Will subglandular implants affect my ability to participate in bench pressing/strengthening my pectoralis muscles? (photos)

Hi. There is no perfect way to do breast augmentation - if there were, we would all do it just that way. Most surgeons choose to place breast implants under the muscle as the result looks more natural, there is reduced risk of our #1 complication, capsular contracture, and it makes for easier mammography. Subglandular augmentation, especially in thin patients, often results in unsightly, hard breasts. Many of my patients here on the west coast are workout fanatics. They do well with submuscular implants provided they're professionally fitted with workout bras in specialty stores, and not the mass market chains where so many women buy their bras. Good luck!

Heavy lifting pectoral exercises should be safe with implants in either position. Although there is a slight advantage to going above the muscle in regards to exercise, keep in mind that you will have scarce tissue coverage in this location, and this will compromise the aesthetic result.

Based on your photos, I would high recommend a dual plane pocket through the inframmary crease into the subpectoral pocket. I do not believe you would be happy with a purely subfascial augmentation especially considering you have some chest wall contour shape diferences.

The only way you can continue to excersise at the level you are doing now would be if implants are placed on top of the muscle. In person like you, with minimal amount of breast tisse to cover the implant, contours of the implant may be more visible. This is an issue that is best to discuss with your prospective surgeon in details. Good luck.

Hello! Great question!
If you would like breast augmentation you should be a great candidate - you will need to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your medical history. We place implants in 3 possible planes: 1. under the breast (subglandular); under the fascia investing the muscle (subfascial); or under the pectoralis major muscle (subpectoral/submuscular). There are pros and cons to any of these options. Subglandular would definitely provide a straightforward approach - you would have to hold off on upper body workout for about 4 weeks. We see lots of women who love the gym undergo augmentation!
Best of luck to you!

Dear Affectionate804281,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

As long as the augmentation has been performed with the implant placed above the pectorals muscle (either sublglandular or subfascial), your ability to exercise should be minimally affected, if at all. Your middle photo suggests there may be some asymmetry (more the rule than the exception) so please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who can advise you on implant types, size and placement. Best of luck to you.

Yes, subglandular implants would be safe In you. In this procedure there is no dissection of the muscle underneath the breast gland. In fact, in most patients, implants placed under the muscle are also safe in patients who are active and lift weights. The concern here would only be that repetitive and strong muscle contractions of the chest muscles could lead to displacement of the implant. With the subglandular technique the muscle is not disrupted. With the exception of 4-6 weeks of healing, your surgeon is likely to lead to return to full muscle training activities without restriction

You should be fine to have the implants placed beneath the muscle. Once you have fully healed from surgery and have the clearance from your surgeon you should be able to return gradually to your current activity level. There are a few benefits to under the muscle placement including lower incidence of capsular contracture, more natural look, and the benefit of the upper portion of the implant being disguised by the muscle.

Hi and thank you for your question. This is a very common concern. Patients who like strength training and want breast implants are not limited to only the subglandular plane, but there are definite advantages and disadvantages to where they are placed. No matter where the implants are placed, you won't have to give up bench press etc. The biggest difference is that in the submuscular position, there can be an animation deformity where the implants move significantly with flexing your chest. Most surgeons will require 6+ weeks of recovery before returning to upper body resistance training.
Subglandular (over the muscle): Pros: (Can be) a less painful recovery, less movement with flexing (animation deformity)Cons: can have a more augmented/round/unnatural appearance in fit patients with little fat/breast tissue, higher risk of scar tissue changing the appearance of the breast or even causing pain (capsular contracture)
Submuscular (under the muscle):Pros: more natural appearance and less risk of capsular contractureCons: animation deformity
Subfascial (under the fascial layer of the muscle, but over the muscle):Pros: In the right patient, can offer some of the benefits of sub muscular placement without the animation deformityCons: more difficult operation and not offered by all surgeons, can still look less natural in fit patients
Hope this helps!