Are chest exercises before breast augmentation a good or bad idea?

Question

I know I won't be able to do any heavy lifting for a while after a BA, so I was thinking to give a little extra attention to my chest muscles during work outs the month before surgery to compensate. Does a BA go more smoothly if the muscles are weaker, in which case I should abstain, or does it not make a difference? Also, about how long will it take before I can comfortably do a push up again? Thanks!!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

To tell you the truth, it probably wouldn't make a difference one way or the other, in. Y opinion.  But you should consult your surgeon and follow his or her instructions.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Exercising the chest muscles prior to breast augmentation will have no operation on the procedure itself nor on the convalescence.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It probably does not matter a great deal, particularly in a short term scenario.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

The assumption I would make based on your question is that you are planning to having your implants placed at least partially beneath the pectoral muscle (the pectoral muscle will not provide 100%) coverage of the implant.  It is becoming more popular with silicone gel implants to place the implant over the muscle, in which case your question would be moot; it wouldn't matter if you exercise the muscle or not.  Having said that, I still place the implants under the muscle in the vast majority of cases.  In all honesty, for most women, the chest muscles contribute little to the shape and volume of the breasts, so I think it is unnecessary for you to consider working out your chest muscles, both before and after surgery.  You should get individualized advice from your plastic surgeon about when you can safely and comfortably do a push up after surgery.  Best of luck with your surgery!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Chest exercises before a breast augmentation or breast enhancementThere is no evidence to show that it is helpful or harmful. Heavier muscles are certainly more difficult to operate on. I think it's always best to be in a stable situation prior to surgery.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for this question. This is a good question and I'm not sure there is any good studies determining what would be the best approach. We generally recommend patients continue their standard routine with all avoiding any post operative weight or chest exercises for the first one month on the procedure. If that recovery is uneventful we will allow them to full activities starting at 4 weeks. I would recommend you seek out a qualified board certified plastic surgeon to find out what their standard of care would be. Best of luck.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Thank you for you're question... theres nothing recommended like exercise  before surgery... But after surgery you should not do weight exercise at least for 3 moths

Robert W. Kessler, MD, FACS · Answer

If you do not routinely exercise then beginning a regimen before surgery is of little value.As a general rule the better health you are in prior to surgery the easier your recovery will be.Good luck and I hope this was helpful

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There is no need to stop upper or lower body exercise prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Working out prior to surgery will not make recovery more difficult or painful.  Your plastic surgeon will guide you postoperatively when it comes to resuming activities and yes, after full recovery you will be able to do push ups. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very happy with.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

it looks as though I am the minority opinion.  aggressive pectoralis chest exercises prior to breast augmentation is a bad idea.The muscle will be inflamed and hyperemic (high blood flow).  This inflammation and increased blood flow to the muscles as a result of that aggressive presurgical exercise event will increase your risk of bleeding and increase your postoperative pain.for these reasons it is better to avoid a heavy chest workout for 3-5 days prior to your surgery.Good luck

Are chest exercises before breast augmentation a good or bad idea?

Answers (16)

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