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This blog has been authored by “Dr. Joe” Gryskiewicz MD, FACS.

About Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz:

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing aesthetic surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The Rhinoplasty Society, and many other national institutions.

In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Joe is a writer and international speaker. He has traveled the world delivering over five hundred presentations to professional organizations on plastic surgery topics such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, hot topics, and ethics. He writes for a number of medical journals, society newsletters, and academic publications.

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Breast Augmentation for Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts

March 21, 2025

Breast Augmentation Strategies for the Lean Body

Breast augmentation has become increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to enhance their physique. However, many active women have concerns about the impact of breast implants on their training routine and athletic performance. As a Minneapolis plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, I want to address these concerns and highlight the advantages of above-muscle implant placement for athletic gym goers. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can achieve your desired look with breast augmentation without compromising your fitness goals.

The Benefits of Above-Muscle Implant Placement for Fitness Enthusiasts and Athletes

When considering breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions is whether to place the implants above or below the pectoral muscle. For women who regularly engage in intense workouts, above-muscle implant placement offers several key benefits:

Preserves pectoral muscle function and strength: By placing the implants above the muscle, we avoid disrupting the pectoral muscle fibers and attachments. This allows you to maintain your chest muscle strength and function, which is crucial for weightlifting and other upper body exercises.
Faster recovery and return to the gym: Above-muscle placement typically involves less tissue trauma and post-operative discomfort compared to under-muscle placement. This means you can expect a quicker recovery and a faster return to your normal training routine. Patients are able to resume walking the day after breast surgery and normal activity. They can resume all exercise and heavy lifting at three-weeks.
Less discomfort when using chest muscles: With the implants situated above the muscle,you’ll experience less discomfort and tightness when flexing your pecs during workouts. This can make exercises like push-ups, bench presses, and chest flys feel more natural and comfortable.
More natural look and movement: In lean, muscular women with low body fat, above-muscle implants often provide a more natural look and movement. The implants are less likely to shift or become distorted when the pectoral muscles are flexed, resulting in a smoother, more seamless appearance.

Choosing the Right Implant Size for Your Fitness Goals

When selecting implant size, it’s important to consider your specific fitness goals and the demands of your active lifestyle. While some women may desire a more dramatic transformation, I typically recommend regular, moderate-size implants for gym enthusiasts without adding excess weight or bulk that could interfere with your training. The goal is to choose an implant size that is proportional to your frame and complements your athletic physique.

Ideal Implant Size Range for Highly Active Women

For most physically active women, I recommend considering implant sizes in the range of 300cc to 400cc. This range tends to provide a noticeable boost in breast volume without adding excessive weight or bulk that could interfere with training or cause discomfort during high-impact exercises.

300cc to 350cc: Implants in this size range are often a good choice for women with a smaller frame or those who desire a subtle enhancement that complements their athletic physique. This size can provide a natural-looking increase in breast fullness without dramatically changing your proportions or adding significant weight.
350cc to 400cc: For women with a larger frame or more existing breast tissue, implants in this size range can offer a more substantial enhancement while still maintaining a balanced, proportional look. This size can give you a fuller, more feminine silhouette without compromising your ability to perform in the gym.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Implant Size

When selecting your implant size, it’s essential to consider several key factors beyond just the cc volume:

Your chest width and diameter: Your chest measurements play a significant role in determining the appropriate implant size. A wider chest can accommodate a larger implant without appearing disproportionate, while a narrower chest may be better suited to a smaller size for a natural look.
Your existing breast tissue: The amount of natural breast tissue you have will impact how much additional volume is needed to achieve your desired look. Women with more existing tissue may require a smaller implant size to reach their goals compared to those with less tissue.
Your body composition and weight: Your overall body composition, including your height, weight, and muscle mass, should be taken into account when choosing an implant size. A size that looks proportional and natural on one woman may appear overwhelming or undersized on another with different body characteristics.
Your specific fitness goals and activities: Consider the types of workouts and sports you regularly engage in. If you participate in high-impact activities or have specific fitness goals, like competing in bodybuilding or powerlifting, you may want to opt for a smaller implant size to minimize interference with your training.

The Importance of a Personalized Consultation

Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal implant size for your active lifestyle is through a personalized consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your individual anatomy, listen to your goals and concerns, and provide expert guidance on the implant size and type that will best suit your needs.

Your surgeon may also use visual aids, such as before-and-after photos of patients with similar body types and implant sizes, to help you visualize your potential results. Some surgeons offer 3D imaging technology that can provide a simulated preview of how different implant sizes may look on your frame.

Combining Breast Augmentation with a Dedicated Fitness Regimen

Breast augmentation can beautifully complement the sculpted, toned physique you’ve worked hard to achieve through your dedication to fitness. By combining your surgical procedures with a consistent training regimen, you can enhance your overall figure and feel more confident in and out of the gym.

