Exercising Pecs After Breast Augmentation?

Question

What are some good exercises to begin strengthening the pectoral muscles after a breast augmentation? Are there any exercises a sub-pec breast-aug patient should never do? I've avoided exercise that involves my pecs because it feels so strange. I am almost 2 years post-op and I'm interested in joining a weight-lifting class but I'm afraid my implants will prevent me from keeping up with everyone else.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

I recommend that patients avoid decline bench press, and pec fly exercises on a regular basis.   You can mix them into your workout every once in a while.  But doing them on a weekly basis may lead to the implants becoming lateralized over time.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Exercise and workouts are best when they are tailored to your needs. This pertains to breast implants too. Some patients require no special adaptations, will others find certain pectorals major heavy exercises feel weird. Flat bench press is on exercise that can be awkward after breast augmentation. The implants tend to flatten and more literally as the muscle is flexed. Sometimes using an incline bench helps.Like any exercise program, you will want to start with lighter weights and gradually increase your reps. Seeking a personal trainer with experience can help give you a number of options from which to choose. I have included a link below for some general information, but specific advice requires specific information, which is not possible to provide over the Internet. Consider contacting your plastic surgeon too.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Unfortunately, there is no data to guide us regarding exercise.  Some women have not had a problem after doing very intense, heavy pectoralis exercises, others develop problems common to all women like implant displacement to the sides or downward. I think after two years, its safe to begin. Keep in mind that breast appearance may change over time. Every woman is different.Best of luck!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend that you ask your operating surgeon to advise you as they know your situation best. In general, a period of roughly 6 weeks post op is usually suggested for you to avoid strenuous upper body work, heavy lifting, etc. after 6 weeks most of my patients can gradually return to their previous activities- however I don't advise intense, repetitive chest exercises intended to bulk up the chest muscles. This can put significant pressure on the implants down and outward. Many of my patients are fitness models and have no issues with their implants.All the best

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  At 2 years out, you should be able to do whatever activity you wish. As you have noticed, sub pectoral augmentation will result in some movement, or "animation" of the breast with pectoral exercise.  Although this may feel odd, it will not affect your implants.  Best Regards.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are not recommended in my practice... but toning exercises are.  Strengthening will repetitively push the implants down and out and eventually could displace them that way.  So tone away but avoid strengthening the muscles if at all possible.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.At 2 years you should be able to do anything you want to do without causing any issues.  There aren't any set exercises beyond the typical pec-building ones.  Just know that the implant may shift a little since it's submuscular.  You may want to contact your surgeon before starting any hard-core workouts to discuss this.  Best of luck!

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is best
to discuss with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon his/her specific
recommendations as far as return to activity. I prefer to wait at least 6-8 weeks for
repetitive upper body lifting/movements and arm use so that the muscles,
skin incisions and breast tissues have had adequate time to heal and
settle before being stressed. Being that you are two years out, you should be able to begin exercising at a progressive rate that you feel comfortable with.
Benjamin J. Cousins MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

Scarlet:Return to exercise is often set by healing and is variable among patients.  Once all incisions are healed, I allow my patients a graded return to exercise, doing more every week until they reach their preoperative exercise regimen.  Exam dictates when exactly each patient is ready.   Being 2 years since surgery, your incisions should be fully healed and likely you would have no restrictions.  I often have my patients double up on sports bras for comfort, at least initially, for high-impact exercises, as they find this more comfortable.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would typically release my patients to any chest exercise they wish by 2 months, but start back slowly. You should be able to do any activity you would like by now without concern about the implants. You should see your surgeon at least yearly to monitor your implants. Best wishes.

Exercising Pecs After Breast Augmentation?

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