsoever.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but should you?  If your implants are under the muscle as suggested, I have seen where serious and prolonged working out of the chest muscles for strengthening DID displace the implants down and out.  My patients are told they can tone their chest muscles but they are not to attempt strengthening them or they could risk displacement down the road.  Doing a few push-ups would be fine but trying for 10+ reps should not be done in my opinion.

Am I able to do push-ups 1 year after having a breast augmentation?

Answers (6)