Breast implants are created with functionality in mind. While using your chest muscles too soon after surgery may cause strain that can lead to complications, breast implants should not limit any sort of active lifestyle or prevent any type of workout after recovery. During recovery, gentle exercise such as light walking can help with blood circulation to avoid clotting as well as moving nutrients along to the surgical site. Strenuous exercise during recovery can affect the outcome and shape of the implants as well as increase swelling, bruising, and soreness. The timeline of when to slowly introduce greater exercise should be discussed with your surgeon. While the healing and settling of breast implants can take six months to a year, it is likely you will be able to begin low-impact cardio workouts and eventually upper body strength training exercises within four to six weeks post-surgery.

If fitness goals are a top priority in your life, you should discuss with your doctor at David W. Allison, MD your concerns about how breast implants could affect your workouts. Ask, “Will breast implants get in the way of exercising?” When determining the type of breast implant material and the size you desire, you can factor in how breast implants may affect your ability to comfortably exercise. For example, large breasts may be burdensome for avid runners and a more proportionate breast size may suit your needs better. Discussing your fitness regimen with your surgeon can help you choose the right breast implants for you. Considerations include current breast size and the amount of breast tissue you have, the measurement of chest width as well as your overall frame, the current shape and position of your breasts, and, of course, your surgery goals.

While generally breast implants will not get in the way of exercising, patients who are dedicated to bodybuilding or weightlifting should take caution with certain chest exercises. As breast implants are placed under the chest muscle, contractions placed on the implants could cause dropping or displacement over time. You may want to avoid exercises such as the dip, the fly, and the chest press that specifically work the chest muscles. As always, follow the guidelines of your surgeon.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts and are interested in a breast augmentation procedure, contact David W. Allison, MD by phone at 703-754-8228 or online at WEBSITE to schedule a consultation.