After your surgery, it’s important to follow your post-operative instructions and gradually ease back into your workout routine. In the initial weeks, focus on light cardio and lower body exercises while avoiding any direct chest exercises or heavy lifting. As your body heals, you can progressively reintroduce upper body exercises and increase the intensity of your workouts.

To maintain your results long-term, invest in supportive sports bras that provide adequate compression and stability during high-impact activities. Proper breast support will help minimize discomfort and prevent excessive implant movement, ensuring your breasts look and feel their best.

In addition to your fitness regimen, maintain a balanced diet to support your recovery and maintain your results. Adequate protein intake will aid in tissue healing, while staying hydrated and watching your sodium intake can help minimize swelling and fluid retention.

FAQs about Breast Augmentation for Gym Enthusiasts

How soon after surgery can I resume working out?

Most patients can resume light cardio, such as walking or stationary cycling, within 3-weeks after surgery. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any exercises that cause discomfort or strain in your chest area. Resistance training and weightlifting should be gradually reintroduced around 3-weeks post-op, starting with light weights and increasing as tolerated.

Will I need to wear a special bra after getting breast implants?

In the initial weeks after your breast augmentation, your surgeon will likely recommend wearing a soft, supportive surgical bra to help minimize swelling and provide gentle compression. As your breasts heal and settle, you can transition to a regular, non-underwire bra that offers adequate support and comfort. It’s important to avoid underwire bras for at least 6-8 weeks post-op, as the wire can irritate your incisions and cause discomfort. When you resume your workout routine, invest in high-quality sports bras that provide excellent support and coverage to protect your implants and maintain your results.

Can I still do chest-targeting exercises like push-ups and bench presses after getting implants?

Yes, you can still perform chest-targeting exercises after getting breast implants, but it’s crucial to give your body adequate time to heal before diving back into your regular routine. I usually recommend waiting 3-weeks before gradually reintroducing chest exercises, starting with light weights and low resistance. As your strength and comfort level improve, you can progressively increase the intensity of your workouts. If you experience any pain or discomfort during certain exercises, listen to your body and modify your technique or choose alternative exercises that don’t put excessive strain on your chest muscles.

Will my breast implants affect my posture or cause back pain when I’m working out?

Properly sized and placed breast implants should not significantly affect your posture or cause back pain during workouts. However, if you choose implants that are too large for your frame or have pre-existing postural issues, you may be more likely to experience discomfort or strain in your back and shoulders. This is why it’s essential to select an implant size that is proportional to your body and aligned with your fitness goals. If you do experience persistent back pain or postural changes after your breast augmentation, consider working with a physical therapist or personal trainer to develop a targeted strengthening and stretching program to address any imbalances.

How can I minimize scarring after my breast augmentation?

To minimize scarring after your breast augmentation, closely follow the post-operative care instructions. This may include keeping your incisions clean and dry, applying topical medications as directed, and avoiding direct sun exposure to your scars. Once your incisions have fully healed, we can talk about using silicone sheets, gels, or creams to help fade and flatten your scars. Incorporating scar massage techniques and using sunscreen on your scars can also help improve their appearance over time. Keep in mind that the extent and visibility of scarring can vary depending on factors like your skin type, genetics, and adherence to post-op care, but most scars will fade significantly within the first year after surgery.

Will I need to modify my chest exercises after getting implants?

In the initial months after surgery, it’s advisable to modify your chest exercises to avoid putting excessive strain on your healing breast tissues. Focus on exercises that don’t directly target the pectorals, such as cable flys or incline dumbbell presses. As your body heals, you can gradually reintroduce traditional chest exercises like push-ups and bench presses.

What type of sports bra should I wear after getting breast implants?

Look for sports bras that offer high support, full coverage, and adjustable straps to accommodate your new breast size. Brands like Athleta, Lululemon, and Under Armour offer a range of high-impact sports bras suitable for various cup sizes. It’s also a good idea to get fitted for new sports bras once your implants have settled, around 3-6 months post-op.

How can I maintain my results while continuing to train hard in the gym?

To maintain your breast augmentation results, it’s important to wear supportive sports bras during workouts, stay hydrated, and maintain a stable weight. Excessive weight fluctuations can cause changes in breast size and shape over time. If you’re training for a bodybuilding competition or preparing for a significant weight cut, schedule a consultation to ensure your breast implants will still meet your expectations.

Breast augmentation with above-muscle implant placement and regular-size implants can provide beautiful, natural-looking enhancement for active women who want to feel more confident in their physique. By customizing your procedure to your lifestyle and fitness goals, you can enjoy your results without compromising your gains in the gym.

With proper post-operative care and a gradual return to your workout routine, you can maintain your breast augmentation results while continuing to pursue your fitness passion. Whether you’re a hardcore CrossFitter, a dedicated bodybuilder, or a weekend warrior, breast augmentation can help you feel more confident and empowered in your own skin.

If you’re a gym enthusiast considering breast augmentation, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me to discuss your options and learn more about how the procedure can be tailored to your active lifestyle. Together, we can create a personalized plan to help you achieve the look you desire while maximizing your athletic potential.