Will getting breast implants under the muscle make it hard for me to do my job as a Massage Therapist?

Individuals who perform a lot of pectoralis muscle workouts (bodybuilders, etc.) may have less discomfort and distortion if their implants are placed above the muscle (prepectoral or subglandular placement). When sizable implants are placed under the muscle it places significant strain on the pectoralis which will be aggravated with excessive repetitive pectoralis contraction. If the implants are placed dual plane where the origin of the pectoralis muscle is cut to create a pocket for the implant, the remaining muscle fibers are mostly those between the breastbone and shoulder. Repetitive contraction of this less effective pectoralis muscle can contribute to soreness and lateral displacement of the implants with time. If your work involves a lot of chest press type maneuvers you may want to consider subglandular implants.

There are bodybuilders, fitness models and weightlifters who have gotten implants partially under the muscle and have successfully continued in their path after they recovered from surgery. It is important to note that there will be a period of time after surgery during which you’ll need to take off from work, as well as other physically strenuous activities. This may be a month or more, depending on the opinion of your surgeon.

It is rare that implants under the muscle lead to negative affects (e.g. scarring, displacement), but it is still considered a possibility. If you don’t want to take this risk, then you may want to reconsider getting implants.

You can still perform your job as a massage therapist with implants placed under the muscle. After surgery you will have some restrictions with activity including the exertions required by your job. Best of luck to you