04.10.08
Jogging or Running with Breast Implants
Running (Jogging) and Breast Implants
Many patients have asked me to comment on their ability to run after breast augmentation or breast reconstruction using implants. I thought Id use this forum to comment on our perspective. If you are a runner or jogger considering breast implants or one who has implants you may find some useful facts below.
As always:Disclaimer: consult your own physician about breast implants and running. The views on this page are ours at plasticologist.com. And while we are board certified plastic surgeons - this web page (or any other) is not a substitute for a one on one consultation with your plastic surgeon or physician.
Pre-operative breast augmentation/implant reconstruction considerations for runners
Back pain or difficulty exercising associated with large breasts
People getting breast implants often wonder about why theres a segment of women looking for breast reduction - and of course vice-versa. Heres the problem with large breasts: Breasts can be heavy and can cause back, neck and shoulder pain as well as cause difficulty exercising. Typical breast reductions remove about a pound to a pound and a half of weight from each breasts and usually significantly improve back pain, neck pain and shoulder grooving. With this in mind, it is easy to imagine that large implants may lead to similar discomfort. Typically this is seen in later years as we get older but is still an important consideration. Running typically subjects the body to the shock of the feet hitting the ground - this force is transmitted through the knees, spine and pelvis. Large implants may increase this force over time as you as supporting additional weight, especially in the shoulders and spine.
Arm movement and breast implants
Getting breast implants which are too big can get in the way of efficient arm movement. Part of running is the forward and back movement of both arms as we run. Typically this can be an issue with more established runners as theyre patterns are more difficult to change.
Post-operative Breast Augmentation/implant breast reconstruction considerations for runners
Post op recoveryWhen can one run again after breast augmentation?What kind of weight lifting can I do right after breast augmentation?
Typically I recommend that a patient do no type of strenuous physical activity after surgery.It isnt just about avoiding usage of the pectoralis muscle as some have stated. Its also about avoiding strenuous activity that may raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding as well as avoiding situations where injury may occur when youre under the influence of pain medication.Typically I recommend no exercise for the first week to ten days and then a gradual increase in things like walking. I avoid all upper extremity exercise for at least three weeks.Usually people can begin activities like running or jogging at 6 weeks with appropriate support garments like sports bras.
Are cruches ok?
This question struck me as a little odd as most joggers dont need crutches after breast reconstruction or augmentation. I typically I do not recommend my patients use crutches after sub-pectoral implants for breast augmentation (or breast reconstruction for that matter) as one of the major muscles supporting crutch usage is the pectoralis muscle. This can lead to increased chance of bleeding, pain and delayed healing as well as long term capsular contracture.
What about sweating?
Studies show that typical surgical wounds are largely sealed from the outside world in 24-48 hours. Breast augmentation places synthetic material in your body which can be more susceptible to infection so most surgeons are more cautious. Typically most doctors will recommend you avoid getting the incisions wet (same as heavy sweating) for the first week to ten days. After that, although the incisions are still healing, most consider them immune to water. It is important to remember that this time may be extended if you have drains in place.
When Im back to running again, what other precautions should I take?
Start back slowly. Any surgery requires a period of time where your body will not be at its physical peak. The recovery time may take as long as six weeks.Definitely wear a supportive sports bra whenever possible. Without the extra support you will have a greater risk of damaging the parts of your natural tissue that suspend your breasts - this can lead to ptosis - the medical term for sagging breasts. Use a sports bra to protect your augmented breasts while jogging.
As always - as techniques and individual practices vary it is important to have a conversation with your surgeon about these issues.
Hopefully this gives you a little insight.
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Toni Andres said,
October 25, 2008 at 2:08 am
I had implants about 2 months ago and am trying to get back into jogging. I still have pain in my implant area when I jog and would like suggestions of what to do so I dont have to “hold” myself while jogging in public? I can in my own home but that might seem unusual in public. Thanks for any help.
Toni
admin said,
October 26, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Great question Toni -
As always:Disclaimer: consult your own physician about breast implants and running. The views on this page are ours at plasticologist.com. And while we are board certified plastic surgeons - this web page (or any other) is not a substitute for a one on one consultation with your plastic surgeon or physician.
Most plastic surgeons would advise if you’re still having pain to go slowly. The pain may be from several possible sources. Sometimes surgery can take longer to heal in one individual than another… this can be especially true if there is a resolving hematoma (blood) which can make some spots more painful. In addition to healing issues it is also possible that there was some small nerve image which may be troublesome for longer periods.
Of course signs like redness, discharge or fever are alarm signs that should point you to your doctor sooner.
If your plastic surgeon is not super concerned try a bit of massage in the area that is bothering you. Also, importantly, pay attention to the pain - are there activities that cause pain? And is it getting better as the weeks are going by?
Hope this helps!
Check out our good friends at
http://www.trivalleyplasticsurgery.com
Samantha said,
July 2, 2009 at 11:03 am
I have had implants for about 3 years and have always been a short distance runner (2miles or so). Recently I have started doing sprint triathlons and have noticed a “wheezing” feeling under my left breast after mile 2 or three. I thought I was wheezing in my lung but found when I pushed on the implant and moved it over toward my armpit the feeling went away. What could be causing this?
admin said,
July 3, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Thanks for the question Samantha -
There may be a small amount of fluid between the implant and the capsule around the implant and you may feel some rubbing especially with arm motion. It is likely nothing to worry about.
If it is really bothersome you can investigate having a pocket revision where the pocket can either be modified or denuded of the capsule. This may help.
Hope this helps.
http://www.trivalleyplasticsurgery.com
Andrea S said,
August 28, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I have had my implants for 9 1/2 yrs and they are starting to not look as good because they aren’t as full and perky as they were. They also have some internal scar tissue that is making the right look a little different then the left (they are under the muscle and I want the same under the muscle through the nipple). I am currently really active with training. I am training for an Ironman right now.
First question- I want to do a marathon which would be 18 weeks away from my desired surgery date. Would this be too soon to come back training hard?
Second question- I am a full time student would I be able to be back in school on Monday if the surgery is Friday?
Thanks in advance, Andrea
Andrea S said,
August 28, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Correction I would be 20 weeks away from my marathon.
admin said,
August 31, 2009 at 12:00 am
Thanks for your question -
4.5 months should be more than enough time to allow for 2 months of vigorous training.
In terms of recovery - usually revision surgery requires less recovery time. It would be impossible to know without a consultation.
I hope this helps.
Kim said,
January 2, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Hi there,
I’ve just had my implant for almost two weeks.
My dr. suggested me to start massaging the breasts after 10 days. When I do that, I could feel the edge of the implant on my left breast, On my right breast nothing can be felt. Before the surgery, my right breast was larger.
Will I continue to feel the implant or will they go away after massage? If I continue to feel it, is it something my doctor can correct?
I’m seeing my surgeon in a few days and will definitely bring up these questions to him. I just would like to get a second opions from another professional.
Thank you so much
Kim said,
January 2, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Mini Tummy Tuck
Hi, I’m considering a mini-tummy tuck. My surgoen is a member of plastic board certifcate. In your opinion, how many tummy tucks surgery should the surgeon have in order for him to qualify as an “expert” in this type of surgey? I will certainly pose this question on him, but wouldn’t know how many is enough for for to feel comfortable about his experience as I undestand tummy tuck is a one of a more serious surgey.
Thank you so much.