Breast Augmentation Post Op Considerations for Runners

Many women want to increase the size of their breasts and each have their own reasons why. General aging and gravity, sagging and deflation after pregnancy and nursing, and fluctuations in weight can all lead to a woman once confident in her breasts to feel suddenly less than enthusiastic about them. Some women are simply born with breast they feel have always been too small in proportion with the rest of their body. Then, there are runners who may have not had the right kind and amount of support necessary for their breasts and that coupled with weight loss from training can also lead to sagging and deflated breasts.

There is not a lot of information available to woman runners who desire breast implants and yet, this is a very special situation. There is more to consider in a runner’s augmentation than would need to be considered in a non-runner’s augmentation. For example, breast implants, if too large, could hinder or restrict the arm movement so necessary in good running form. Also, if the implants are too large, you may begin to experience some of the adverse effects which lead women born with overly large breast to go under the knife for breast reduction surgery. These can include back, neck and shoulder pain brought on by the excess weight on the chest. All of which could slow your running down.

Another thing to consider is over the muscle vs. under the muscle placement of the implants. Under the muscle implants may reduce the strength and effectiveness of that muscle and will also take longer to heal which could take time away from your training. This may all seem like negatives against female runners getting breast augmentation, but is actually quite on the contrary. Female runners CAN get breast implants AND stay excellent runners. There are just some things you need to consider in order to get the best results possible for you as a woman and as an athlete.

After the breast augmentation procedure it is highly recommended that patients do not run, jog or involve themselves in any rigorous exercises for four weeks. Walking at a leisurely pace is okay. In the third week you may be able to incorporate some stationary biking, without the movement of the arms. You may also begin to work muscles that do not effect the chest such as the thighs, hamstrings, calves, etc. You do not want to work up too much of a sweat until your wounds have healed and your bandages have been removed in order to prevent infection. Consult your plastic surgeon if you have any questions about what you can or cannot do during recovery.

After the four weeks, once your plastic surgeon has cleared you to resume more rigorous activity, you may begin training again. Keep in mind that you will want to start out slowly and ease your way back up to the level you were previously at. It will take time and patience. You will need to invest in some supportive sports bras to protect your implants and keep them from prematurely drooping. Dr. Diane Bowen recommends the Enell Sports Bra for supreme support. Another option may be the D Max Sport by Shock Absorber.