18 Sep 7 Things You Can (Still) Do with Breast Implants
Breast augmentation surgery is the enhancement of breasts via the placement of breast implants. For many years, breast augmentation was the most popular surgery in the country (it was recently overtaken by liposuction, which is also offered at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center). Many people interested in breast implants have concerns over what they can and can’t do post-surgery. While everyone is different, here are a few of the things most people can still do with breast implants—and why:
1. Breastfeed. If you’ve heard that you can’t breastfeed with implants, that (usually) isn’t correct. Ideally, breast implants are not going to affect your ability to breastfeed, especially if you have a reputable surgeon. There is a very slim chance that milk ducts can be affected with any breast surgery, which should serve as a reminder of why it’s so important to work only with a reputable surgeon. Millions of women have undergone breast augmentation surgery and go on to successfully breastfeed.
2. Run. This will depend somewhat on the size of the implants, the placement, and your unique anatomy. However, many women run and do other intensive cardio activities with breast implants. It is critical, though, to follow your surgeon’s directions on when and how to return to exercise post-surgery. If you’re an avid runner, expect a few weeks of recovery before you can return to this level of activity. The good news is that most patients get the go-ahead to return to less intensive exercise just a few weeks after surgery, such as weight lifting and walking.
3. Sleeping on your stomach. This is a bit up to the individual, but it is not “dangerous” to sleep on your stomach once your surgery has healed. For the first few weeks after surgery, it is highly recommended that you sleep boosted up at an incline. You will also be wearing a special compression bra during this time. Some people find it uncomfortable to sleep on their stomachs with breast implants, while others think it feels just fine. This is a personal decision, but one that is doctor-approved after proper healing.
4. Get pregnant. This somewhat aligns with the breastfeeding question, but many patients ask if it’s “okay” to get pregnant with breast implants and the answer is absolutely yes. However, keep in mind that breast implants are an inserted device and that your natural breast tissue can still change, grow, and stretch over time. Some women find that they want a lift or to change the size of their breast implants after a future pregnancy. There is no telling how this might affect individual patients, but it is perfectly safe to have breast implants and get pregnant. You don’t need to wait until after you’ve finished having biological children to get breast augmentation surgery.
5. Wear tight-fitting clothes or a sports bra. It might feel strange the first time you put on a tight-fitting garment that isn’t your surgical compression bra after surgery, but this should be a fun moment. Many studies have been done that show that all types of breast implants are quite resilient. In fact, one surgeon went viral when he dropped silicone implants off of multi-level storied buildings and they did not break at all. Don’t worry that tight clothes or sports bras will “damage” your implants once you have the go-ahead from your doctor to wear what you’d like.
6. Nipple piercings. This isn’t a very common question, but some patients either have nipple piercings that will need to be removed for surgery or are interested in getting piercings to further highlight their new attributes. Body piercings are very superficial, and they will not affect breast implants at all. If you are thinking of getting a piercing and don’t have one yet, it’s best to wait until after surgery and healing. Piercings anywhere on the body must be removed for general anesthesia, and you don’t want holes closing up while you recover.
7. Wearing underwire bras. You can certainly still wear underwire bras after breast implants, but many people find they don’t need to. One of the big benefits of breast augmentation is that breasts are perky and sit higher naturally.
Do you have any other questions about breast augmentation limitations—or lack thereof? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center by calling the office or completing the online contact form now.