Heavy squats and deadlifts after submuscular breast augmentation surgery?

Question

Hi! I am a powerlifter/powerbuilder who is getting under the muscle breast augmentation surgery with silicone cohesive gel implants in five weeks. I understand that upper body exercises, especially bench press and pull-ups, will be off the table for me. However, will heavy back squats and deadlifts be an issue for animation deformity as well? I can live without upper body pressing, but I love heavy lower body lifting. I just want to make sure I can return to it within a few months without issue.

Peter N. Butler, MD, FACS · Answer

HI, thank you for this question.It is a common topic when discussing restrictions after breast surgery.Directly after surgery, we recommend avoiding upper body exercises for 6 weeks. Lower body cardio can begin for most patients after 2-3 weeks.Long-term restrictions (which is what you're referring to) include no heavy chest exercises, but do not prevent you from heavy deadlifts and front or back squats.  Just be mindful of glute recruitment and try not to pull heavy loads with solely your chest/ upper body.Hope this helps!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, than you for your question. I recommend my patients no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.  I will clear my patients to start exercise as tolerated or resume heavy lifting in 3-4 weeks after their surgery *gradually*   The key word here is gradually.  You should be cleared to resume your activities without restrictions 4 weeks after your procedure.  Many of my patients have your activity level and some are semi-pro athletes or fitness professionals.  All have been able to return to their baseline strength and activity level without difficulty.  Please talk to your PS about his/her specific recommendations.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Always a good idea to follow your surgeon's protocol. I advise my patients that three weeks after surgery, it’s OK for you to do aerobic activity (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.), running and lower-body weight training. Women are usually comfortable doing arm exercises (upper-body weights) starting about six weeks after surgery. Among my patients are Triple Crown bodybuilders and kickboxers who go back into competition after getting implants. They start with light training at six weeks and heavier training after eight weeks.Dr.Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear AshleyFdz,Thank you for your question. I  tell all of my breast augmentation patients that heavy exercise is not permitted for at least the first 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, they are allowed to resume normal activity as tolerated, but should start at about 50% of their normal activity level for at least weeks 6 through 8. However, each surgeon has his or her own specific recommendations. The operation should not restrict you from your normal routine. Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AshleyFdz,
breast augmentation should have no negative effect on your lower body exercises. Every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Heavy squats and deadlifts after submuscular breast augmentation surgery?

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Answer: Breast Augmentation

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Heavy squats and deadlifts after submuscular breast augmentation surgery?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Augmentation

Answer: Breast Augmentation

Answer: Exercises after BA

Answer: Exercises after BA

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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