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Which Breast Implants Are Best for Bodybuilders?

Posted On: December 01, 2022 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Breast topics

3 Minute Read: 

Women with all lifestyles and fitness routines desire breast augmentation to enhance the fullness of their chests. This is as true for bodybuilders and women involved in the fitness industry as it is for any other industry. 

Collection of female bodybuilders.

We commonly see bodybuilders in our Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice and are well attuned to helping these women attain breast enhancements, reconstructions, or revisions. These women often experience significant breast tissue and volume loss due to their rigid workout schedules and associated weight loss. Because of the loss of both glandular and fatty tissue, bodybuilders and women who participate in bikini fitness competitions commonly seek breast augmentation.

Are Breast Implants Safe for Bodybuilders?

Many female bodybuilders want fuller breasts but are concerned that the enhancements will interfere with their lifestyles. They wonder if lifting will have an impact on the implants, or if the pressure could pop their implants.  

It is true that there are limitations; however, most women can work around these.

We usually do not allow our patients to work out the pectoralis major or minor muscle, as this movement tends to lead to increased malposition of the implants, usually moving laterally (off to the sides). This type of exercise can lead to increased risk of tearing the capsule, leading to scar tissue contracture (hardening and disfigurement of the breast). 

Besides that, implants are very safe for bodybuilders and those involved with the fitness industry.

What Are the Best Filling Materials for Bodybuilders?

Female bodybuilders can choose from most saline and silicone implants. Both of these options are safe and reliable.

What Is the Best Implant Placement for Bodybuilders?

Implants are placed above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the pectoral muscle. While most women choose the submuscular placement, this may not be right for bodybuilders. 

For the truest of bodybuilders who make a professional living doing extreme bodybuilding, their silicone or saline implants should be placed above the muscles and the subglandular pocket. This placement allows them to continue to animate in these workouts of the pectoralis major muscle.

However, for the majority of our patients who are amateur National Physique Committee (NPC) or bikini models, we recommend using the submuscular placement with smooth saline or silicone implants.

We often employ the periareolar incision, which is made beneath the areola.   

What Is the Best Implant Shape for Bodybuilders?

For female bodybuilders, we always use round implants. Due to the significant rotation that can occur with that type of repetitive movement, shaped implants (either teardrop or side-based implants) would undoubtedly result in future rotational deformities.

When Can Bodybuilders Return to Their Normal Workouts?

These women maintain rigorous training regimens; therefore, we understand that it can be challenging to hit the pause button on this.  

That being said, we instruct our patients to avoid significant workouts for a minimum of sex weeks after their augmentation. This recovery period will help prevent scar tissue formation, tearing of the capsule, capsular contracture, bleeding, hematomas, or seroma formation. 

What if a Revision Is Needed?

In general, reconstruction and revision of patient’s breasts who are hardcore bikini, fitness and body builders often requires open capsulectomy and repositioning of the implants towards the midline.

Once again, patients are instructed to avoid direct chest exercises, such as bench presses, which can cause additional scar tissue, capsule tearing, seroma formation, rupture, and malposition of the implant.

Interested in Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA?

Regardless of whether you are a bodybuilder, if you are interested in breast augmentation in the Beverly Hills area, contact Dr. Stuart Linder by calling (310) 275-4513.