What Exercises Should You Avoid After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Whether you’re a fitness model or just dabble in weightlifting at home, it’s important to understand how breast implants may be affected by certain exercises. At Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, board-certified plastic surgeon and professional bodybuilder Dr. Rolando Morales is extremely knowledgeable in the relationship between weightlifting and breast implants. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at three exercises that Dr. Morales specifically recommends avoiding if you have breast implants – and why. 

 

How soon after breast augmentation can I start exercising again?  

Almost immediately following breast augmentation surgery, patients should plan to get plenty of rest. With the exception of light walks around the house to encourage proper blood circulation, exercise and physical activity should be restricted for about 1 – 2 weeks. After this time, many patients are able to return to desk work and light household routines, though heavy lifting, straining, running, and other activities will be off-limits for up to six weeks or longer – until the patient has been cleared by Dr. Morales to resume their normal level of activity. 

 

Do I need to modify my lifting routine if I have breast implants?  

Yes. Women with breast implants may need to alter their weightlifting routines indefinitely to avoid unwanted complications and changes in the appearance of their breasts. Three of the top exercises that Dr. Morales encourages patients with breast implants to avoid include: 

  

• The dip: This exercise is typically performed with the person in a seated position with only their hands (behind them) on the edge of a bench. The dip is designed to work the chest muscles and the triceps. 
• The chest press: Most often, the chest press is performed with the patient seated on a bench. A bar, dumbbells, or a special chest press machine can be used to push weight upward above the head, working the chest muscles. 
• The fly: Also designed to work the chest muscles, the fly involves opening the arms outward to push weight away from the body. There are many different versions of the fly, all of which should be avoided with implants. 

 

In all of these exercises, the chest muscles (pecs) are being worked. Because breast implants are typically placed behind the chest muscle, these exercises place intense pressure on the implants. Over time – depending on how hard and how often a person trains – these exercises can begin to push the breast implants out to the sides, ultimately leading to the need for breast revision surgery. In this YouTube video, Dr. Morales and his wife Corrie demonstrate all three of these exercises and give patients a visual to help explain how certain chest exercises may adversely impact your breast implants. 

 

Can I work my pecs with breast implants?  

Patients who are dedicated to a bodybuilding or lifting routine may be understandably nervous about having to alter their training techniques or losing definition with implants. With his extensive knowledge and experience in bodybuilding and plastic surgery, Dr. Morales can answer all of your questions and help you understand how to safely and effectively continue to train your body with implants. 

 

Add to your fit physique with breast augmentation surgery in Houston, TX  

If you’re like many women who are dedicated to fitness or weightlifting, you may have lost some of the fullness in your bustline. With breast augmentation surgery, you can restore a more feminine look while retaining your fit physique. To learn more about your options for breast augmentation in Houston, TX, call Morales Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon and professional bodybuilder Dr. Rolando Morales today.