Can I continue cheerleading, gymnastics and tumbling after breast implants?

Question

Hello, I was wondering if after having breast implants it wouldn’t be safe to continue practicing sports like cheerleading. With stunting, when you’re a flyer you get hit in the breasts a lot and when you’re a base you can get kicked in that area. Also with gymnastics and tumbling, if that would no longer be safe and be painful to do. Thank you!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is possible to return to intense physical activities after breast augmentation, however please note that you will need to stop training for a couple months as you recover, and this period may be longer depending on whether your recovery goes smoothly. Once you start cheerleading again, you’ll have to ease back into it, so that would be another couple of months before returning to full capacity.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

All patients can eventually return to full activity.

Different surgeons will have different recommendations. Different patients may need to allow for greater healing given the demands of their chosen exercise.

I typically suggest a return to physical activity at 4-6 weeks with a slow escalation to pre-op baseline over a 2 week period.

With regards to your specific question, assuming all is well you should be able to return to baseline by 2 months (potentially before). Implants are exceedingly durable. Once healed, blunt trauma is of minimal concern.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tastykakequeen,
you should be able to continue will all activities once you are fully healed. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. In life, it is important to continue doing the things we love. In my practice, I have patients on a strict activity restriction regimen for 6 weeks following surgery (walks only for fitness). After that, they can get back to their normal daily routines.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients to wait 6 weeks before going back to this activity. Start easy and give yourself 2 weeks to get back to full speed. I have a couple of triple crown body builders and several kickboxers who had no problems after getting breast implants. Cheer away. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, once recovered from breast augmentation and cleared by your surgeon you can resume previous activities.  It is best to go slowly and build back up to your previous activity level.  You will need to be careful and wear good supportive sports bras when participating in sports and exercise.

Jared Blau, MD · Answer

Once you are healed, you should be permitted to do all the activities you are familiar with doing. At your consultation, we discuss placement, over/under the muscle, etc. There are many active people who enjoy their breast implants and they don't get in the way of their physical activities.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Once healed, most women return to all sports. However, you do want to avoid being hit or kicked in the breasts and falling to avoid rupturing the implant. Most women still continue gymnastics once healed after surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You should be able to go back to your previous high impact physical activities once you’re well healed up after the operation. The amount of time before you can engage in high impact. Physical activity will vary from provider to provider. I would think six weeks of recovery should be sufficient, but some providers may recommend waiting longer.
Best,
Mats hagstrom MD