Would it be safe to get under the muscle implants if you do intense mountain biking?

Under muscle placement using the dual plane method is associated with animation deformity especially in athletic women. It has also been shown that you lose strength and function of the pectoral muscle. The muscle splitting technique preserves muscle function and allows for upper pole coverage. In the UK, Umar Khan in Kent is an expert in this procedure.

Dear CBB_111,

I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so it’s not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.

If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Since the surgery will greatly affect the pectoral muscles, it will weaken the muscle and may affect performance and strength. It will also add pressure on your muscles as they contract for long periods of time. However, some athletic patients have undergone the same procedure and were still able to do their sport to a certain degree. This would need an in-person examination. Schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed discussion of your surgical options.

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.based on your question it is difficult to evaluate your case without photos, my recommendation is a consultation in person with a certified plastic surgeon that sees you and evaluates what you need.

Thanks for your question. The procedure you want is quite safe. The only possible problem may be due to pressure symptoms when you ride aggressively. This should not effect the result adversely. Best wishes. 

You should do well after your surgery and can resume mountain biking within 6 weeks of surgery, barring any complications. Also your 200 cc implant is relatively small, making it easier to get back to normal functioning.  The submuscular postion of the implant really shouldn't affect your riding that much long term, but it may take several months to get used to them.

there are two questions I want to answer - "would it be safe"... and your other question "....whether sub muscular implants will be suitable...". Implants are very safe in general. There is no different danger to your health with a different pocket of implant positioning. The question of suitability is one of balancing the pros and cons of the different pocket placements. Sub muscular implants are more likely to move in someone who exercises and has an active lifestyle but this is not dangerous in any way (in answer to your question of safety). However, it can give you a result that you do not like and may wish to have revision surgery if that is the case. 
So, there are pros and cons of different pocket placements. Ultimately, it's a matter of deciding what you cannot live with in terms of risks, and benefits and making a decision based on these. Everything carries with it a risk and sometimes risks are higher and lower with different options.

 I think it is in the best interests of most patients (including athletes) seeking breast augmentation surgery to have implants placed in the “dual plane” or sub muscular position.  This positioning allows for more complete coverage of the breast implants leading to generally more natural feel/look  of the implants in the long-term. This position will also decrease the potential for rippling and/or palpability  of the implants (which may increase with time, weight loss, and/or post-pregnancy changes). The submuscular positioning  also tends to interfere with mammography less so than breast implants in the sub glandular position. The incidence of breast implant encapsulation (capsular  contraction)  is also decreased with implants placed in the sub muscular position. 
On the other hand,  sub glandular breast implant positioning does not have the potential downside of “animation deformity” ( movement/ distortion of the breast implants  seen with flexion of the  pectoralis major muscle)  that can be seen with breast implants placed in the sub muscular position.  My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as  well.   I find that the use of goal photographs and computer imaging are very helpful during this communication phase. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  Best wishes.

Yes, many patients who do extremely aggressive upper body physical activity have breast implants underneath the chest muscle. Your choosing a rather small size and I doubt that you will have any difficulty with aggressive Mountain bike riding.