Breast Augmentation for Athletes: Enhancing Your Physique While Maintaining Performance

Athletes who compete in bodybuilding, figure, or fitness competitions often seek breast augmentation to achieve a more balanced, feminine aesthetic that complements their sculpted physique. However, these patients face unique considerations—particularly regarding breast implant placement and the potential for an unnatural appearance during muscle contractions known as animation X Trusted Source An overview of animation deformity in prosthetic breast reconstruction Gland Surgery Go to Source deformity . At 740 Park Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stafford Broumand’s approach to breast augmentation for athletes is carefully tailored to maintain aesthetics and performance.

Why Subpectoral Placement is Preferred

While initial concerns often focus on whether subpectoral (beneath the chest muscle) implants might distort during muscle flexing, modern techniques have greatly reduced this risk. In fact, subpectoral placement is X Trusted Source Breast Augmentation in Athletic Women: A Retrospective Survey Assessing Pectoral Muscle Function and Implant Aesthetics Post-Augmentation Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Go to Source generally preferred for athletic patients with low body fat and well-defined musculature. Implants placed above the muscle in such individuals can appear overly pronounced and artificial—an effect that is noticeable even when the muscles are at rest.

Subpectoral placement, on the other hand, provides a more natural contour and avoids the obvious “implanted” look that can occur with pre-pectoral (submammary) positioning in lean patients. However, achieving this natural appearance requires expert precision and an understanding of individualized anatomy.

Meticulous Technique Matters

The key to successful subpectoral augmentation lies in carefully releasing the inferior and part of the medial origin of the pectoralis major muscle. This method—known as dual-plane placement—combines the benefits of both subpectoral and submammary techniques by allowing the implant to rest partially beneath the muscle and partially beneath the breast X Trusted Source Dual plane breast augmentation: optimizing implant-soft-tissue relationships in a wide range of breast types Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Go to Source tissue . This allows the implant to sit in the ideal vertical position and reduces the risk of animation deformity—the visible shifting or distortion of the implant during muscle contraction.

Importantly, “subpectoral” refers to partial coverage by the chest muscle. After the muscle release, the upper portion of the implant is protected by the pectoralis while the lower half rests in a submammary plane. This dual-plane placement creates a natural-looking lower breast slope that is aesthetically pleasing and competition-ready.

In select cases, especially for patients with extremely low body fat, fat grafting may also be used to subtly camouflage the edges of the implants. This technique can enhance softness, minimize visible rippling, and provide a more seamless, natural look—without compromising definition or muscle visibility.

Maintaining Strength and Function

Athletes often worry that breast augmentation could affect their performance. However, when the procedure is done with careful attention to anatomy and technique, there is no evidence that it impairs strength, function, or range of motion. While many patients return to training and competition without long-term limitations, data suggest a longer recovery period may be necessary for those with implants placed under the muscle before resuming preoperative weight training X Trusted Source Effects of breast augmentation on pectoralis major muscle function in the athletic woman Aesthetic Surgery Journal Go to Source intensity . Enhanced symmetry and confidence are often added benefits once recovery is complete.

For athletes considering breast augmentation, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience working with high-performance individuals. Viewing before-and-after photos of similarly active patients can help ensure the results align with your goals—both on and off the stage.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation for Athletes

If you’re an athlete considering breast augmentation, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stafford Broumand at 740 Park Plastic Surgery. During this visit, you’ll be able to explore personalized options that enhance your physique while preserving performance.

Sources

¹ Gland Surgery. An overview of animation deformity in prosthetic breast reconstruction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6378247/. Accessed April 10, 2025.
² Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Breast Augmentation in Athletic Women: A Retrospective Survey Assessing Pectoral Muscle Function and Implant Aesthetics Post-Augmentation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35075503/. Accessed April 15, 2025.
³ Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Dual plane breast augmentation: optimizing implant-soft-tissue relationships in a wide range of breast types. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17099485/. Accessed April 10, 2025.
⁴ Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. Fat Grafting and Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review of Primary Composite Augmentation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6952123/. Accessed April 10, 2025.
⁵ Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Effects of breast augmentation on pectoralis major muscle function in the athletic woman. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19336160/. Accessed April 15, 2025.