What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

Question

Had breast surgery revision done about 8 YEARS ago, subglandular. They are tear drop, textured, roughly 360cc. Currently the left breast appears to be sitting higher and has gotten higher/protruding more over the last 6 ish months. I have started at the gym and want to know what upper body exercises I CANT do? Am I okay to do chest work? Light weights or no chest? The surgeon who performed this surgery is now retired and can no longer assist. We will be getting X-rays etc from another surgeon

John Mancoll, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Looking at your photos and comparing the two breast it seems that your left breast is sitting high due to most likely a capsular contracture. Remember, a capsular contracture is simply the scar tissue that forms around the implant. If you were eight years out from your revision surgery, there is a small chance that you’re in pain could be rupture, which is stimulated more scar formation, i.e. more capsule. I don’t really feel like there’s probably any exercises you can’t do but if there is a chance you have a ruptured implant it would start with a mammogram to take a look. If that is not diagnostic, then you may need an MRI. If you wanted to avoid upper body working out, particularly those related to the pec major, it wouldn’t hurt, but I’m not sure that it’s gonna make a difference when it’s all said and done.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 8 years post operatively there should not be any restrictions on what you can do. If you have noticed a recent change in implant size/shape/position, especially if this is accompanied by pain, these could be signs of a capsular contracture. No exercises will make this better or worse. The next best steps would be to have an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to perform a thorough exam and evaluation and discuss the next steps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Original896640,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you discuss this with your plastic surgeon or another plastic surgeon after a consultation.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you may have a capsular contracture on one side.  A visit to a board certified plastic surgeon can confirm this.  There are no restrictions on exercises. I've included a video about capsular contracture that I hope you find helpful.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  You have likely developed a capsular contracture which will require surgery to correct. In the interim you can perform any gym activity that does not cause you significant pain.  Hope this helps.

What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Exercise

Answer: Exercise

Answer: What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

Answer: What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

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What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Exercise

Answer: Exercise

Answer: What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

Answer: What upper body exercises can't I do? 360cc implants sitting to high 8 years post-op (Photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.