1 year post op revision for pectoral muscle floating after implants. Can I ever workout chest again?

Question

16 years ago I had implants. They started to travel to my armpit and you could see my sternum and a hole or dip near bottom corner. I had a breast lift with implant replacement. My surgeon opened me up and spent 5 hours trying to fix a mess. She said the previous surgeon had cut my pectoral muscle completely in half. Almost 1yr post op. Can I ever workout chest again? How do I prevent the repaired muscle from tearing or separating again? How best to keep them intact. Sleeping in a bra etc?

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

This is a situation where the details are important. The most common method of placing implants under muscle is dual plane, in which a large portion of the muscle is detached. This can cause animation deformities. Repair of this is done by either converting to the split muscle plane or going in front of the muscle, but in both cases the muscle should be re-attached. After 6-12 weeks you should be able to work out and regain strength of the muscle. You situation may be different depending on exactly what was done at each operation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Hawaiingirl,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not recommend sleeping in a bra, plus your muscle is not stressed during sleep. You may need to limit how heavy you do lift and the frequency of this. I would suggest discussing this with the surgeon who repaired you.

1 year post op revision for pectoral muscle floating after implants. Can I ever workout chest again?

Answers (3)

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