Too boob, or not to boob...

Let's talk about BOOBS!  Seriously.  It's a hot topic in the fitness community. I GUARANTEE you that if you get 10 female competitors in a room within 2 minutes the topic of breast implants will come up.  I get asked A LOT of questions about implants, so I figured I might as well address the common questions all at once. Here we go...

DO IMPLANTS AFFECT YOUR PLACING?
Honestly, it depends on a few different things.  In figure and bikini, judges still want you to look stereotypically feminine.  If you've leaned out to the point of losing all the soft curves that typically define your outward appearance as a "woman" (i.e. hips, butt, breasts, become straight in the waist) than yes, breast implants would work well to your advantage to soften up your look.  However, if you retain more of a curvy hour-glass shape (wider hips, round glutes, tapered waist) you still have a feminine shape and implants wouldn't matter as much.

SHOULD I GO UNDER OR OVER THE MUSCLE?
That is completely a personal choice.  Going under the muscle provides a much softer and natural look when you're lean, though the pain and recovery time is significantly increased than should you opt to go over the muscle.  So weigh your options, softer more natural look with increased pain and longer recovery?  Less pain, quicker recovery, less natural look.  I feel it important to note that whether you go under or over the muscle will not affect your readings on mammograms.  Your doctor will still be able to take clear and accurate mammograms if you have implants once you reach that age, regardless of implant placement.

HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I CAN WORK OUT AGAIN?
There is no set time for this, it is purely on a case by case basis that will be discussed with your doctor.  The healthier your body is before your surgery and during your recovery, the quicker you'll be back in the gym.  In the weeks before your surgery, load up on vitamin enriched fruits and veggies, keep your water intake high, keep your cardio up so that your heart is nice and healthy and most importantly your circulation is increased. Your nutrition is just as important after your surgery so that your tissues are getting the proper fuel they need to recover and repair. 

Other factors that affect recover are the size of the implant, the placement of the implant (under or over the muscle), your body's natural ability to recover, how prone you are to swelling and bruising, and your own natural pain tolerance.

For me personally, I was cleared to resume cardio and light weights after one week.  I wasn't comfortable moving my arms a whole lot after the first week so I did cardio on a stationary bike, and then gradually resumed my weight training program the following week. My doctor (the FABULOUS Dr. Alexander of Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in La Jolla, CA) has worked on several gals in the fitness world and informed me that we tend to have a SIGNIFICANTLY less recovery period than average girls since generally speaking our nutrition and overall health is more optimal.

WHERE SHOULD MY INCISION GO?
The incision site does not affect your recovery time.  The implant can be placed through an incision in the armpit, under the breast fold, or through an incision around the nipple.  In the event that the implants need to be removed, replaced, or upgraded, a nipple incision is the only one that can be re-opened.  Opting for one of the other locations would result in having more than one scar.

WHAT SIZE SHOULD I GET?
That is completely up to you and you alone!  DO NOT let other people, including your doctor, into choosing a size that you don't want!  Many doctors will try and talk you into going for a bigger size than you want because it is quite common for girls to wish they would have gone bigger after their surgery.  Chose a size that you will be comfortable with.

SILICONE?  SALINE?  HOW DO I CHOSE?
There are 3 factors that affect this: 1) safety, 2) feel, 3) price.   In the event that something happens to your implants, saline can be safely absorbed by the body.  However silicone can be poisonous to some people.  It is unlikely that your implant will rupture, but there is still some risk.  Silicone (especially the new cohesive gels) have a more realistic look and feel to them over saline implants.  And lastly, silicone implants are more expensive than saline.

So there is a handful (pun intended) of information for the fit gal looking for breast implants.  If you have any further questions, feel free to post them in the comments and I'll do my best to address them.  If you don't feel comfortable asking them in an open forum, you can email me at robinromerofitgirl@yahoo.com.