Will a breast augmentation limit strength training/working out/physical fitness?

When implants are placed retro-pectorally, they often require release of the origins of the pectoralis major muscle of the ribs inferiorly. This does weaken the strength of the pectoralis major muscle. When implants are placed in front of the muscle, this does not occur. Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size. However, you may benefit from a lift technique rather than implants, if trying to change the shape. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during previous surgery or treatments. Later, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thanks for your question. Photos could be helpful but in general breast augmentation does not limit your exercise potential. There are two 'planes" or pockets the implants can go in.
1. Submuscular is more commonly used as it tends to look more natural in the upper pole. This can limit your chest workouts early on and there's a higher chance of some animation deformity.
2. Subfascial could be an option depending on your goals - it does not disrupt the muscle at all, it's less painful and you can get back to chest workouts faster. However, if you're really thin or have limited breast tissue the implant may be more visible.

More information about your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment would be helpful to determine if you're a candidate.
Seek out a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons. Virtual consults are great as well.

Hello, in my experience the vast majority of patients have resumed light activities of daily living within a week, and their regular vigorous workout regimen by 6 weeks after surgery. Of course, the recovery process is unique for each person is unique, so I don't promise or guarantee a specific timeframe for healing. If a person has underlying medical issues they might take longer to heal. Thank you for your question.

Typical downtime from a Breast Augmentation is within 1 week (3-7 days). Recovery from breast augmentation can take four to six weeks. During your recovery, we recommend only doing low-stress activities for the first two weeks, such as short walks and regular household activities. At two-weeks post op, we recommend you begin some low impact cardio like exercising with an elliptical or stair master, or hiking if you prefer being outdoors.
After four weeks, you can begin to reintroduce resistance training with no chest exercise. For breast augmentation patients, we recommend no chest exercises until about eight to twelve weeks after surgery to ensure that the precise location of the implant does not shift in an unwanted direction.
If you are preparing for an event, we recommend having your breast augmentation no less than eight to twelve weeks before the event to ensure proper garment sizing and total activity.

By the third day, many women are able to comfortably lift their children; they can also drive a car if they are not taking narcotics. Getting back to the gym: Patients can generally return to aerobics in three weeks and upper body weightlifting in six weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi wjhm,
We have a quick recovery method where it is limited down time. If you were to chose to get implants placed retromammary subfacial, there are no restrictions for working out or any exercise. Typically 21 days is the downtime of not raising your heart rate or exercising after surgery but after that you are all good to resume activity.

Dear wjmh,
breast augmentation should not limit your strength training. You need to wait until you are fully healed prior to return to activities. 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

You will have recovery after breast augmentation. Typically patients are able to return to non physically demanding work after about a week. Lifting restrictions are in place generally for 6 weeks. You will be able to gradually return to the activities and exercise routine you had prior to surgery.

After any surgery, you will need time to heal. Please talk to your medical doctor about when might be the best time for you to have elective surgery. For most women, they can resume full activities after 6 weeks.