Implants & weight lifting

implant and weightlifting

I am assuming that the implant was part of reconstruction. WAs it after expanders or immediate reconstruction.  I recently had implants in both breasts right after mastectomy and they used the pectoral muscle and tissue matrix to create a pocket for the implants.  Was told by my surgeion not to use my pectoral muscles for 6 monhs and that it would be a long time before I could do any heavy lifting. 

Not sure if this answers your question, but yes I think it is an expected side effect.

Weightlifting

Hi Carrie,

I do weightlifting and I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders and reconstruction with silicone implants.  Initially my chest area was very tight and I developed 2 frozen shoulders.  Weight lifting was difficult during this time.  Now that I have that issue mostly resolved (thanks to a wonderful physical therapist) I lift weights again.  I don't do anything super heavy though as I notice a tightening of the area when I do (and some discomfort).  For my chest muscles I now do mostly isometric exercises and light weights.  I still do the same weights for my arms, shoulders, and back, though.  For my back I try to do more than I used to as I have found that it helps me keep my shoulders pulled back and I was told will help prevent my frozen shoulders from recurring.  I never did anything really heavy (15 pound weights for shoulder presses, 10 pounds for biceps, tricep dips and 70 pounds for lat pulls) before, I just liked to keep toned and fit.

For what it is worth, my plastic surgeon told me that I had no restrictions on exercise (including weighs) after just a few weeks following my reconstructive surgery.

I hope this helps. 

Best,

Clementine