Submuscular implants affecting climbing?

Question

I was a 32B but due to weight loss and I'm now a 32A. I've had 3 consultations and have been recommended 250-325cc under the muscle. Will having them placed under the muscle will affect my strength whilst climbing? I can only think of one climber who has had implants and I've read that hers were placed subglandular. I'm also a regular skydiver and this puts a lot of pressure on the chest and arms so I was wondering how long I needed to stop before I can start to ease myself back in?

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for your interesting question. In order to place the implant underneath the pectoral muscle, the lower edge of the muscle needs to be divided from the chest wall to allow it to stretch over the implant but also to minimise what we call a "animation deformity" where the muscle squeezes the implant, displacing it and distorting the shape. The more you release the muscle, the less deformity you get but this does result in some slight weakening of the muscle. Having said that, I performed this operation on several climbers, none of whom reported any problems returning to the normal level of activity. I hope that helps.

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Placing the implants under the muscle may affect your strength at
pulling down on a rope. Although the Lats muscles are the main contributors to
this action, the Pecs also contribute significantly. During the placement
of the implants under the muscle, the muscle is released from its attachment to
the sternum in the lowest part. Although this does not significantly reduce
muscle strength, it may matter in someone like you who is in to extreme sports!
The other issue you might end up with because your very strong Pecs is that of
animation of implants, although this is surgical technique dependent, the risk
wound be more in your case. Animation of implants is when your implants move up
when you tighten your Pecs. In view of this you might be more suitable for
having the implants placed above the muscle, but you do need to be prepared for
the implants being more visible and palpable due to lack of breast or fat
tissue to cover them if you don't have much. 
It takes about 6 weeks for a capsule to form around yours implants and
secure them in their position. I would recommend that you wait until this
period at least until you are ready to go back to your activities.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

While the loss of strength is not significant, placement of a submuscular implant can ultimately affect upper body strength post operatively. The degree to which it is affected will vary from one individual to the next. For most the loss is negligible, however, for serious weight trainers this can be a loss that is notable. In these cases, the patients may opt for subglandular placement to spare the muscle.With regards to your specific question, I would anticipate some impact on climbing and other similar activities. I would also plan for at least 6 weeks before resuming such high intensity activities.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thanks for your question. The impact that the placement of an implant can have on activities such as climbing can be unpredictable. The best way to determine what would be best for you is to have your plastic surgeon take your breast measurements. I would generally advise that if climbing is a regular activity then your implant may be best placed in front of your muscle but without seeing you in person it is difficult to tell. I recommend that my patients avoid exercise for 2-6 weeks and I would definitely recommend that you avoid sky diving in particular for at least 6 weeks but it is probably best to discuss this with your plastic surgeon and wait until they give you the all clear before returning to this activity. Hope this helps.

Submuscular implants affecting climbing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Will implant placement affect climbing?

Answer: Will implant placement affect climbing?

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Submuscular implants affecting climbing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Will implant placement affect climbing?

Answer: Will implant placement affect climbing?

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