Should gluteal exercises be avoided? 6 years post-surgery

Question

I recently stumbled upon a YouTube channel of a surgeon who does not recommend any gluteal training. He states that it can cause late complications of implant malposition. I have been strength training for years now post-surgery. I had surgery in May 2016, and went back to the gym probably around 6 months after the procedure. I have been strength training ever since. Should I discontinue this? Or maybe consult with a Dr. near me to see if everything is okay? Thank you in advance.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Avoid exercises that target the glutes until after 12 weeks. I would say that there is always a very small chance that extreme exercise tendencies may disrupt a surgical result. Working out too soon in your recovery may lead to implant displacement. Encapsulation, rotation or flipping of the implant is possible if there’s too much movement or stress in the area before the implant capsules have completely healed.
Your healing will be affected by your genetics, age, health, and your fitness prior to surgery. It’s important to follow the advice of your doctor above all else, and to listen carefully to your body as you heal.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kari02,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Butt implant malposition is inevitable if you work out intensely.
A simultaneous butt implant removal and fat grafting transfer maybe an alternative for you if wish to aggressively continue working out.  This procedure is technical and requires advanced tools and expert technique. First, an ultrasound probe must be used to ensure that the transferred fat does not get into the pocket created by the implant once the implant is removed as this will result in the death of all the fat. Second, use of VASER liposuction to harvest the fat will be required since you probably don’t have much fat to begin with since you elected to have a butt implant rather than a BBL the first time go around. Additionally, VASER allows for thinner layer of fat grafting that is required for refilling of the area where the implant was previously positioned. This is because this layer has been thinned out and can only accept liquified fat that is harvested using VASER technology. Fat should also be harvested with 1) a closed looped system to process the fat in order to optimize transfer time and  avoid your fat from becoming contaminated and 2) strategic micro-packet transplant technique that maximizes graft take. These processes have demonstrated over 90% fat graft take. Finally, we must consider whether you will need a skin tightening maneuver such as a lateral thigh and buttock tuck that might be required if you have sagging buttock skin. Last but not least, attention must be given to providing you the buttock shape that YOU desire. This means using our proprietary BBL assessment tool.One of the most common reasons for disgruntled Butt implant patients is that patients are not able to accurately communicate their desired buttocks goals to their surgeons.  Our  buttock assessment tool can be an invaluable tool to communicate to your surgeon the exact buttocks size and shape you are desiring. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a BBL specialist can help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Should gluteal exercises be avoided? 6 years post-surgery

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Should gluteal exercises be avoided? 6 years post-surgery

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Butt Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.