Will subglandular implants affect my ability to participate in bench pressing/strengthening my pectoralis muscles? (photos)

Hi and thank you for your question. This is a very common concern. Patients who like strength training and want breast implants are not limited to only the subglandular plane, but there are definite advantages and disadvantages to where they are placed. No matter where the implants are placed, you won't have to give up bench press etc. The biggest difference is that in the submuscular position, there can be an animation deformity where the implants move significantly with flexing your chest. Most surgeons will require 6+ weeks of recovery before returning to upper body resistance training.
Subglandular (over the muscle): Pros: (Can be) a less painful recovery, less movement with flexing (animation deformity)Cons: can have a more augmented/round/unnatural appearance in fit patients with little fat/breast tissue, higher risk of scar tissue changing the appearance of the breast or even causing pain (capsular contracture)
Submuscular (under the muscle):Pros: more natural appearance and less risk of capsular contractureCons: animation deformity
Subfascial (under the fascial layer of the muscle, but over the muscle):Pros: In the right patient, can offer some of the benefits of sub muscular placement without the animation deformityCons: more difficult operation and not offered by all surgeons, can still look less natural in fit patients
Hope this helps!

Heavy lifting pectoral exercises should be safe with implants in either position. Although there is a slight advantage to going above the muscle in regards to exercise, keep in mind that you will have scarce tissue coverage in this location, and this will compromise the aesthetic result.

Yes, subglandular implants would be safe In you. In this procedure there is no dissection of the muscle underneath the breast gland. In fact, in most patients, implants placed under the muscle are also safe in patients who are active and lift weights. The concern here would only be that repetitive and strong muscle contractions of the chest muscles could lead to displacement of the implant. With the subglandular technique the muscle is not disrupted. With the exception of 4-6 weeks of healing, your surgeon is likely to lead to return to full muscle training activities without restriction