Pushups and chest press after Breast Augmentation.

After breast augmentation I limit my patient's chest exercise for six weeks and thereafter I do not limit them on any particular exercises.I think the main reason why you get conflicting information is because of fears of having the implants fall out to the sides because of the muscle contraction.  I do not feel that the muscle contraction is the reason why implants fall out to the side -- I feel that most of the time it is because the implant diameter is too wide for the body.As long as you see a surgeon that is conservative with the implant diameter choice (as I am) then you should be OK.For other helpful information regarding breast augmentation you can download my free breast augmentation planner at aBetterBreast.com

In my opinion you should be able to resume your normal activities after breast augmentation.  I asked my patients not to attempt pushups or bench press weight lifting until 6 weeks after sub-muscular breast augmentation.The technique used during your augmentation does impact chest exercises after surgery.  If a very wide incision was made at the bottom of your chest muscle then bench presses and pushups could force the implant out underneath the chest muscle and create a depression or deformity on the breast when you contract your pectoralis.  If however with pectoralis muscle contraction the implant does not bulged out from underneath the chest muscle then you should be okay.  Of course please check with your plastic surgeon who is aware of the exact technique that was used.

In general, I believe breast implant placed under the muscle is the preferred pocket location for any breast implant for many reasons (less visible, better cleavage, more natural, better shape, better for mammograms, less capsular contraction).  Over development of the pectoralis muscle theoretically can cause an enhanced "animation deformity" and more importantly a higher chance of implant malposition because of the pull of the muscle.  Therefore, for this reason, I do not encourage my patients to do push ups and chest press after breast augmentation (subpectoral); however, I do not restrict them either.  That being said, most of my patients that do cross-fit and other heavy work outs have not had any problems.  I do think it takes at least 6 weeks after a breast augmentation to effectively do push ups without discomfort though.  If push ups and chest press are that important to you then you may also consider subglandular (on top of the muscle) breast implants with form stable cohesive anatomic gel implants.  I hope this helps!