Rock climbing and sub muscular implants?

Question

I’m getting silicone implants in about a month, which will be submuscular as I have little natural breast tissue. Currently, I enjoy rock climbing in a gym 1-2 times per week. I know I’ll have to stop this for months after surgery, but I’ve seen some surgeons say online that it may NEVER be wise to return to such activities w/ implants under the muscle. I’ll ask my surgeon, but would love multiple opinions as info seems conflicting! I’m thin, don’t look super muscular. I’ll give it up if I must!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With breast augmentations in patients who are very active like yourself, I recommend placing the implants above the muscles. This will reduce the implant shifting into the axillary region as well as the pectoral muscle animation. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I find that patients are typically able to return to all activities successfully after an under the muscle implant.  I typically recommend no heavy lifting or working out for 4-6 weeks post surgery and then starting back slowly.  I would follow all post operative instructions that your Surgeon has provided.  Best of luck to you on your upcoming procedure.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

I generally have my patients refrain from any chest exercises for 6 weeks, and then they can slowly resume their normal activities.  There is presumed risk that repeated muscle contraction of the chest muscles may force the implant downward and outward.  That fear has prompted some plastic surgeons to recommend no chest muscle exercises after breast augmentation.  For more objective data, there have been two research articles looking at breast augmentation in athletic women.  The studies did not specifically measure implant movement; however, the women had extremely high satisfaction with their breast appearance (more than 92% were happy).  It suggests that the fear of significant implant displacement from exercise may be unfounded.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Always best to check with your surgeon's protocol. I advise my patients that three weeks after surgery, it’s OK for you to do aerobic activity (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.), running and lower-body weight training. Women are usually comfortable doing arm exercises (upper-body weights) starting about six weeks after surgery. Among my patients are Triple Crown bodybuilders and kickboxers who go back into competition after getting implants. They start with light training at six weeks and heavier training after eight weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Amartin3i6,
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

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Typically in our practice we recommend light exercise for 6 w and then gradually return to pectoralis activating workouts. We don't restrict rock climbing activity but the pec muscle maybe weaker at first and you can gradually strengthen it over time. It wont return to full strength as it was prior to surgery just because it was slightly released and separate by the implant. Speak to your plastic surgeon to see what the outcomes would be and if size plays a factor. Feel free to check out our webpage for some before and afters.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will need to avoid rock climbing for least 2 months, and then minimal for the next 2 months.  Then, you should be healed well enough to do what you enjoy.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should be able to return to rock climbing once you have fully healed from your surgery.  Typically I want patients to avoid vigorous activity for about 6 weeks after surgery and direct chest exercises for at least 3 months.  Your surgeon will guide you through what is okay to do based on how you progress through recovery.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

You may not have to give up your rock climbing after a breast augmentation. You might though. What? Well let me explain. It depends on where your implant is. So if you can place it under the gland--if you have enough tissue--then you should be able to rock climb. If you don't have enough tissue to place the implant under your gland then it will have to be placed under your pec muscle. Usually we tell patients not to exercise their chest muscle if they have implants under the muscle but I don't think you can just universally say if you have an implant under your muscle you can't rock climb. Here's why. In some patients when they contract their pec muscle it dramatically moves the implant and can drive the implants to the armpit and down, and that repeated climbing will be a bad idea for your implants causing them to bottom out more quickly especially if your tissue is on the weaker side. HOWEVER, if your chest wall is flat and when you contract your pec muscles the implants really don't move very much then I think it is perfectly fine to continue to rock climb. So I would simply look in the mirror and activate your pec muscles in a pushing motion and if the implants move a lot I would not rock climb but if they are not really moving very much I think it is fine to climb.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!The "breast animation deformity" occurs to at least some degree in a majority of submuscular augmentation procedures, ranging from minimal deformity (still aesthetically pleasing) to obvious deformity.In our practice, we recommend no restriction in exercise after the initial healing period. You should be able to pursue all activities of daily living. If rock climbing is extremely important to you, consider subglandular implant placement and accept the increased risk of developing a capsular contracture.Best wishes...

Rock climbing and sub muscular implants?

Answers (10)

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