As an avid runner considering breast implants, it’s natural to have concerns. You may wonder if it’s safe and if you can still run freely. You may also wonder if there are special implants for athletes. All of these are valid concerns and questions before your surgery.
Running with breast implants is completely safe. With thorough healing and planning, you’ll be free to move as you please post-augmentation.
When Can I Start Running After Breast Augmentation?
Many women assume their running activities may have to change forever after a breast implant. However, doctors assure this isn’t so. In fact, a well-planned breast augmentation won’t limit you in the future at all. Although, the return to your standard running routine will happen in the following phases:
Rest and Heal Stage
You may be surprised to hear that there is no set timeframe for healing after a breast augmentation. This is because every individual is different.
Most surgeons, however, tend to recommend 2-3 weeks of complete rest immediately after surgery.
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If you have any future plans post-surgery, make sure they include this necessary down time.
This will give your incisions time to heal fully and properly.
And, it will also allow your breast implants to properly fill your breast cavity. If you begin moving too soon, you could disrupt your stitching and lengthen the time it takes to heal.
Light Activity Stage
After your 2-3 week rest period, you can now begin resuming light activities.
At this stage, walking is actually your best option. Walking can encourage mild circulation and oxygen intake while limiting bounce and impact strain.
Keep in mind that walking should be light; not aggressive power walking, and definitely not running (yet). If you do, you’ll risk tearing your newly-healed incisions. This could then increase your risk of infection or tears.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a proper sports bra on at this time, which we detail below.
Regular Activity Stage
At around the 4-6 week mark post-surgery, your doctor will likely clear you for normal activities, including running.
However, it’s still important to be mindful and take your individual body into account.
Everyone is different, so you may or may not be able to do a full run yet. It will be best to build back up to your full runs over time, to allow your body to adjust to the movement once again. This will help prevent strain or extra soreness.
You should also consult your doctor about more strenuous activities like lifting and HIIT (aka: sprints!).
Limitations to Activity After Breast Augmentation
While you may be able to start running around 4-5 weeks pot-surgery, there are still a few things to consider. Several intense exercises will need to be limited for roughly 6 weeks after your surgery. These include:
- Push ups
- Burpees
- Upper body lifts
- HIIT workouts.
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Consult your doctor at your check up about these exercises. This will give you a timeline of when you can begin (gently) incorporating them again.
Do I Have to Wear a Sports Bra with Breast Implants?
Finding the right sports bra to support your implants during your runs is a must. This support helps your implants maintain their shape and position, which can help prevent asymmetry and complications.
Most runners with breast implants prefer a supportive racerback sports bra, but also keep these tips in mind:
- Look for a full-cup bra that covers your entire breast for the best support
- Choose a wide under-band to effectively hold the weight of your breasts
- Choose the right bra size, since the wrong size can either cut off circulation or not provide enough support. You can ask your doctor for the best option for your size.
Listen to Your Body
It’s important to remember that, yes, breast implants are extremely durable… but you should also listen to your body for signs of discomfort. If you experience any discomfort during movement or running, stop, and consult your doctor.
It is common to experience soreness and even a slight fever after surgery. However, if swelling and pain get worse, don’t wait: talk to your doctor. This will keep any small complications from escalating into bigger ones.
Optimal Placement and Type of Breast Implants for Athletes
Additionally, breast implant placement and type are also very important considerations for runners. This is why you’ll want to bring up these points to your doctor during a consultation.
Size and Placement Considerations for Runners
A runner’s physique is typically thin with little fat, which is why size is extra important so that you don’t experience neck or back strain.
Plus, you also want to consider placement so that your implants don’t affect your arm’s running stride.
You may discuss with your doctor a higher profile implant, which reduces breast fullness on your sides (which will keep your arm stride unobstructed). However, your doctor will also consider what is best and most natural for your personal body type.
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As for size, remember that the larger implants are, the heavier they will be. This can affect your running by shifting your center of gravity. Shifting this center can then lead to spine and neck strain. Not to mention, it can also limit your ability to move freely.
Sub-Pectoral vs Sub-glandular Breast Implants
There are also two placement sites for breast implants: sub-pectoral and sub-glandular.
Sub-pectoral placement
In this placement, your implants are inserted beneath your chest muscles. This allows your chest muscles to cushion and support the implants, and also gives a more natural look.
Sub-glandular placement
In this placement, your implants are inserted above your chest wall muscles, but under your breast tissue. This can offer benefits for weightlifters, since your muscle can grow and move freely beneath the implant.
Typically, runners prefer sub-glandular placement for a natural look and quicker healing. Thus, resulting in a faster return to their running schedule. However, your doctor will also discuss any concerns or considerations with you regarding each placement.
Silicone vs Saline Implants
And finally, because runners’ physiques are usually very thin, silicone implants are often preferred. Silicone implants are softer and tend to have a more natural look than saline. Plus, silicone implants are also more “cushioned” than saline, which is ideal for a thin figure.
Conversely, saline implants tend to be a bit firmer and rounder. This is because they are filled with a saltwater solution, rather than silicone gel.
Both types have their unique differences. During your consultation, your doctor will take your individual body into account. From here, they will decide what type of implant will look and feel best for your needs.
Hit The Road with High Spirits
Runners have a small percentage of body fat, which can lead to a great figure, along with incredible health benefits and self-worth. However, as breasts are made of fat, a slim figure often results in less full breasts. Thus, many female runners opt to get breast implants, so their physical appearance matches how healthy and vibrant they feel inside.
Regardless of how popular this procedure is, many women still have concerns that breast implants may permanently affect their ability to run. But, there’s no need to worry! With careful planning of the correct type, size, and placement of your implants, you can continue your passion for running unabated. So, get out there and find a doctor you trust and start planning your recovery and training schedule.
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