Breast Implants and Fitness: How Strength Training Affects Results Long-term

Undergoing breast augmentation can lead to a more balanced, sculpted figure and increased self-confidence. However, many fitness lovers and athletes have questions about how their workout regimens might affect their cosmetic results. In this blog, our team of experienced plastic surgeons at Criswell & Criswell in Charlotte, NC, discuss these valid concerns and how to optimize each treatment plan with the athletic lifestyle in mind.

Utilizing the Above-Muscle Implant Placement to Preserve Pectoral Function

One of the best ways that plastic surgeons can support their active breast augmentation patients is to gear the surgery toward the athletic body. This typically means placing the implants above the muscle, which avoids interfering with the pectoral fibers and attachments, preserving strength and function in the area. Women can thus continue to enjoy bodybuilding while still achieving the shapely, feminine look they desire. Other benefits of the above-muscle implant placement include:

• Quicker recovery after surgery – The above-muscle implant placement results in less trauma and postoperative pain, allowing patients to more quickly resume their normal workouts. In general, women can usually get back to training within around three weeks.
• Less discomfort when engaging the chest muscles – When flexing the pec muscles, women with the above-muscle implant placement experience less discomfort and greater ease of movement. Exercises like pushups, chest flys, and bench presses are all more effortless and natural with this surgical approach.
• More natural-looking outcomes – The above-muscle implant placement provides a more flattering, seamless look for active women who are ultra-lean and muscular. The devices are less likely to migrate or appear distorted when the chest muscles are flexed.

Considering Implant Size When It Comes to Maintaining an Active Lifestyle

Implant size can also play a role in supporting your athletic lifestyle. Women who love working out should opt for moderate-sized implants, as this will optimize the figure without contributing an excess of weight in the chest that could impede exercising. Your chosen implants should be proportionate to your frame and create balance and aesthetic harmony in the upper body. Most plastic surgeons recommend 300 to 400cc implants for active, athletic women. This allows for an attractive volume boost in the chest without creating too much bulk that could become uncomfortable or sabotage training.

Factors Affecting Your Choice of Implant

Beyond surgeons’ general recommendations for cc volume, there are certain factors to take note of when selecting your implants:

• Chest dimensions – Chest width and diameter can heavily influence your choice of implant size. Patients with wider chests can accommodate larger devices while maintaining a natural look, while those with more narrow chests require smaller implants to optimize proportion and balance.
• Amount of breast tissue – Each patient has a unique amount of breast tissue, which will influence how much chest volume is appropriate for achieving a more feminine, sculpted appearance. Those with more existing breast tissue can achieve their desired results with smaller devices, whereas those with less tissue usually need larger implants.
• Body weight and composition – Each patient’s height, weight, muscle mass, and overall composition will affect the choice of implant size. Devices that look balanced and natural on one individual may look completely wrong on another person. This is where working with an exercised plastic surgeon is so critical, as they can weigh in on what looks the most proportionate for your unique body type.
• Fitness regimen – The amount of exercise you do, as well as the types of sports and workouts you engage in, can affect your choice of implant size as well. Those who regularly choose high-impact training or who compete in bodybuilding competitions may benefit from choosing smaller implants that don’t complicate their fitness goals.

Your Individualized Consultation – An Invaluable Guide to Achieving the Best Breast Augmentation Results Possible

The best way to ensure that you accomplish your unique body sculpting goals with your breast augmentation procedure is to meet with your surgeon for an in-depth consultation. Your doctor has likely worked with hundreds of other athletic, fitness-minded patients with the same concerns and preferences and can provide critical insight into making the best choices when it comes to implant size, incision, and placement. During your initial visit, your doctor will conduct a detailed physical assessment and medical review while listening carefully to your vision for your physique. Your consultation may also involve 3D imaging and the exploration of before-and-after photographs from previous patients with similar body types and objectives.

The Takeaway – Integrating Breast Augmentation into Your Active Lifestyle

As a fitness enthusiast, you’ve likely spent years perfecting your physique. Breast augmentation can provide a wonderful complement to your sculpted figure, further enhancing attractiveness, proportion, and balance in the upper body.

After breast enhancement, it is essential that you ease back into your fitness regimen, allowing your body ample time to fully heal. Once you are cleared to resume gym visits, stay focused on light cardio and lower body training, temporarily avoiding chest exercises and lifting. Working closely with your surgeon, you can gradually re-introduce upper body training in a way that won’t compromise your cosmetic results.

To preserve your results long-term, there are several key guidelines to follow. Wearing a compressive sports bra can provide your chest with support and stability as you delve back into your workouts. It will also enhance your comfort and prevent implant migration. Lastly, be sure to follow a healthy, balanced diet post-op. This means focusing on lean proteins to bolster tissue repair, watching your salt intake, and continuing to drink enough water and fluids.

Breast Augmentation FAQ for Athletes and Fitness Lovers

How Quickly Can I Return to the Gym After Surgery?

Most patients can expect to resume light cardio within around three weeks after breast augmentation, including walking and indoor cycling. If you experience any strain or pressure in the chest, stop what you’re doing and speak with your surgeon. After 3-4 weeks, you can start lifting again and doing resistance training, gradually getting back to where you were with your workouts before surgery.

What Kind of Bra Will I Need After Surgery?

After breast augmentation, you will be instructed to wear a surgical bra for several weeks, which helps to reduce swelling and offers compression benefits. As your chest heals, you can switch to wearing a bra with no underwire that gives enough support. Don’t wear bras with underwires for at least 6-8 weeks after your procedure, as they can compromise your incisions and lead to irritation. Once you are cleared to exercise again, select a sports bra that is high-quality and provides ample support during training.

Will I Be Able to Do Pushups and Bench Presses After My Breast Surgery?

Yes. You will be able to do all your regular exercise after getting implants, as long as you give your body enough time to fully heal from surgery. Start with low-intensity workouts and always listen to your body as you gradually increase your lifting.

How Can I Reduce Scarring?

After surgery, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on taking care of your incisions. You should follow all guidelines to the letter, keeping your incisions clean and dry and applying healing ointments as directed. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays, as this can darken your scars. Once your incisions have healed, your doctor may provide gels, creams, or silicone sheets to help accelerate the scar-fading process. Scar massage can also play a role in reducing the appearance of your incision lines. Most scarring fades within 12 months post-op.

Have Questions About Breast Augmentation for the Athletic, Active Patient? Contact Criswell & Criswell in Charlotte, NC, Today for a Private Consultation!

Our team of dedicated body sculpting specialists at Criswell & Criswell is excited to speak with you about the possibility of breast augmentation and how it can be integrated into your active, athletic lifestyle. We invite you to book a private consultation today at our world-class facility in Charlotte, during which we can answer all your questions with authority, accuracy, and care and begin preparing your individualized treatment plan. Call today to get started.