Will Breast Implants Hinder My Active Lifestyle?
Many women who lead active lifestyles often ask if getting breast implants will limit their ability to work out, run, play sports or engage in other physically demanding activities. The short answer is a resounding no – you can still maintain an active lifestyle with breast implants. However, there are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning your upcoming breast augmentation to ensure optimal long-term results for athletes and those with active lifestyles.
Discuss Lifestyle Concerns with Dr. Brown
During your consultation, be sure to let Dr. Brown know if you have any concerns about how breast implants might affect your active lifestyle. Dr. Brown will take these factors into consideration when recommending the best implant type, placement position and size to both satisfy your cosmetic goals and be the most practical fit for your active lifestyle.
While your breast augmentation will be customized to suit your individual needs, below are some general recommendations that athletic women might consider when planning their breast enhancement procedure:
- Implant type. Generally speaking, silicone implants are recommended for athletic or more lean/muscular women over saline implants, as silicone implants are less prone to rippling and are lighter in weight than saline.
- Implant placement. There are two placement options for breast implants: under the chest muscle (submuscular) and over the chest muscle (subglandular). While there are benefits and drawbacks to each, Dr. Brown often recommends submuscular implant placement to athletic or leaner women, as this placement option can offer a more natural look and feel for women with smaller amounts of natural breast tissue and has the lowest risk of complications.
- Implant size. If you lead a very active lifestyle, consider choosing moderately-sized implants rather than larger ones. Keep in mind that the larger the implants, the heavier they will be. Dr. Brown will work with you and utilize your anatomic measurements and cosmetic goals in order to determine the best implant size, measured in volume, to help to achieve your aesthetic goals while still comfortably maintaining your active lifestyle.
Light Activity Is Only Temporary
During your initial recovery period after breast augmentation, you will need to avoid strenuous activities, including exercise. However, this is only temporary and you will be able to gradually resume more strenuous exercise as your body heals. During this time, work closely with Dr. Brown to know when it may be okay to start increasing the duration and intensity of exercise. This will be a gradual process, and it is important to listen to your body and not push it to do too much too quickly. Typically you can begin some light exercise within 2 weeks after your procedure!
Once fully recovered after breast augmentation, which is usually around the six-to-eight-week mark, you should be able to resume all normal physical activities, including lifting, running and swimming.
Wear a Properly-Fitting Bra When Exercising
Wearing a well-fitting sports bra during exercise is vital for comfort, support and maintaining the results of your breast augmentation. A good sports bra will minimize movement, reduce discomfort and help to prevent breast sagging over time. Dr. Brown can recommend the right type of bra to support your new implants during physical activities.Still have questions about the best breast augmentation options to fit your lifestyle? Call our office at 619-461-1500 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown to discuss your specific breast enhancement goals.
