I am a professional volleyball player wanting breast augmentation. What procedure would be best for my lifestyle? (photo)

Question

What would be best for my breast shape and size?

Michael Law, MD · Answer

I regularly perform breast augmentation surgery for patients who participate in body building, fitness and figure competitions. While many are initially concerned about sub-pectoral placement and the potential for distortion of the appearance of augmented breasts when the pec major contracts, I am absolutely confident that the aesthetic outcome for these patients will be far superior with implants placed under the muscle.A pre-pectoral implant in a slender patient, especially one with well-developed muscles, looks just as you imagine it would: like a foreign object, not like a natural-appearing breast. The muscle does not have to contract for a pre-pectoral implant to look unnatural in this group of patients - it looks unnatural every minute of the day.Achieving the ideal aesthetic position for a sub-pectoral implant requires release of part of the inferior origin of the muscle from the chest wall. I perform the minimal release of the origin of the pec major that is required to get the implant in an ideal position vertically, but also weaken the origin in the area where muscle contraction tends to displace an implant. As a result the vast majority of patients have little to no distortion of their breast appearance when the pec major muscles are tensed. Patients also do not experience any loss of function, strength or range of motion from release of this very limited part of the pec major origin. Many patients have indicated that their natural (but augmented) breast appearance has provided a significant advantage for them in competitions. As an athlete you probably want a modest sized implant with a very natural look. Take your time and select a plastic surgeon who can share photos of many, many patients with a starting point like yours and a result that looks like what you are hoping to achieve.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation under the muscle is usually very well tolerated.  However, given that you make your living from your muscles, a subglandular approach can be considered.  As a bodybuilder, I get patients with similar lifestyles and allow them to choose after a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of each.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

I would recommend a conservative breast augmentation with implants that are not large.  The actual size is best determined by trying them on in your surgeon's office.  This will ensure that you get exactly what you want.  Good luck.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

I would suggest having a conservative sized implant placed under the muscle or in a dual plane position. A conservative sized implant will all depend upon your chest wall size and frame. I have never placed an implant for a professional volleyball player, but have done so for other professional athletes including basketball players and the type of muscle movement and activity is not likely to be too much different. Having an implant under the muscle will not restrict your ability to play your sport at an elite level nor will it interfere with your training.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and be beneficial to your appearances.  You should discuss your concerns and expectations with your chosen surgeon and understand the logic behind the recommendations and choose what will work best for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to obtain ON LY IN PERSON consultations. Your breasts are asymmetric, widely set apart, possible tuberous this you need too fully understand the surgical plan to achieve a nice appearance...

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I regularly perform breast augmentation procedures on athletics and fitness enthusiasts.  I generally prefer the dual-plane technique to help achieve a natural shape.  I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:1. Dimensional planning2. Gel Implant Sizing systemDimensional planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can review this with you during the consultation.Gel Implant Sizing system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural fuller look. Hope this helps.Best wishes,Dr. Basu Houston, TX

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually place the implant under the muscle in the majority of patients.  This should be fine for a volleyball player, but you will need to take some time off before starting up to play again.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

It will be important for you to be examined and formally evaluated. You should be a great candidate for breast augmentation. Your goals and expectations will help guide your surgeon in addition to your examination of your chest and breasts in choosing the correct implant size. Being a very active athlete should not affect your abilty to undergoe breast augmentation.   Good luck

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. You may wish to submit pictures taken from a further distance (frontal and side views) it order to receive more specific/helpful advice. Based on the limited photograph posted, some degree of breast asymmetry is visible and makes me wonder whether you will benefit from a limited breast lift to improve your breast symmetry. Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering  breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully.  Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you're looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals  with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining  breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as  “natural” or “C or D cup”  etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.
 The use of computer imaging technology may also be very helpful during this communication process.

3.  Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly,  allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to athletic patients) help.

I am a professional volleyball player wanting breast augmentation. What procedure would be best for my lifestyle? (photo)

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